Run NM Cable Through Framed Walls

A. Finished-Project Specification

Quantity: one approved NM cable branch routed between the designated origin and destination boxes, drilled only within the permitted zone of each framing member crossed, protected with bushings and steel plates where required, supported by listed staples at the required spacing, terminated into each box connector with the correct free conductor length and undamaged sheath, labeled at both ends, and documented on one completed Rough-Wiring Route Record before concealment.

B. Rough-Wiring Schedule

Item	Target Condition	Verification Method
De-energized condition	All associated circuits and nearby conductors verified de-energized before drilling or routing	Live-dead-live test per Chapter 1
Framing penetration	Every hole located within the permitted drilling zone for its framing member type	Visual confirmation against the approved zone before drilling
Cable route	Cable routed between the correct origin and destination boxes without prohibited proximity or excessive bend	Route comparison against the approved circuit plan
Protection	Bushings and steel plates installed wherever cable is closer to the framing face than permitted	Visual inspection of every penetration and shallow run
Support	Cable stapled at the required spacing without flattening or cutting the sheath	Visual and hand inspection of staple condition and spacing
Box entry	Correct free conductor length at each box with sheath maintained as required and no damage to conductors	Visual inspection at each box

C. Material Takeoff

• Cable: the approved NM cable type and size specified by the circuit plan, in a quantity sufficient for the full route plus the free conductor length required at each box.
• Support and protection materials: listed cable staples, steel protection plates, and bushings sufficient for every penetration and support point on the route.
• Fireblocking materials: the approved fireblocking system for any penetration requiring it, used only after the required inspection stage.
• Documentation: one Rough-Wiring Route Record per cable run, cable labels for both ends, and photographs of the route before concealment.

D. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Drilling zone	Every hole located within the permitted drilling zone for its framing member type, with engineered members drilled only under engineering or manufacturer direction
Hole condition	Holes straight, smooth, sized for the approved cable count, deburred, with edge protection installed where required
Cable condition	Cable free of twists, kinks, crushing, or abrasion from the reel to every box entry
Bend radius	No bend along the route smaller than the minimum bend radius specified by the cable manufacturer and adopted code
Protection	Steel protection plates installed wherever cable is closer to the framing face than the code-permitted clearance
Support spacing	Staples or supports installed at the required spacing from box entries and along the route, without flattening or cutting sheath
Box entry	Correct free conductor length at each box, sheath maintained inside the box as required, no nicked or cut conductors
Labeling and documentation	Both cable ends labeled by circuit and destination, and the completed route photographed and recorded before concealment

E. Plan Review and De-Energization

1. Review the approved circuit plan, cable type and size, box locations, route, conductor count, derating conditions, fireblocking, and inspection requirements. Confirm the route matches the boxes installed in Chapters 3 and 4 and the connectors prepared in Chapter 5.
2. Verify that all associated circuits and nearby conductors are de-energized where required. Use the live-dead-live procedure from Chapter 1 at every box and panel location affected by the route.

F. Framing Inspection and Route Marking

1. Inspect framing for structural restrictions, engineered members, plumbing, ducts, gas piping, blocking, and previous wiring. Record every restriction or existing utility found along the planned route.
2. Mark the cable route and each framing penetration. Use the approved circuit plan as the controlling reference for every mark.
3. Confirm that holes are within the permitted drilling zone for each framing member. Reject and re-mark any location that falls outside the permitted zone before drilling begins.
4. Obtain engineering or manufacturer direction before drilling engineered lumber, trusses, headers, beams, or restricted structural members. Do not drill a restricted member without this direction, regardless of route convenience.

G. Controlled Drilling

1. Select the correct drill bit and inspect the drill. Confirm the bit size matches the approved cable count without excessive clearance.
2. Control the opposite side of each drilling location to prevent contact with hidden utilities or people. Do not proceed until the far side is confirmed clear.
3. Drill straight, smooth holes large enough for the approved cable count without excessive clearance. Stop immediately if the bit encounters unexpected resistance or material.
4. Remove splinters and inspect holes for sharp edges. Correct any hole with a sharp or damaged edge before routing cable through it.
5. Install bushings or edge protection where required. Confirm the bushing or protection is seated and will not be displaced during cable pulling.

H. Cable Pulling and Routing

1. Pull cable from the reel in a manner that prevents twists, kinks, crushing, and abrasion. Inspect the cable continuously during the pull for any developing damage.
2. Route the cable through framing without exceeding the minimum bend radius. Confirm every bend against the manufacturer's and code-specified minimum before proceeding to the next section.
3. Leave the required free conductor length at each box. Measure and mark the required length before cutting the cable at each box location.

I. Box Entry and Support

1. Insert the cable through the listed box connector or integral clamp without damaging the sheath. Confirm the connector installed in Chapter 5 accepts the cable without forcing.
2. Maintain sheath inside the box as required. Confirm the sheath extends to the point required by the connector and box instructions.
3. Secure cable with listed staples or supports without flattening or cutting the sheath. Inspect each staple immediately after driving it for correct seating and sheath condition.
4. Maintain required spacing from box entries and along the cable route. Measure staple spacing against the code- and product-controlled interval rather than estimating by eye.

J. Protection, Fireblocking, and Documentation

1. Install steel protection plates where cable is too close to the framing face. Confirm plate placement covers the full width of the shallow run.
2. Maintain separation from heat sources, sharp edges, access openings, and incompatible systems. Correct any route segment that fails this separation before continuing.
3. Seal fireblocking penetrations only with the approved system and after required inspection stages. Do not fireblock a penetration before the associated rough inspection has passed.
4. Label both cable ends by circuit and destination. Confirm labels remain legible and attached.
5. Inspect cable type, route, support, bend radius, protection plates, box entry, free length, and sheath condition. Correct any item that fails inspection before proceeding to photography.
6. Replace damaged cable rather than covering cuts, crushed sections, or severe kinks. Do not attempt a field repair on damaged NM cable insulation or sheath.
7. Photograph and document the route before concealment. Complete every field on the Rough-Wiring Route Record before the run is fireblocked, closed, or covered.