If holes are drilled less than 1-1/2 inches from the edge of a stud, what must be installed on the edge of the stud?

If holes are drilled less than 1-1/2 inches from the edge of a stud, what must be installed on the edge of the stud?

• A. Steel plates
• B. Plastic grommets
• C. Metal studs
• D. Cable ties

Answer: (A)

Protect electrical cables from nails and screws near stud edges. When a hole is drilled within about 1-1/2 inches of the edge, a steel nail plate (nail guard) must be installed on the edge of the stud to shield the cable from fasteners driven through drywall or siding. The plate acts as a rigid shield that prevents nails or screws from penetrating the insulation and copper, reducing the risk of electrical damage or fire. Other items like plastic grommets, metal studs, or cable ties don’t provide this edge protection: grommets guide or protect cables in openings but don’t stop penetrating fasteners, metal studs are structural components, and cable ties only secure cables without guarding them from nails.

Protect electrical cables from nails and screws near stud edges. When a hole is drilled within about 1-1/2 inches of the edge, a steel nail plate (nail guard) must be installed on the edge of the stud to shield the cable from fasteners driven through drywall or siding. The plate acts as a rigid shield that prevents nails or screws from penetrating the insulation and copper, reducing the risk of electrical damage or fire. Other items like plastic grommets, metal studs, or cable ties don’t provide this edge protection: grommets guide or protect cables in openings but don’t stop penetrating fasteners, metal studs are structural components, and cable ties only secure cables without guarding them from nails.