Installation Guidelines for Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable (Romex)

1. Bored holes MUST BE 1 1/4 inch from the edges of any stud or top plate. NEC sec. 300-4A-1
2. Notches in studs REQUIRE nail plates. NEC sec 300.4A-2
3. Cable MUST BE stapled at least 1 1/4 inch from the edge of studs. NEC sec. 300-4B-2
4. At least 6 inches of free conductor SHALL BE left at each outlet box for the connection of devices. NEC sec. 300-14
5. Unprotected cable SHALL NOT BE installed within 6 feet of an attic access nor within 7 feet of a permanently installed attic stairway. NEC sec. 336-13
6. Cable SHALL BE secured within 12 inches of each outlet box and every 4 1/2 feet thereafter, and within 8 inches of a single gang non-metallic box without clamps. NEC sec. 336-15
7. Metal boxes SHALL BE grounded with a separate machine threaded ground screw. NEC sec. 370-4 and 250-114a
8. All openings in boxes SHALL BE adequately closed. NEC sec. 370-17a
9. All cable jackets SHALL extend at least 1/4 inch into the box. NEC sec. 370-17c
10. All cable SHALL BE secured to the box, except for single gang non-metallic boxes, if stapled within 8 inches of the box. NEC sec. 370-17c
11. Unused openings in boxes SHALL BE effectively closed. NEC sec. 370-18
12. Outlet boxes SHALL BE flush or project from combustible wall or ceiling finishes. A 1/4 inch setback is allowed on non-combustible finishes. NEC sec. 370-20
13. Boxes for ceiling fan support SHALL BE "Listed" fan boxes, mounted per manufacturers' instructions. NEC sec. 370-27
14. Recessed "cans" SHALL maintain a _" clearance from combustible materials. NEC sec. 410-66
15. Cable SHALL BE secured without damage to the outer covering. NEC sec. 336-15
16. Bends in cable SHALL NOT BE less than 5 times (5x) the diameter of the cable. NEC sec. 336-14
17. Device boxes SHALL NOT BE used for fixture outlets. NEC sec. 370-27

Rewiring Requires Certain Conditions

1. Every residence must have at least a 100 ampere, 120/240 volt service with a main switch or disconnect. Power-pak panels are not required to have a main switch.
2. Services 100 ampere and larger must have an eye bolt or mast to support the service drop and must be installed before the final inspection is made. A mast extending 3 feet above the roof shall be supported by a guy wire or braces.
3. Electrical panels of the "plug fuse" type must be equipped with "type S" fuses for the proper wire size.
4. Groundings to interior water system and ground a rod are required to ground electrical services on residential dwellings.
5. Occupants of multi-family dwellings must have free access to their service panel or circuit protectors.
6. A switch controlled light fixture shall be located so it will illuminate the vicinity of every entrance door.
7. Every habitable room, up to a size 12 feet x 12 feet, shall have at least two useable receptacles. Larger rooms shall have receptacles installed as needed.
8. Every habitable room must have a light fixture or receptacle controlled by a wall switch. If a switched receptacle is used in lieu of a light fixture, one additional receptacle must be added.
9. Every room, including kitchen and bathroom, shall have a light fixture controlled by a wall switch. No pull chains allowed.
10. All counter top receptacles in the kitchen shall have ground fault protection (GFI). Bathrooms are required to have a GFI protected receptacle. Outside receptacles shall be GFI protected.
11. Each appliance requiring a grounded 3-wire circuit shall have one of a size large enough to prevent overloading.
12. Areas having a washing machine and/or plumbing for a washing machine shall have a separate 20 ampere grounding type circuit for the washing machine.
13. All new wiring must meet existing codes.
14. All existing wiring must be safe with all splices in junction boxes with covers. Replaced, unused, or discarded wiring shall be removed. Knob and tube wiring may remain, providing it has not been abused, overloaded, damaged, or covered with thermal insulation of any type.
15. Devices, materials and fittings used with aluminum conductors shall be approved for the purpose. Where stranded aluminum conductors are terminated, a suitable corrosion inhibitor shall be used.
16. Smoke detection shall be installed according to the National Fire Alarm Code 1997 edition.