On Sat, 09 Dec 2006 06:25:10 GMT, "Toller" wrote:


"BobK207" wrote in message
ups.com...

Toller wrote:
So far I have run 3 new circuits from the breaker box on one side of the
house to the workshop and garage on the other. I have to run a 4th.

What hole size is recommended for 10/2 in floor joists? I alway drill
the
smallest possible hole to minimize weakening the joists and then pulling
the
cable is an ordeal.
Is it necessary to keep the holes any distance from existing holes, or am
I
making too much out of this?


Best to drill joists in center of the joist depth, never in the center
1/3 of the span and 6" or mare from the bearing ends

Max hole size is 1/3 the joist depth & min edge distance is 2"

From the Inrenational Residential Code 2003 Edition, Chapter 5 Floors,
Section R502.8.1 Sawn Lumber:

"The diameter of holes bored or cut into members shall not exceed
one-third the depth of the member. Holes shall not be closer than 2
inches to the top or bottom of the member, or to any other hole located
in the member. Where the member is also notched, the hole shall not be
closer than 2 inches to the notch."



Now as to multiple holes...hmmm... a single large hole would easilt
accomdate all but not after they're already there.

If you're gutsy, careful & lucky you could enlarge an existing hole
with the wire still in place OR remove the wire & hole sawa bigger
hole OR just drill another hole....I'd want at least 2 or 3 hole
diameters of "meat" between the holes...if my thinking is correct 1"
holes could be drilled 3 or 4" apart (min) seems resonable

IMO the single large hole is looking better & better


this code passage says 2" minimum "meat" between holes...my concept
depends on hole diameter...I like mine better...... code passage
allows 3" holes in a 2x10 with only 2" of meat between them ...that
makes me nervous

Thanks, my holes are only like 3/4" so I seem to have a pretty big safety
margin.
Yeah bigger holes would have saved a great deal of work, but so would a
subpanel in the shop. But those boats have sailed.
Though maybe not; perhaps I should bit the bullet and replace one of the
12/2 cables with a 8/3 to a subpanel. It is too late at night to be
thinking about such things.


A 3/4" hole should be able to fit 3 12-2 cables.