?
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Question:
Good morning, I was doing some recent reading on running conduit (EMT) thru wood framing. My question relates to the practice of notching the studs and running the conduit horizontal to the framing and only protecting it at each framing member. Wouldn’t this be considered a violation since the raceway doesn’t maintain 1 1/4 back from the face of the framing. Wouldn’t the raceway/ conduit have to be protected the entire length of the run with a 1/16 inch steel plate if it wasn’t maintaining the setback?
- Tim P
A
Answer:
Hey Tim thanks for your question. Notching wood framing members is allowed if it doesn't cause structural problems as stated in 300.4(A)(2). Building Codes have limits for how much can be notched. Cables and raceways must be protected by 1/16 inch steel plates - at those points, is also stated in 300.4(A)(2). So, the wiring method does not need to have protection against physical damage along the entire length. Additionally, steel plates are not required for EMT and some conduits as stated in 300.4(A)(2) Exception 1.