[Tetranitrate]

I am looking to replace ancient BX containing 14 gauge cloth insulated wire with some 12-2 Romex.

I am very confused about how I am supposed to secure the Romex behind a finished wall. The walls I will be fishing the Romex behind are either plaster and lath or sheetrock, depending on the room.

I have watched various videos and read many threads about getting Romex through walls and they all discuss the process and techniques of physically fishing it through the wall, but none of them mention securing it behind the wall at all. It doesn't seem right that you can install Romex by just hanging it behind a wall like this, or did I just miss the stuff that had the proper securing instructions?

The code for installing Romex seems so strict (ex: securing it with a staple 8 inches from a box, and then every 4.5 ft, use of nail plates, etc) compared to the various videos and articles I have seen.

I would be extremely appreciative if anyone could clear this up for me.

 

[Jim Port]

Cables that are fished into finished areas do not require stapling like new construction would.

 

[kbsparky]

Some areas required BX instead of romex due to the presence of vermin. Rats can't chew through armored cable like they can non-metallic sheathed cables.

 

[Tetranitrate]

Cables that are fished into finished areas do not require stapling like new construction would.

Thanks Jim. :thumbsup:

I was really hoping that would be the answer, as it makes the rewiring project seem so much easier now. Would this also apply to running the romex from the attic to the breaker box in the basement? If I find a hollow wall that is the entire height of the house would I be able to just drop it down to the basement like that? (I am in NYC and the city code allows NM for residential homes less than three stories, so I am okay there)

As someone with little hands on experience in this area - it just feels so arbitrary that for new installations they seem to have code rules for locking down romex tighter than Fort Knox, but if there is already a wall in place the code allows you to just fish some through and leave it dangling in the wall like a limp extension cord.:huh:

Also if I could bother you for one more bit of advice. How should the romex be secured on the run through the attic? The attic itself is an unfinished two ft. tall crawlspace that is only accessible with a removable ladder. The only reason someone would have for even entering the attic is to work on the electrical wiring. If I run the nm from the back of the house to the front it will be crossing perpendicularly over the 2x4 ceiling boards. Is it enough to just lay the romex on the top of the 2x4s and staple it every 3rd 2x4 or so?

Some areas required BX instead of romex due to the presence of vermin. Rats can't chew through armored cable like they can non-metallic sheathed cables.

I am guessing that is required in more urban areas than where I am. I have seen no signs of rodents, and there are two cats that live in the house. I will look into the code though, to make sure there is nothing specific about bx for rodents in my area.

 

[Jim Port]

Once you are able to reach the cable like in your attic you would be required to secure it. If your joist or trusses are 16" on center you could staple to every 3rd one, every other one if 24" on center.

 

[Tetranitrate]

Awesome, thanks.

And if I find a hollow wall, I am allowed to just drop it down the 2 stories to the basement, and let it sit in the wall unsecured?

 

[NJMarine]

Yes, if you find a hollow wall space such as old balloon framing than the wires can be drooped from attic down to basement.