I am wanting to add a permanent attic ladder to create storage space in a big attic. There is already exposed wiring in a few places in the attic. If I add a permanent ladder, does that then mean that according to code that all attic wires now need to be protected? Some of the cable would be covered by 3/4" plywood for flooring, but other cable is hanging above in the rafter braces. If I add this ladder, what are some different options to protect this hanging cable so it meets code? Or is that really necessary if it's not in the main part of the attic for storage that will have the plywood flooring?
Wiring – Do I need to protect all wiring in an attic when adding a permanent ladder
atticcode-compliancewiring
Related Solutions
This is "Ridge board and rafters":
These are roof Trusses:
From your pictures, you clearly have ridge boards with rafters coming off of them.
The reason trusses shouldn't hold the weight of flooring or heavy boxes is because they are typically made from relatively small boards (2x4's in some cases) and the bottom board is already carrying a significant roof load because of the design of the angled elements.
They are apparently considering the attic accessible although it is not readily accessible. Most furnaces in basements have NM cable protected with EMT conduit and that is probably where they are equating that situation to this one. However, in a normal basement the cable would be readily accessible, meaning you can walk right up to it without any tools or ladders.
So, it doesn't need protection since it is not readily accessible being that it is in an attic that needs a ladder for access. However, it does need to be secured and supported according to the code. Meaning within 12" of of the switch box in your picture and every 4 1/2 feet thereafter.
From the 2014 National Electrical Code:
334.30 Securing and Supporting.
Nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable, at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m (41⁄2 ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) of every outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting. Flat cables shall not be stapled on edge.
It is up to the HVAC technician and electrician to agree on a method and location of securing it to the AC cabinet.
Good luck!
Related Topic
- Remove attic bracing for storage
- Cover insulation in the attic roof with plastic or plywood
- Electrical – Is NEC code for non-metallic cable applicable now that I’ve installed an attic ladder
- Finishing an attic, building codes, layout possibilities
- Adding floor joists to an attic
- How to correctly add flooring to insulated attic
- Mold on underside of attic flooring
Best Answer
I have never had an AHJ confront me about exposed romex in an attic with or without a permanent ladder. One quick note though, if you are laying down plywood Make sure there are no electrical cables laying across the joist where they may be pinched and shorted. Notch the joist and use nail plates or reroute the cables.
Good luck