big holes in framing

Started by dug, June 16, 2011, 02:34:10 PM

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dug

finishing up my electrical work and am now installing the load box and routing the home runs to it. The guy I'm working for helped me map it out suggested I drill a two inch hole through the bottom plate and subfloor in order to route the cable through and out the wall to the outdoor mounted load box. The home runs are all running in between my floor joists.

Are there any structural issues with a hole this size? It is a 20 by 30 1 & 1/2 story on piers and the hole would be on a load bearing exterior wall. Also Also the floor joists, and the wall above it cantilever 6 inches over the beam, if that makes any difference.

According to what I read it seems within code. Because of the beam under it I can only set the hole back 3/4 inch, which seem within code also if I put a steel plate over it.

No big deal?

devildog

Its done all the time. They make a metal plate to nail over electrical and plumbing to protect them in areas where drilling is close to edge of studs or plates. Another option would be to frame out panel to make a raceway for wiring.
Darrell

I wanted to modify because I read wallplate and then I read again and saw beam. I would not drill a hole that size through a load bearing beam. Even though you can under certain circumstances. Theres a picture somewhere on here that talks about holes and notches in beams.
Are you needing to drill thru a beam?
Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.
Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985


dug

QuoteAre you needing to drill thru a beam?

No, not through the beam. There is a beam under it which is why I need to drill the hole close to the edge of the stud. I forgot to mention that the walls are 2 by 6.

devildog

You'll be good to go then. I had an electrical inspector who required plates at every hole even if it was center of stud. But it really is for your own protection against screws and nails. repairs arent always easy.
Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.
Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985