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Thursday, August 8, 2019

Question:

1. Is NM cable allowed to pass through a hole in drywall (without a box) and terminate directly to a disposer? 2. Is NM cable required to be protected under a sink? Keep up the good work. This is one of the few sources that is solidly grounded. 

Elijah J
A

Answer:

Hey Elijah thanks for your questions and the kind words. NM cable installed through a hole in drywall is not specifically covered in the NEC but it is commonly pulled through holes in wood framing members. NM cable is allowed to be installed in both exposed and concealed locations as stated in 334.10(A)(1). It has to follow the building surface and be protected from physical damage - where necessary as stated in 334.15(A) &(B). The AHJ will need to determine if that is the case under a sink where storage is likely. There are a lot of installations that are exactly as you describe in existence so it seems that many AHJ's consider it to be acceptable.

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