Well, just a small piece of progress on my shop, the subpanel is installed and active. After the builders got the structure up 6 weeks ahead of time, the electricians (due to a number of reasons) wound up being 3 weeks late. Such is life, I guess. Anyway, I'm starting to do the wiring. At first I'm only doing what I need to get things going, but I have a question: The outlets are all 52" above the floor, and I'm running the wire laterally across the walls (through the studs). The wires will all be just inches below the boxes. Here's my question: is this allowed by code, or are the wires supposed to be run vertically up/down the stud cavities (sheesh, hope that makes sense)? It won't make a difference to me, I'll continue with the lateral runs since going vertically would double the wire and triple the effort, but I am curious of the opinions on it.

I'm not an expert, but I think you're OK, but there might be local codes.   You do need to add a protective plate so that any future attempt to nail or screw something into the stud does not run into your wires.

 

Edited November 3, 20169 yr by kmealy

Perfectly OK around here! And the metal plates are required if the wire is less than 1 1/2" (if I remember correctly) from the face of the 2x4. YMMV.

John

Edited November 3, 20169 yr by HARO50

I think the number is < 1.25". but probably a good idea anyway.

Don't think it makes a difference, Fred. As long as the wire is 1 1/2" from either face of the stud on the vertical run.  If the studs are nominal 2X6, holes in the middle are ok. For interior walls, if 2X4, plates are needed. Code may not require plates but, I erred on the safe side. 

Edited November 3, 20169 yr by Gene Howe

I am not sure of the code either, but the plate is a great idea no matter where the wire is at in relation to where it goes through the stud. Also, those plates make is MUCH easier to find the studs later on.

Think the code requires a staple within 12" for a metal box and within 8" for a plastic box.   What direction it runs does not matter. Roly

Thanks guys. These are 2x6 walls and I'm actually skewed toward the back side slightly with my holes, so I think I'll skip the wall plates. As for finding the studs, I'll have marks at the top and bottom of the wall where each is located. We are out in the township so there are no local codes to worry about, either. It was a curiosity question on my part.

You should staple or fasten the wire to the wood outside the box for new construction within 8" to keep you from pulling on the wires in the box too much causing the wire to kink in the wall where it would get hot and my ignite.  Lateral runs thru the studs are very accepted.  Box must be laid flush to the face of the drywall.  When you insulate please split the insulation to go around the wire and not be over compressed.  As per code 30A 10GA 20A 12 GA 15A 14 GA.  

Fred you should be fine. Drill the center of the stud and you won't need the plates.