Code for Nail Plates

[cakins]

I'm just curious about code requirements for nail plates. I've already had my electrical rough-in inspection and passed, yet I had no plates installed yet. Completely forgot about them, actually. Nothing was said. Does that mean I don't need them?

I've got 12/3 NM running horizontally through wall studs as well as various cables through holes in the top plates.

Even if not required, are they best practice for insurance against drywall nails?

[pcboss]

As long as the hoples are 1 1/4" back from the face of the stud no nail plates are needed.

[Patrick22]

You hit the nail right on the wire... I mean head with the plates. They are cheap insurance for not hitting the wires that are less then 1 1/4 inches from the face of the framing member. Use them liberally. Also ensure that the wiring in your boxes is tucked carefully in the back of the boxes. Gone are the skilled sheetrockers that actually knew how to measure and cut out holes for our boxes. They all use routers these days and the bits will make coleslaw of your wiring.

[Bill190]

These are cheap. I install them anywhere a wire goes through a stud.

Basically a wire is a "trapped prisoner" in this location. The back of the hole will hold the wire while someone drives a nail through it. If you hit a wire in-between studs, the wire can move out of the way or move back.

I install these not only for when the drywall goes up, but also for after that when someone may be driving a nail to hang a picture or whatever.

In a garage I like all wires (in the wall) to be in conduit for when someone comes along and drives all those long nails to hang brooms, rakes, tools, etc.