I built an island wall with 5 posts to house required electrical outlet, then hired an electrician to install the outlets. Each post will be individually wrapped with finished wood, then the spaces between each post will get shallow shelves – something like the drawing in attached image (though not as deep).
My electrician seems perplexed as to how to cover the posts to be code-compliant. He covered the back of two boxes on one post, half covered another, and didn’t put any plates on the three middle posts.
I am hoping for some help understanding what needs to be covered with metal plates. I sort of understand the 1.25″ rule for bored studs but I’m not drilling any holes here, just attaching wood plates to wood framing. Nearly all the wire on the back of the island is within 1.25″ of the edge of the wood it’s attached to – so does that mean I basically need to cover each post and the wire on the floor with metal?
Appreciate your help.
Replies
You need nail plates where nails are likely to penetrate the studs, sills or top plates. You don't need nail plates in the open stud bays.
Agree with Mike_Mahan.