When a hole is drilled near a stud edge, steel plates spanning the hole must be installed on the edge of the stud. Which option best describes this requirement?

When a hole is drilled near a stud edge, steel plates spanning the hole must be installed on the edge of the stud. Which option best describes this requirement?

• A. Steel plates spanning the hole installed on the edge of the stud
• B. Plastic grommets around the hole
• C. No protection is required
• D. A steel box around the hole

Answer: (A)

When wiring passes near the edge of a stud, you must shield it from fasteners with a steel protective plate. Installing a nail plate on the edge of the stud, spanning the hole, creates a durable shield that prevents nails or screws from penetrating the conductor if drywall or other materials are fastened nearby. This practice reduces the risk of accidental damage to the wiring and helps maintain electrical safety. Plastic grommets don’t provide the same protection against penetrations from nails, and a steel box around the hole isn’t appropriate for simply protecting a wire through a stud. Saying no protection is required ignores the real risk of fasteners striking the wire.

When wiring passes near the edge of a stud, you must shield it from fasteners with a steel protective plate. Installing a nail plate on the edge of the stud, spanning the hole, creates a durable shield that prevents nails or screws from penetrating the conductor if drywall or other materials are fastened nearby. This practice reduces the risk of accidental damage to the wiring and helps maintain electrical safety.

Plastic grommets don’t provide the same protection against penetrations from nails, and a steel box around the hole isn’t appropriate for simply protecting a wire through a stud. Saying no protection is required ignores the real risk of fasteners striking the wire.