Is it okay to put electrical wire across a telepost?

3/4/2015 at 3:41:13 PM

How do you plan on dry walling this area? Based on the picture it looks as if the jackpost is sticking out further than the support beam? If you build a small bulk head, you can run the wire through there, and you won't have any worries.

3/4/2015 at 4:11:25 PM

Drywalling is not an issue, I fixed the telepost plate.

Really just wondering if it is against code to run the wire along there.

Dana

3/4/2015 at 5:24:42 PM

Providing the wire will be 1-1/4" away from any drywall surface or screws, then it can be done. You are also allowed to drill a hole through those floor beams vertically providing the hole does not compromise the integrity of the beam. Normally a 1/2" hole would suffice.

When you get your ESA permit, you can ask the electrical inspector if what you have done is to code. safety is paramount.

3/4/2015 at 5:27:50 PM

Thanks! Drilling through the beam is the option if I have to go that route. I did contact the city inspector to check and he has yet to get back to me and I dont want to hold up the project any longer. I would like to make sure it is to code the first time because I dont want to have to rip anything apart and redo it!

Thanks Again!

3/4/2015 at 5:40:10 PM

There is no code to prevent drilling regular 2x6,x8,x10,x12 beams, providing it is not engineered then the engineer must ok it. As I mentioned, do not do a hack job, a nice clean hole in the middle and cutting at right angles is not dangerous with a 1/2-5/8" bit.

3/4/2015 at 6:52:16 PM

I apologize. I misread the original post, and misunderstood the picture you provided. Running across the "framed opening" is fine. There's not issue here. The romex (nmd90) isn't in danger of mechanical damage. Again the issue you have is with your drywall. If you're running across the framed opening, how will you secure your drywall?

3/4/2015 at 7:05:33 PM

Robert gave you sound advice! He's on point!

3/4/2015 at 7:45:54 PM

There is no specific code that says "you can't put a wire in front / behind a steel post". There are a number of codes that dictate what you have to do to prevent damage to the wire.

One example as Rob pointed out, you need the clearance from the edge of the stud / drywall. Another issue is the required clearance from metallic objects such as duct work, gas pipes, water pipes, etc.

So to be able to stickhandle around all the rules that require the safe installation of the wire, there is a limited few options; the most likely being to go vertical through the top plate, through the floor joists above and then back down to the next location.

Most places will have a bulkhead as George pointed out, and that is the way most of use would approach this obstacle.

Cheers

John

John Kuehnl-Cadewell

Master Electrician

Datawise Solutions Inc