![]() ![]() As long as the cables are not exposed to damage and comply with building codes, it is safe to use Romex® brand NM cables above a drop ceiling.ĭwelling or households approve Romex® brand NM cables, but places that allow access to drop ceiling cannot use it. NM cable is a typical scene in the drop ceilings among various family housings in the states. These cables are common in households and residential places. Romex® brand NM cables are classified as nonmetallic sheathed cables. Yes, Romex® NM cables can be used above a drop ceiling. Can Romex® brand NM cables be used above a drop ceiling? ![]() After that, connect the wire to the fish tape and bring out the wire from your desired location. Insert the fish tape from the exit point to the direction of the entry point. If you are planning to include switches, use the bullet level to level the switch box and use a pencil or sharpie to mark the edges. If the exit point is through the ceiling, mark the point and then use a drill and keyhole saw to make space for wiring. If the exit point is in the wall, you will have to use a stud finder to not cut through studs. Mark the entry spot and exit spot:īefore passing the wire, make a plan of where the entry point and exit point of the wire will be. Find the circuit breaker in your place and turn off the lever from where power is drawn. It would be best to plan out a map of the wiring you will do.ĭetermine the length of the cable and buy some extra to be safe.īefore doing any electrical work, you should always turn off the electricity. If you are uncomfortable with wiring projects, you should consult a professional electrician.įor the project, you will need the following materials.īut before starting, you should check with local building inspectors to ensure compliance with local codes. Running Romex® brand NM cables through the ceiling is no hard task. How to run Romex® brand NM cables through the ceiling? As regular electronics do not use that voltage, you can use NM cables. Power cables that are used to connect TVs, home stereo speakers, projectors, AC could be run in a drop ceiling. Unlike commercial places, there is no need to change the infrastructure in family dwelling places therefore, running Romex® brand NM cables in suspended ceilings is safe. But you have to be careful next time operating with drop ceilings. Out of reach or exposure:Īs the drop ceiling is out of reach of so it is considered fairly safe if NM cable lay there. The structures would have to be commercial or residential.Įlectric conduits are not mandatory, but they will provide extra safety in buildings that are more than 2 stories tall. Romex® brand NM cables or other NM cables can be used in construction types 3, 4, and 5, up to 5 stories tall. NEC approves installing NM cables in the drop ceiling of dwelling places that do not hold more than two families. Various comments in the electrical forums do not find it risky as the wires are not exposed.īelow we discuss why you can run Romex® NM cable in a drop ceiling. Running Romex® brand NM cables in suspended ceilings could be tricky as there is no direct guide prohibiting this practice. Three reasons why you can run Romex® NM cables in a drop ceiling But it only applies for 1-2 family dwelling units.įor commercial spaces, you would have to change the whole design if any structural change occurs. The only risk is the risk of damaging the wiring from drilling or hammering screws. It is beyond ordinary human reach, and it imposes shallow risk. NM cables lying on the suspended ceiling are not really exposed as the wire is not easily accessible. The standard agreement is achieved by discussions by professionals. While some forums about wire maintenance say that there is not enough information given on the NEC about non-metallic (NM) cable. Running it in joists will impose more significant threats. The Romex® brand NM cable is permissible in the accessible ceiling only. One thing to remember is that you should never use NM cables in joists. ![]() Therefore, it is suggested to use running boards for Romex® brand NM cables in the drop ceilings. Thus, you can easily understand the risk it imposes. The cable could easily be punctured in the process of adding supports or mounting. The wire could be simply damaged by running drills on the ceiling or cutting off holes. The risk of exposed wirings on the drop ceiling is prone to damages. Romex® brand NM cable, just lying on the drop ceiling, is labeled as exposed by some people. In contrast, others say that there are some exceptions. Some argue that it is not recommended and does not comply with NEC. There is much confusion regarding the proper installation of a non-metallic (NM) cable in the drop ceiling. ![]()
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