[JLawrence08648]

Having wiring lying on top of the ceiling joists in the attic rather than having holes drilled, is this legal? With insulation covering the wires?

 

[Windows on Wash]

If its not, there are a crap ton of people in violation these days.

 

[CodeMatters]

Drilling ceiling rafters/trusses would be a more serious problem.

CEC requires any NMSC run on top of rafters etc to be protected
in areas where head height exceeds...hmmm...think it's 1meter.
Placing cable next to running board is common and considered
adequate.

 

[joed]

It is legal if the cables are at least four feet from the access hole where stuff is likely to be stored on top of them. Even within four feet of the hole it is still legal if you put a running board beside the cable to protect it.

 

[Calson]

It still needs to be fastened to the joists along its run at 4 foot intervals and should be stapled where it leaves a junction box.

 

[JLawrence08648]

I can see running along a house but how do you properly cross the joist?

 

[Oldmaster]

If in an attic, protection is required within 6 ft of an entrance unless permanent stairs or ladder. I which case it must be protected .

 

[huesmann]

How is "protection" defined?

 

[Jim Port]

Running boards alongside the cable are probably the easiest to protect the cables.

 

[Oldmaster]

Code states protection must be higher than the cable

 

[joed]

Code states protection must be higher than the cable

Since most cables are only about 1/2 inch that is easy to accomplish. A 1x or 2x beside them is all you need.

 

[JLawrence08648]

I can see stapling wire running with the joist but how do you cross a joist if drilling a joist is not a good idea? I'm calling a joist what is between to the attic "floor" and the drywall ceiling below it.

 

[Oldmaster]

If there is an actual attic floor your options are limited to drilling the joists or protecting the wire on the floor.