running 14-2 romex

tibbsy

does anyone know how many runs of 14-2 you can put in a 1" hole in a stud ? and can you increase the size of the hole to 1 1/2 " for more wires ?

Speedy Petey

This is a contentious question, but the bottom line is four cables would never be a problem in a 1" hole.

You cannot go bigger than 1" in a 2x4. In fact if you do go with 1" keep the hole DEAD CENTER in the framing. You need to stay 1.25" from the edge of the framing.
7/8" is a better choice.

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Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

chris75

Pay attention to 334.80, where more than two NM cables containing two or more Current Carrying Conductors are bundled together and pass through wood framing that is to be fire- or draft-stopped, the allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be adjusted in accordance with Table 310.15(B)(2)(a).

Speedy Petey

Not wanting to get into the details of the code, or to get into the interpretation of 334.80, that is what I meant about it being a contentious issue.

A) As long as you stay under nine CCC's (current carrying conductors) there is NO issue with derating #14, #12, or #10. Ten or more CCC's derating becomes an issue.
Four 14/2's is eight CCC's.

B) Aside from the fire stop issue, not all AHJs consider running cables loosely through bored holes "bundling". In fact I see more that do not than do.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

chris75

I know it was a little too much info, but I still wanted it disclosed...