I'll be wiring my workshop under the guidance of the electrical sub that's doing our new house. I've done several smaller wiring projects over the years. But, to keep me from unnecessarily bugging him for advice, I have a couple of questions so far.

When routing the sheathed electrical cable in the attic, (Wood framing), what's the best way? Is it normal practice to just run it directly across from junction box to junction box or should the wiring be secured along the joists and then across to the next junction box? Should I drill 3/4" holes in the joists instead of laying the wiring on top?

It seems that running it directly to the boxes would save on excess wiring, but running it along the joists and then across to the boxes would be neater.

Thanks!

Larry

The section on NM (sheathed electrical cable) cables in attics refers to this section.

"320.23 In Accessible Attics
Type AC cables in accessible attics or roof spaces shall be installed as specified in
320.23(A) and (B).
(A) Where Run Across the Top of Floor Joists Where run across the top of floor joists,
or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in attics
and roof spaces that are accessible, the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips
that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent
stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the nearest edge
of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.
In accessible attics, Type AC cable installed across the top of floor joists or within 7 ft
of the floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studs must be protected by guard
strips. Where the attic is not accessible by a permanent ladder or stairs, guard strips are
required only within 6 ft of the scuttle hole or opening.
(B) Cable Installed Parallel to Framing Members Where the cable is installed parallel
to the sides of rafters, studs, or floor joists, neither guard strips nor running boards shall
be required, and the installation shall also comply with 300.4(D)."

3004.(D).

(D) Cables and Raceways Parallel to Framing Members and Furring Strips In both
exposed and concealed locations, where a cable- or raceway-type wiring method is
installed parallel to framing members, such as joists, rafters, or studs, or is installed
parallel to furring strips, the cable or raceway shall be installed and supported so that the
nearest outside surface of the cable or raceway is not less than 32 mm (1 1 / 4 in.) from the
nearest edge of the framing member or furring strips where nails or screws are likely to
penetrate. Where this distance cannot be maintained, the cable or raceway shall be
protected from penetration by nails or screws by a steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent at
least 1.6 mm ( 1 / 16 in.) thick.

Thanks Bill!

Would fold-up attic stairs be considered "permanent"?

There is very little room up there because of the truss supports, so there will just be a small area for storage near the scuttle hole no real "walking around" to speak of.

Larry

"
Would fold-up attic stairs be considered "permanent"?"

Those are the gray area. In one part of the country they might be, not in another.

In general I would make it neat and logical, while not wasting a unusal amount of coper.

In general I would run along the trusses. Or at one or two areas nail in some 1x4 running bards (or untility 2x4" might be cheaper) at right angles to the trusses.

But say you have a kitchen in one corner diagonaly oposite the panel.

Since you have a large number of loads in the one area then run a running board diagonly across the trusses. and you can pick up other near by circuits at the same time.