What Size Staple For # 8/3 ?

davidchomes

Hello.

I was looking for a staple to secure # 8/3 cable and couldn't find anything listed for that. I looked at the staples catalog on the GB website and didn't see one listed for that size. They go from a #10NM to a #6SER. What do you guys use for that?

Also, do you guys leave a Slack loop where the Nm cables enter the electrical boxes? It seems that it wouldn't be allowed since the code says staples within 8" of box with no clamp and within 12" if box has clamps.

By the way, this is a great forum with a wealth of information (and humor at times) makes for some good reading.

Thanks for your time.

mdshunk

I either use a 1/2" EMT drive strap or a Viking 310 staple tipped on an angle to match the width of the cable.

Magnettica

I second the 1/2" emt strap technique.

You might also ask a local supply house for larger staples.

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davidchomes

No comments on part 2 of my question? Whether slack left at the boxes where the NM cables enter being to code or not and if you guys leave slack or keep it tight?

Thanks for you answers.

mdshunk

The code does not specify. Some people, myself included, leave slack between the staple and the box as "RotoZip Insurance". The code only specifies the dimension from the box that the staple must be. It does not specify the amount of cable that may or may not be between the staple and the box. It also does not specify or require that the box to staple dimension be measured along the cable sheath.



Photos courtesy Warren Goodrich, Shelby County IN inspector

davidchomes

Thanks Md for the clarification with pictures. I have seen that picture before on the internet but didn't realize that it was "Photos courtesy Warren Goodrich, Shelby County IN inspector"

That inspector is from a neighboring county. Small world I guess.

Thanks again for your response. As always, much appreciated!

Jim M

Around here the measurement is taken along the cable jacket so there are no slack loops allowed.

mdshunk

What do they base that on? I'd fuss about that.

Magnettica

I agree with Jim.

I don't know any inspector that would see that and say, "that's good."

Code reference or not.

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davidchomes

So it sounds like its up to the local inspector? It makes sense that it wouldnt be allowed, however like MD said, its good "RotoZip Insurance". Or if for some reason you have a broken wire etc.

mdshunk

No, it's not!

Nothing is ever "up to the local inspector". It's either a violation or it's not. Love it, hate it, or indifferent. It's legal.

Jim M

More like it depends on how the written rule is interpreted.

MD, would you accept a huge coil of slack wire, say 3-4 feet, left in the wall as long as the staples were no more than 4 1/2' foot apart?

mdshunk

Whether or not I persnoally would accept that is moot. There is nothing in the NEC that would prevent that installation. Matter of fact, I have left just such a loop when double vanity lights are being ruffed in, and the exact placement isn't determinable at the time of the electrical ruff.

davidchomes

Hmm. I thought the local jurisdiction could have there own local code, which would supersede NEC and which you would have to then follow. I didn't know that they have to go by the NEC only. Of course then interpretation of the code comes into play.

mdshunk

Yes, there can be local codes, but the inspector doesn't make these up on the fly. They have to be written and voted on by your town council or state. There are some things that are up to the descretion of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The inspector is not the AHJ! The inspector is either a goverment employee (the AHJ being the municipality or state) or an employee of a third party contracted to inspect on behalf of the AHJ (the municipality or state). Where you run into things that the code permits the AHJ to decide upon, the inspector is not empowered to decide these things on behalf of the AHJ. He may try to, but if you don't like the interpretation, you can fight it and win. It's a process many decide not to engage in, but some do. Once you get straight that the actual inspector is not the AHJ, then this whole matter of interpretations becomes more clear.

davidchomes

Ok that makes more sense. Thanks for the clear explanation of that.

Andy in ATL

You tell em MdShunk!!!