Building and Construction - Multiple holes in load bearing studs

Author

Multiple holes in load bearing studs

parkerea

2006-09-24, 5:25 pm

I want to know the code for boring holes in 2x4 studs in a load bearing
wall.

I have found the reference that says holes can be up to 40% of a the stud's
depth in a load bearing wall, 60% in a non-load bearing wall, but is there
any issue on multiple holes? Is there any code that says how far apart holes
must be or how many are allowed? Can you make swiss cheeze of a stud and
stay within code as long as they all pass the 40% rule?

For example, if a wall will contain 2 water pipes, 110v romex, CAT-5e and
coax, with the CAT-5e & coax can go through the same hole, that makes 4
holes.

Thank you in advance,

parkerea

RicodJour

2006-09-24, 5:25 pm

parkerea wrote:
> I want to know the code for boring holes in 2x4 studs in a load bearing
> wall.
>
> I have found the reference that says holes can be up to 40% of a the stud's
> depth in a load bearing wall, 60% in a non-load bearing wall, but is there
> any issue on multiple holes? Is there any code that says how far apart holes
> must be or how many are allowed? Can you make swiss cheeze of a stud and
> stay within code as long as they all pass the 40% rule?
>
> For example, if a wall will contain 2 water pipes, 110v romex, CAT-5e and
> coax, with the CAT-5e & coax can go through the same hole, that makes 4
> holes.

Wiring holes are much smaller than 40%. If you space the holes 15 or
20 diameters (for small holes) away from each other there will be no
appreciable difference in strength.

R

Glenn

2006-09-24, 8:25 pm

Also, I try to center the holes where there are almost no bending
moments.

"RicodJour" <ricodjour@worldemail.com> wrote in message
news:1159136302.251615.226800@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com
> parkerea wrote:
>
> Wiring holes are much smaller than 40%. If you space the
> holes 15 or 20 diameters (for small holes) away from each
> other there will be no appreciable difference in strength.
>
> R

parkerea

2006-09-28, 3:25 am

Thank you for your response. However, I am more concerned with code than
with actual strength. Although the wall in question is officially load
bearing, the load is quite modest -- single story with open beam ceiling,
and a significant portion of the roof weight is taken by the central beam.

We are planning a significant addition to our house. My plan here is to run
CAT-5e through the walls while they are still open. According to my plan, on
at least 1 wall I intend to run under a low window where there is about 2'
of space between the floor & window. There will be at least 3 things running
through that space: existing Romex, new CAT-5e, and a new flex conduit
(which will be empty, put there "just in case" something like fiber optics
for the home becomes reality the future). That means there will be less than
6" between each, depending on where the Romex is.

Since I am the homeowner, not a knowledgeable contractor, I want to be sure
I don't violate code and cause problems. I confirmed with the Dept of Public
Works building office that I don't need a permit for the low voltage stuff
as long as nothing is hard wired into the a/c line. However, I just want to
be sure that I don't violate any framing code and cause headaches for
myself.

By the way, yes, I understand that the 40% is much larger than needed for
wiring. From what I understand, a 7/8" hole is typical, leaving about 1-1/4"
of stud on each side so you don't need nail stops.

Thanks again,

parkerea

"RicodJour" wrote in message
news:1159136302.251615.226800@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com...
> parkerea wrote:
stud's[color=darkred]
there[color=darkred]
holes[color=darkred]
and[color=darkred]
>
> Wiring holes are much smaller than 40%. If you space the holes 15 or
> 20 diameters (for small holes) away from each other there will be no
> appreciable difference in strength.
>
> R

RicodJour

2006-09-28, 9:25 am

parkerea wrote:
> Thank you for your response. However, I am more concerned with code than
> with actual strength. Although the wall in question is officially load
> bearing, the load is quite modest -- single story with open beam ceiling,
> and a significant portion of the roof weight is taken by the central beam.
>
> We are planning a significant addition to our house. My plan here is to run
> CAT-5e through the walls while they are still open. According to my plan, on
> at least 1 wall I intend to run under a low window where there is about 2'
> of space between the floor & window. There will be at least 3 things running
> through that space: existing Romex, new CAT-5e, and a new flex conduit
> (which will be empty, put there "just in case" something like fiber optics
> for the home becomes reality the future). That means there will be less than
> 6" between each, depending on where the Romex is.
>
> Since I am the homeowner, not a knowledgeable contractor, I want to be sure
> I don't violate code and cause problems. I confirmed with the Dept of Public
> Works building office that I don't need a permit for the low voltage stuff
> as long as nothing is hard wired into the a/c line. However, I just want to
> be sure that I don't violate any framing code and cause headaches for
> myself.
>
> By the way, yes, I understand that the 40% is much larger than needed for
> wiring. From what I understand, a 7/8" hole is typical, leaving about 1-1/4"
> of stud on each side so you don't need nail stops.

Make the holes no larger than necessary if you're concerned. 3/4" is
large enough for everything except the flex conduit. Electrician's
like to drill larger holes as it makes it easier to pull the wire.
Offset the holes a little bit so they don't line up down the middle of
the stud. Other than that - don't worry about it.

R

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