Molly Ayala
Furring strips are thin strips of wood or metal that are used to level walls or raise them off surfaces. They are often used in construction to create a plumb surface for the installation of wallboard or panelling. When it comes to running electricity in furring strips, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to maintain a certain distance between the electrical cables and the furring strips to prevent damage. This distance is usually specified in local codes and standards. For example, in some places, a gap of 1-1/4 is required between the cable and the furring strips. Additionally, the type of cable used, such as NM or MC cable, can impact the installation method and the requirements for protection. Running electrical wiring in furring strips can be a complex process, and it is always recommended to consult with a certified electrician or refer to local codes and standards to ensure safe and compliant installations.
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What You'll Learn
- Maintain a gap of at least 1.25 between the edge of the frame and electrical wiring
- Use steel plates, sleeves, or equivalent protection when cables are closer than 1.25
- Use non-metallic cables with steel furring
- Use Electrical Metallic Tubes (EMT) or PVC conduit for exterior above-ground electrical runs
- Use MC cable and secure it to the concrete block with one-hole MC straps
Maintain a gap of at least 1.25 between the edge of the frame and electrical wiring
Maintaining a gap between the edge of the frame and electrical wiring is crucial for safety and compliance with electrical codes. When running electrical wiring in furring strips, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure a safe installation.
To maintain a gap of at least 1.25 inches (32 mm) between the edge of the frame and the electrical wiring, you should be aware of the following:
- Code Compliance: The National Electrical Code, specifically section 300.4(D), stipulates that a distance of at least 1.25 inches must be maintained between the nearest outside surface of the cable and the nearest edge of the framing member or furring strips. This code is in place to prevent accidental penetration by nails or screws.
- Damage Prevention: Keeping a gap of at least 1.25 inches helps prevent damage to the wiring. This distance ensures that nails or screws are less likely to penetrate the cable when working with furring strips or studs.
- Alternative Protection: In cases where maintaining the required gap is not feasible, alternative protection methods can be employed. A steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent protection with a thickness of at least 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) can be used to safeguard the cable from nail or screw penetration.
- Stapling and Fastening: When stapling or fastening cables, ensure they are secured at least every 4 feet. This practice helps to maintain the necessary gap and provide support for the wiring.
- Drywall Considerations: When installing drywall, it is crucial to be mindful of the location of the furring strips. Drywall installers should run their screws down the center of the furring strips to avoid damaging the wiring.
- Use of Accessories: Accessories such as Caddy Colorado Jim straps or furring standoffs can be used to hold the cable at the required distance from the edge of the furring strip. These accessories aid in complying with the 1.25-inch rule.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your electrical wiring maintains the necessary gap of at least 1.25 inches from the edge of the frame, thus complying with safety codes and reducing the risk of damage to the wiring.
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Use steel plates, sleeves, or equivalent protection when cables are closer than 1.25
When installing electrical cables, it is essential to maintain a minimum distance of 1.25 inches (32 mm) between the cables and the edges of furring strips to prevent damage from nails or screws. This safety measure is outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC) and various electrical codes, such as the Texas SFM Electrical Code.
However, in situations where maintaining this distance is not feasible, it is crucial to implement protective measures to safeguard the cables. This is where steel plates, sleeves, or equivalent protections come into play. These protections act as barriers, ensuring that nails or screws cannot penetrate the cables.
The use of steel plates, sleeves, or equivalent protections is mandated when cables are closer than 1.25 inches (32 mm) to the edges of furring strips. These protective measures serve as a physical barrier, preventing accidental penetration by nails or screws during construction or any subsequent work on the wall. The required thickness of these steel plates or sleeves is specified as at least 1/16 inches (1.6 mm).
It is worth noting that there are exceptions to the use of steel plates or sleeves. Certain types of conduits, such as rigid metal conduits or electrical metallic tubing (EMT), are inherently protected and do not require additional steel plates. Additionally, in finished buildings or prefabricated panels where providing support is impractical, fishing of cables is permitted without the need for steel plates.
Furthermore, it is important to consult local electrical codes and guidelines, as there may be specific variations or requirements for your area. These codes are designed to ensure the safe installation and maintenance of electrical systems, and adhering to them is crucial for both safety and legal compliance.
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Use non-metallic cables with steel furring
When running electrical cables in furring strips, it is important to consider the type of cable and the specific requirements of the application. In some cases, it may be necessary to use non-metallic cables, such as Romex or NM cable, instead of metallic cables like MC cable.
One key advantage of using non-metallic cables is their flexibility. Non-metallic cables, such as Romex, have a non-metallic sheath, typically made of flexible PVC material. This flexibility makes them easier to handle and install compared to metallic cables with metal casings, which require specialised tools for cutting and ripping. The smooth coating on non-metallic cables also allows for easy pulling through holes and conduits.
However, when using non-metallic cables with steel furring, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Steel framing has sharp edges that can easily slice through the insulation of non-metallic cables. To protect the cables, it is recommended to use bushings where the cable passes through the steel framing. Additionally, non-metallic cables should be installed with a sufficient gap between the cable and the furring strips to prevent damage. A gap of at least 1-1/4" is typically required to comply with electrical codes and prevent issues with nails or screws.
When running non-metallic cables with steel furring, it is crucial to coordinate with a carpenter or other professionals to ensure compliance with local codes and standards. Proper installation techniques, such as securing the cables every 4 feet and using appropriate box sizes, are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of the electrical system.
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Use Electrical Metallic Tubes (EMT) or PVC conduit for exterior above-ground electrical runs
When running electrical cables, you can use Electrical Metallic Tubes (EMT) or PVC conduit for exterior above-ground electrical runs. EMT is a type of conduit that is typically made from metal, while PVC conduit is usually made from plastic. Both types of conduit offer a degree of protection for electrical cables, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding which type to use for your project.
One important consideration is the pH of your soil. If you plan to bury the conduit, be aware that EMT is susceptible to corrosion and can erode within a year depending on the pH level of the soil. In contrast, PVC is a more durable option for burial, but it requires a deeper installation of at least 18 inches underground to prevent accidental cutting of the circuit.
Another factor to consider is the temperature change. When installing PVC above grade, it is crucial to use thermal expansion coupling and PVC clamps that are not tightly bound to prevent warping or breakage due to temperature fluctuations. EMT, on the other hand, requires compression couplings listed for wet or damp locations, and it must be secured every 10 feet and within 3 feet of the boxes.
Additionally, EMT is generally more affordable than other types of metallic conduits, but its thin walls are more easily punctured. Schedule 80 PVC, on the other hand, is often considered easier to work with and may be more cost-effective than EMT.
When transitioning from underground PVC to above-ground EMT, a junction box is recommended to facilitate proper grounding. This junction box can be installed at any level, and it is essential to use compression raintight fittings for EMT and equipment grounding conductors for PVC.
By carefully considering factors such as soil pH, temperature changes, cost, and ease of installation, you can make an informed decision between using EMT or PVC conduit for your exterior above-ground electrical runs.
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Use MC cable and secure it to the concrete block with one-hole MC straps
When running electrical wiring in furring strips, it's important to maintain a safe distance from the strips to prevent damage from nails or screws. This can be achieved by using Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) or non-metallic cables. If you're working with concrete block walls, you can secure the cable to the block directly. Here's how you can use MC cable and secure it to the concrete block with one-hole MC straps:
Firstly, it's important to note that you should avoid attaching the MC cable directly to the furring strips. Instead, use one-hole MC straps to secure the cable away from the strips. This is because you need to maintain a minimum distance of 1-1/4" (32 mm) between the cable and the nearest edge of the furring strips to prevent damage from nails or screws.
To secure the MC cable to the concrete block, you have a few options. One method is to use Tapcons, which are concrete screws, along with MC straps. However, make sure to use the skinniest Tapcons you can find to avoid spinning the strap while securing it. You can also use a concrete gun, such as the Hilti or Ramset, to shoot anchors into the concrete and then attach the MC straps. Another option is to use a hammer drill with an SDS drill bit to create holes for the MC straps and Tapcons. This method is cost-effective and efficient.
When securing the MC cable, it's important to be cautious and avoid drilling into existing cables. Drilling into a cable can cause damage and create a safety hazard. Additionally, if you're working with older concrete, be aware that it may have higher PSI, which can affect your fastening method.
By following these steps and maintaining the required distance from the furring strips, you can safely and securely run electrical wiring using MC cable and one-hole MC straps attached to the concrete block.
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Frequently asked questions
The cables should be at least 1 1/4" off to the side of the furring strips.
The NEC states that NM cable (romex) needs to be 11/2" back in the framing from the finished surface. 1" furring strips do not give you the needed clearance.
Alternatives to NM cable include using PVC or EMT conduit going down the walls, or MC cable.
It is recommended to coordinate with the carpenter and ask for the dimensions of the furring strip and sheetrock. It may be necessary to install 2" furring strips for drywall to keep the 1.25" space from the face/edge.
It is important to note that furring strips are not the best way to do walls if there is any electrical work involved. Standard electrical boxes may be too large to fit in the small furred-out space. Additionally, your insulation may not have a high enough rating to pass inspection.
