I'm running a new circuit horizontally through a pair of studs that
have the heating pipes running vertically from the ceiling down to the
floor (baseboard heat) centered between the two studs. The pipes are
set directly in the middle of the studs. What is the best way to wire
around them?

They are insulated with pipe insulators, so I could just run the wire
loosely around them, but that would probably result in the wiring
drooping and touching the pipe insulation. By code I can't drill the
holes too close to the wall, which would allow me to space the wire so
it doesn't touch the piping.

What's the right approach here?

In ups.com,
wrote:
I'm running a new circuit horizontally through a pair of studs that
have the heating pipes running vertically from the ceiling down to the
floor (baseboard heat) centered between the two studs. The pipes are
set directly in the middle of the studs. What is the best way to wire
around them?

I assume your concern is heat damage do the jacket of the wire, which I
assume is Romex.

They are insulated with pipe insulators, so I could just run the wire
loosely around them, but that would probably result in the wiring
drooping and touching the pipe insulation.

That might be OK. How hot does the outside of the insulation get?

By code I can't drill the
holes too close to the wall, which would allow me to space the wire so
it doesn't touch the piping.

If you are closer than I think an inch or so to the edge you just have to
put a cleat there to protect the wiring from nails. When I did my daughter's
bedroom I had several cleats, not only was it OK, but the inspector was
impressed that I knew enough to use them.

In your case the wire run between the studs is going to need to be close to
the back of the outer wall because of the pipe so there may be an issue with
protecting that. I like behind the pipe better if you think you can safely
do it.

PLEASE don't use the post as you only source of information- there may be
something in the code that I'm not aware of. I'm not a professional.
--
Jim
"Remember, an amateur built the Ark; professionals built the Titanic."