Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: sd4524, Location: Southern California
Asked on: Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 11:11 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:35 am EDT
Question: I'm working on a residential remodel. None of the drywall has been removed by general contractor. I had to install a 5 gang metal box with mudring. I cut a hole in drywall 14.5 wide and about 3" above box and 3" below box. I used romex connectors all on top of box and didn't staple any of the wiring because i only cut enough drywall to get the job done.Inspector failed the job because i didn't staple. I think 334.30 (B) 1 should apply here. There are at least 8 cut in style boxes in the room being remodeled and none of those wires are stapled. I guess the inspector was giving other trades a hard time about dumb stuff too.Where do the inspectors on this forum draw the line? I have never been called on this before
NEC 334.30(B) states that "Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion and physical damage by bushings, grommets, insulating tubing, tape, or other approved means."NEC 334.30(C) states that "Conductors entering a cabinet, box, or fitting shall be secured to prevent physical damage to the conductor insulation and provide strain relief for the conductor connections inside the enclosure."Inspector's Perspective
Inspectors typically interpret
NEC 334.30 to require that all wires entering a box be secured, whether the box is cut-in or surface-mounted, and regardless of whether the drywall has been removed. This is because unsecured wires can become loose and damaged, creating a potential electrical hazard.In your case, the inspector may have been concerned that the wires entering the 5-gang box were not adequately secured and could become damaged during future drywall installation or maintenance.
Your Argument
You could argue that
NEC 334.30(B) is not applicable because the wires are protected from abrasion by the mudring and the box itself. However, NEC 334.30(C) still requires that the wires be secured to prevent strain relief.
Compromise
To address the inspector's concerns, you could offer to staple the wires to the studs or joists outside the box, where they would be protected from damage during drywall installation. This would provide strain relief and meet the requirements of
NEC 334.30.
Conclusion:
While it is understandable that you have not been called on this before, the inspector's interpretation of the NEC is technically correct. It is best practice to always secure wires entering boxes, even cut-in boxes, to ensure code compliance and prevent potential electrical hazards. Flag for review