OESC 334.15(C) In Unfinished Basements.

In Oregon, the code language placing restrictions on the size and method of running nonmetallic sheathed cables in a crawl space or unfinished basement has been amended and only applies to NM cables installed in an unfinished basement.
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In Oregon, the code language placing restrictions on the size and method of running nonmetallic sheathed cables in a crawl space or unfinished basement has been amended and only applies to NM cables installed in an unfinished basement.

A simple strike through of the phrase “and crawl spaces” makes it clear that in Oregon, the rules in NEC® 334.15(C) only apply to unfinished basements:

334.15(C) In Unfinished Basements and Crawl Spaces. Where cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements and crawl spaces, it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller than two 6 AWG or three 8 AWG conductors directly to the lower edge of the joists. Smaller cables shall be run either through bored holes in joists or on running boards. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable installed on the wall of an unfinished basement shall be permitted to be installed in a listed conduit or tubing or shall be protected in accordance with 300.4.

Oregon amendments to the 2023 NEC® are located in “Table 1-E” of the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC) which can be seen using the following link or the OESC PDF file located near the bottom of the screen: 2023 OESC

  Click here to view the OESC  

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OESC 334.15(C) In Unfinished Basements.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true when installing 12 AWG nonmetallic sheathed cable (type NM) in a crawl space?

A: The NM cable cannot be installed directly on the edge of a joist.
B: The NM cable must only be installed through bored holes in the joists.
C: The OESC has amended the crawl space restrictions out of the NEC for NM cable.
D: Any NM cable installed in a crawl space must be NMC (corrosive resistant).
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