running wires / NEC question

duhtroll

Hi -

My city uses NEC 2008. I am in the process of finishing the basement in a relatively new construction home. The exterior walls are 2x2 with insulation between the studs and the cement wall.

Before installing all of the wiring/receptacles/switches - does code allow wiring to be run behind the studs (between studs and insulation) since they are 2x2 or do we still have to drill through them and run the wires through like in a 2x4 wall?

Thanks

CheapCharlie

Never seen 2x2 studs used before. You have to have a minimum distance for mechanical protection (not sure on the distance for NEC). If you ran the wires behind the studs you would still have to find some way of supporting the cable.

hpp58

Keep wiring 1.25" from the front of the 2x2

Jim Port

The cables would also need to be 1 1/4" from the sides of the 2x's.

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

WillK

Really the 2x2's would be more appropriately referred to as furring strips rather than studs I believe, but you might consider using conduit and then you have your mechanical protection and don't have to worry about making a half inch hole in the last quarter inch of your board.

__________________
Please do NOT consider any "before" picture of my house as any kind of endorsement of any particular construction method. In fact, you should probably assume that if I post a "before" picture, I am posting it because I am soliciting advice on a proper replacement for one of MANY things done wrong by a previous owner.

electures

Is there a gap between the studs and the block wall? If there is you can run the cable behind the studs.

__________________
All responses based on the 2011 NEC.
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duhtroll

There is room behind the 2x2 strips (it is basically a nailing surface) and in front of the insulation so we will be running the wiring behind the studs, securing every 48" and that will allow 1.75" plus the 0.75" for the drywall - should be fine.

Thanks