NM wire around pipes

jgrohol

I need to run several wires through my joists down to the electrical panel. I took down the ceiling and started to look. Between two of my joists is the drainage from our main bathroom above this room. You can see the main pipe and the shower/sink pipes coming into it. How do I run the wires through that area and around the pipes? Do I have to go over them? Under them? Joists are on the left and right in the picture.

Thanks!

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autx790

Well, i wouldn't go through them I'd probably go under. If you go within 1 1/4" of the top/bottom of the joists, you'll need protector plates but seeing as how you have a floor above, that will be hard to do. If you go under, it's less likely anyone will be putting screws or nails etc, though the ceiling except to hang the drywall back. Put the plates where your holes through the studs are. if the drain forces you close to where the ceiling will be, you could run protective conduit or some other means to protect the wire.

jgrohol

Thanks for the reply...

I was also thinking under, I was just curious as if they would get in the way when it's time to replace those pipes... yes they aren't leaking yet, but are rather old. So I'm assuming that's coming sometime down the road.

I will measure to be sure, but I think I can get holes in the joists higher than 1-1/4" from the bottom of the joists, yet still have room to go under the pipes. If not, I'll just plate them like you said.

autx790

I would probably still put the plates up for safe measure. They're only something like 39 cents each at HD.

I woulnd't want to be the one to replace those pipes. While the ceiling is open, maybe you should do it now...or did you just remove the section where the wires are running (in the other direction)?

jgrohol

This ceiling is in my garage which is under my main hallway/master bedroom. My goal (sometime) is to have the entire ceiling ripped down and the old insulation pulled out. I need to re-wire the house as well. So I figure I'll have the ceiling open while I'm doing the work then patch it up with new drywall. The piping is only in two small spots in the garage ceiling so it shouldn't be that hard to do later.

joed

Leave the cables loose. Let them sag between the joists. They don't need to be pulled tight. This will give room for the pipe change in the future.

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jgrohol

Need to clean up the slack yet. Also I have true 2x's and the cable protectors are for nowaday 2x's.

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autx790

Looks good...minus the pipes

joed

No need to clean up the slack in the cable. Leave it there for pipe replacement clearance in the future.

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secutanudu

Shouldn't that wire be on a running board?

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Andrew

Jim Port

Through bored holes is fine. Secured to the bottom of the joist would require running boards.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

secutanudu

Somehow I didn't even notice the bored holes.

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Andrew

joed

Also it is in a ceiling. It will eventually be coverd with drywall.

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