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Just how tight should Romex NM be stapled? I’m a homeowner in the middle of a major remodel. The electricians have just blown in, and I’m noticing that the Romex cable has been stapled extremely tight on the studs. The NEC code (336-15) directs that the staple not “damage” the sheathing (how the heck is “damage” defined?). Granted that I’m nervous about electrical issues, but I’m concerned the pinching of the sheathing is a potential hazard. Any ideas or recommendations on this?
— Ron
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Any ideas or recommendations on this?
Yea go somewhere else while their working.
It should be snug. Some set the staple so it snug, some set the staple so it's a little loose. As long as they're not counter sinking the things your alright.
If you really want them to like and respect you take the lead man with you as you pull out random staples to inspect if there is damage to the insulation.
If you were as attentive when you chose this sub then you shouldn't have to question stuff like that. You should know he can handle the little stuff at least, without your guidence.
*"Hey, I'm a pro; don't question what I do!"Well, gunner, as a home inspector, I see crappy, inappropriate work by "pros" all the time. Besides, who chose the electrical sub?Ron, it's something you have to see, "extremely tight" isn't descriptive enough.BTW, some would not consider damaged insulation "little stuff."Nothing wrong with checking work, but be very careful how you raise issues with contractors. Some of them are very defensive and thin skinned and can do all sorts of things if they get too pissed.
*I guess that's the way I should have worded it Bob. Good job.
*Yea I agree with gunner and Bob extremely tight doesnt give much of a description, Is the insulation "pinched" to where the staples are digging into it, tight is ok, digging into the sheathing well thats a different story, But its really hard to tell by your decription if it really is a problem, like the guys say when in doubt ask but be diplomatic.
*There's no reason for the staples to be all that tight, I'd rather err on the side of too loose. The sheathing on NM cable is only tough when you want it to come off, staple it just a bit too tight and it can tear. I know that some states require plastic bridge staples, and those leave a little play even when they are fully fastened. Also, I agree that you should check a few for damage, but take care pulling the staples, it's really easy to nick the sheathing.
*There is a fine line between checking out your contractor's work and directing his each and every action. Once you have picked out a sub and given him a clear set of job specifications, it is usually best to stay out of his way. We have a long standing customer who is very insistent about maintaining control of the entire construction project down to the tiniest details. Once we accepted this as one of the conditions of the job and figured it into the estimates, we have no problem with it. She is willing to pay for her idiocyncrasies and we get to tell stories. The key here is that she is willing to pay the difference. Most people are not. A good way to find out if your concerns are a problem is to ask the people doing the work. If you are diplomatic about it, most workers enjoy displaying their knowledge and their pride in their work. Keep in mind that their are many ways to do a job and that each person has their own preferred way. As long as it meets the code and the job specs, who cares? If you are really nervous, maybe you should have specced armoured cable?
*I snug them only. Out here in SoCal there is requirement to be fast ass tight, or for that matter any spacing requirements. Staples "as needed". I like the plastic bridge kind because: (1) They are easier to pull out; (2) You can cut the plastic bridge; and (3) They have smaller diameter and require less pressure to hammer.
*Ron --How about this: Be there when the inspector comes. Get to him first, and quietly mention the things that you're concerned about. If they're OK, he'll reassure you. If they're not, he'll be the one with the authority to say no.-- J.S.
*I like the plastic straps with a small nail at each end. A few cents more but so much easier to put in. And not nearly so sharp when you reach into your tool belt for a few more. And there's no way they can be too tight. If this keeps you up at night, buy a bunch for the next job and spec their use. -David
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Just how tight should Romex NM be stapled? I'm a homeowner in the middle of a major remodel. The electricians have just blown in, and I'm noticing that the Romex cable has been stapled extremely tight on the studs. The NEC code (336-15) directs that the staple not "damage" the sheathing (how the heck is "damage" defined?). Granted that I'm nervous about electrical issues, but I'm concerned the pinching of the sheathing is a potential hazard. Any ideas or recommendations on this?
-- Ron