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Monday, August 15, 2022

Question:

Good morning and thank you for your help, insight, and setting us straight when we can't do it ourselves when wrestling with the NEC. Okay, installation of NM-B cable based on the face value of the NEC and not taking into account any local codes or the AHJ. I'm dealing with an attached finished residential garage. The existing 15amp NM-B cable is routed from the panelboard (basement) and fished in the garage wall cavity, through the flush mounted garage light switch, and then exits the wall right at ceiling height in the corner of the garage, and then stapled on the exposed surface of the garage ceiling (finished drywall) and routed at an angle to a surface mounted light (box has cable clamps installed) located in the center of the garage. I can't find anything in the code that would prohibit this installation. If this installation were done today (2020 NEC) would this be permitted?

Thanks in advance! Your input is greatly appreciated.

Gregg

A

Answer:

Hello Gregg,

The specific installation you described in your question is not addressed directly in the NEC, however, there are a few things we do know for sure: Exposed Work as it pertains to Cables is covered by Section 334.15 of the 2020 NEC. Section 334.15(A) of the 2020 NEC states Cable shall be installed to closely follow the surface of the building finish or of running boards. Section 334.15(B) requires cable to be protected from physical damage where necessary and then lists several methods to accomplish said protection. It is always recommended that the AHJ be involved when subjective matters such as physical protection are involved.

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