James "Cubby" Culbertson wrote:
Hiya Folks,
I've thumbed through the NEC Code book and couldn't find (or missed) an
answer to this install question.
Is there a minimum height that Romex needs to be installed above the
finished floor? I'm trying to add a circuit for
outdoor lighting and want the light switch in with the other hall switches.
Unfortunately, I'd have to tear into the
drywall to do it and quite frankly, I'm a pretty poor mud/tape/texture guy.
I was hoping to come in and put the
romex down low and cover it up with a new baseboard (rabbited in the back to
cover the wiring). I'll prolly have to
install some sort of metal plate in the rabbit to protect the wire from
future nails should there be any but I wouldn't think that would
be too difficult. Another option would be to install the wiring in
wiremold and then recess this into the back of the
baseboard. I'm going to wood floors so the baseboard will be fairly
substantial and I shouldn't have a problem
fitting the wiring into it. Just not sure if this is allowed by the NEC or
not.
Thanks much,
jlc




If you are removing the baseboard anyway just cut away the plaster
behind it. This will give you access to the bottom of the wall studs.
Just bore a hole in the center of each stud a few inches up from the
plate. The whole should be no bigger than 3/4" and must actually be
centered. You then pull your new cable through the bored holes and fish
it up to the switch box.

--
Tom Horne

"This alternating current stuff is just a fad. It is much too dangerous
for general use." Thomas Alva Edison