Making Swiss Cheese Out of Framing, (a.k.a. "running ro

[mfwalker]

I'm drilling 3/4" holes over 1 1/4 inch away from the edges for 12-2 and 10-2 romex.

Each romex wire is parallel in its seperate vertically spaced hole in the 2x6 framing.

Since I have a 1" and larger bits that are much faster, I was curious as to safe bit range hole sizes in a 2x4 or 2x6 in load bearing walls.

Thanks,

Mark

[6pack]

the 1" hole is fine. On those framing joists pretty sure you need to be 2" from the edge of your hole and member face? 11/4" from edge holes true for 2by 4s.Also 1/3 of member is max size hole allowed. GL2U

[6pack]

Just noticed you were asking on bearing walls, your ok there. 1" hole plus 2x 1 1/4" = 3 1/2" 2BY. 2x6 up to 2" max.

[mfwalker]

I'll then go ahead and use my 1" bit centered 2 1/2" from the edge of the 2x6, leaving 2" of material to the edge.

I have 4 to 6, depending on distance, parallel runs that I will center 2 1/2 vertically, leaving 2" of material vertically between each run.

Thanks,

Mark

[mfwalker]

Hello:

Just curious: When I arrived near the panel, I reduced the number of 1" holes to three. I have a maximum of two romex 10-2 in a hole and three 12-2.

When you run multiple wires of romex parallel to each other, threaded through the same holes, do any rules of amperage degradation apply?

Is the maximum number of wires that can be placed in the hole equal to max number that can be comfortably pulled through the hole with out damage to the sheathing?

Thanks.. I couldn't find anything in my books on this.

Mark

[Wgoodrich]

Romex passing through a top plate or stud comfortable without damage is the concern of number of wires through that hole.

Ampacity deration is not a concern for passing through drilled holes except if more than 24" of solid wood and cables are bundled through a bunch of wood. Doubt you will find that though.

Good Luck

Wg