I've 2-runs of 12/2 w/G romex supported to studs from breaker box up to where it needs to run unsupported 20' through and alongside (parallel) floor joists of finished floor/basement ceiling for 20' to a junction box at other end where again it'll be firmly supported to studs. My QUESTION is it OK to have it laying unsupported on the sheetrock ceiling while only being fastened to studs on both ends. Basement ceiling is finished I prefer not chopping into it??
Electrical – 20′ run of romex unsupported through confined-space basement finished ceiling
code-complianceconfined-spaceelectricalwiring
Related Solutions
You're referencing the wrong code section.
Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable
Romex is covered by article 334 Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable: Types NM, NMC, and NMS.
Nonmetallic Extensions
Article 382 covers a cable known as FlatWire, or Concealable Nonmetallic Extension (CNE) cable.
Notice that this cable has a single insulation layer over the conductors. Whereas NM cable has insulation on the conductors, and an outer insulated sheath.
Before going through all that I'd check:
- If the existing metal boxes are already grounded (See How should I connect to a short ground wire in a metal box? and maybe Should old knob and tube wiring be replaced? )
- If the old cables will come out cleanly from below. Fish a string as you yank out the old cable.
Note:
- The NEC's unsupported rule does not apply inside walls. You get a free pass on that one.
- You can put an AFCI breaker on the two wire circuits, no problem.
- You can put a three prong GFCI on the two wire circuits, as long as they are labeled as such.
Related Topic
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Best Answer
This is fine
What you are describing falls under NEC 334.30(B) point 1:
So, go ahead and fish the cable through the ceiling as you plan to do.