working with nm electrical wiring question

Nov 13, 2006 2 Replies
T

Using NM wire...I believe code says any wire coming from a box should be attached/stapled within 9" of the box...is this also required for adding switches/outlets etc...to existing wiring. With the boxes designed for old work...you just have to cut out the box size hole and there you go...the twist screw clips/wings tighen the box to the inside drywall as you turn the screws...but if you must also staple the wire some 5-9 inches away on a stud..then you are making a much bigger drywall repair job also ? Is the wire required to be stapled on minor remolding work near the newly installed box ?



Also...in the outlet boxes available for old work remodeling...they have tabs that bend out for feeding the wire into the box...do most people just bend these tabs back...or can/should you twist them off completely ?



Thanks, TR



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R

You don't staple cables when fished inside of walls. The tabs on plastic boxes are suppose to remain and act as a connector of sorts

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C

According to RBM :

Right. There's an explicit exemption for fished wire. Much of the rationale for stapling NM is to do with mishaps during construction before the walls are covered.

If the OP is referring to the tabs on metal boxes covering the access holes, they're supposed to be torn off completely. They break off rather easily. Most have a slot in them, just sticking a flat screwdriver in and prying/twisting will break them off.

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