{"id":498,"date":"2021-05-20T17:27:53","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T17:27:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=498"},"modified":"2021-05-20T17:27:54","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T17:27:54","slug":"can-you-stack-romex-under-one-staple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/can-you-stack-romex-under-one-staple","title":{"rendered":"Can You Stack Romex Under One Staple?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Whether you are wiring in your basement, crawl space, attic, garage, or even in your kitchen, you might have to pass several wires from the same point before splitting them up. This could either be for aesthetics or to ensure functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A common question people ask when two or more wires need to be passed from the same point is whether or not you can stack Romex under one staple. This question is frequently asked by DIY-ers and for good reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In most cases, stacking up to 3 Romex cables under one staple is allowed. However, certain conditions need to be met. There are no specific requirements under code for the staple being used. However, DIY-ers need to keep in mind that metal staples aren\u2019t just cheaper, but they are also much better than plastic ones (albeit not as pretty). <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Can You Stack Romex Under One Staple?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The reason for this question may arise in the first place is that when you staple wires, they get compressed. Over time, if the staple is too tight, it can start eating up the insulation or rubber underneath it, effectively exposing the conductors in between and getting energized. The weak insulation presents a risk of electric shock and conductors shorting out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, if you choose to staple more wires, i.e., stack them under one staple, there is a good chance that with time, especially in humid places where the metal will rust up, the wires may end up touching one another or the staple itself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An obvious solution to this would seem to be plastic ones. Not only are they better looking, but they also don\u2019t erode. However, this isn\u2019t a sustainable solution since plastic staples are supported by nails on one or both sides. The nail will need to be hammered into the wall. This makes it much stronger and firmer in place, but the same cannot be said about the grip it has on the wire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are different plastic \u201cstaples\u201d or braces for different wire sizes. When used for the dedicated wire size, these braces perform much better than metal staples. However, to brace two or more wires, you will need to buy braces fit for a bigger wire \u2013 not those suitable for several wires. The wires will end up crushing each other, effectively being more harmful at the end of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another issue with plastic staples on Romex is that they can be relatively hard to install in hard-to-reach places. We prefer metal ones, especially if we aren\u2019t using conduits. However, if you are using those PVC channels, you would be better off using these plastic braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things to Keep In Mind When Stacking Multiple Romex Wires Under One Staple<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When stacking multiple Romex wires under one staple, the general rule of thumb is to always wire just one wire per stable, and if you <\/strong>really <\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong>must, staple no more than two wires side by side. <\/strong>In the field, anything more than two wires at a time is known as a stack<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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