Calling Electricians...

[DieselBug]

Anyone know where I can find this grommet for running wire through steel studs? My studs don't have a round hole for a traditional circular grommet. This one fastens into a rectangular cut-out. The builder left a few but I haven't been able to track them down.

Alternatively, anyone know where I can buy a grommet punch?

[Guysmiley]

Re: Calling Electricians...

Anyone know where I can find this grommet for running wire through steel studs? My studs don't have a round hole for a traditional circular grommet. This one fastens into a rectangular cut-out. The builder left a few but I haven't been able to track them down.

Alternatively, anyone know where I can buy a grommet punch?

A grommet punch should be available at any electrical wholesaler (Eecol, westburne, nedco...), Same with the grommet.

I think the punch will be very pricey. I usually just use a step bit.

You might be able to rent one from home depot?

[DieselBug]

Re: Calling Electricians...

I'll give those places a try. Thanks!

[dJ]

Re: Calling Electricians...

Yeah, even the electrical wholesalers off 12st and 32nd ave NE would probably have it too.

[danno]

Re: Calling Electricians...

they should be red gromets they work alright, i don't like working with steel studs. are you doing your bassment??

[Stonewall]

Re: Calling Electricians...

If you are doing your basement I would stay away from steel studs for obvious reasons.

[dJ]

Re: Calling Electricians...

Yeah...I would stay away from them as well. I wouldn't buy my wood studs at home depot or rona either though.

[RobG]

Re: Calling Electricians...

If you are doing your basement I would stay away from steel studs for obvious reasons.

What are these reasons?

[DieselBug]

Re: Calling Electricians...

Yes, I'm doing my basement. The builder did the foundation walls with steel studs. I've done all the interior walls in wood. I'd rather not have any steel just because it is a pain to hang drywall on, but I'm not about to tear out everything the builder did. I have been adding wood to the steel frames to mount my receptacles, but running wire through the steel is unavoidable in some areas.
Thanks for the help with the grommets guys.

[gaffer]

Re: Calling Electricians...

Is there room between the foundation wall and the steel studs to run the wire behind the studs? This way you dont need to use grommets and running the wire is a lot easier.

This is what we did in my basement with the steel studs. My father in law is an electrician, and this is also an acceptable way to run the wiring.

With that said, steel studs are such a pain in the ass to work with. I am glad my new house has wood framing in the basement.

Andrew

[DieselBug]

Re: Calling Electricians...

Is there room between the foundation wall and the steel studs to run the wire behind the studs? This way you dont need to use grommets and running the wire is a lot easier.

This is what we did in my basement with the steel studs. My father in law is an electrician, and this is also an acceptable way to run the wiring.

With that said, steel studs are such a pain in the ass to work with. I am glad my new house has wood framing in the basement.

Andrew

Interesting. I'd have some pretty long spans of unsupported cable if I run it behind the studs. I think code specifies supporting cable every 1.5m throughout a run, but I'm no expert. I'd want to be sure it will pass inspection...

[Guysmiley]

Re: Calling Electricians...

Interesting. I'd have some pretty long spans of unsupported cable if I run it behind the studs. I think code specifies supporting cable every 1.5m throughout a run, but I'm no expert. I'd want to be sure it will pass inspection...

You are correct about the 1.5m through out the run and 300mm within every box. (rule 12-510).

Although you could run behind the studs, I would reccomend spending the extra time and money and go for the grommets. It I were wiring my basement with steel studs that's what I would do for sure.

Side note, you could get the proper steel stud wrap boxes if the wood blocks are a pain in the ass to mount your receptacles....

[danno]

Re: Calling Electricians...

don't run behind the steel studs, it'll take you forever to strap. i'm assuming he used zipties. at work we use bx for steel studs but that'll be to expensive for home use, just use the gromets. good luck, i have a basement to check out this weekend hopefully it's not steel studs....haha

[dJ]

Re: Calling Electricians...

I dunno, I would just go behind every other stud. I've even done it for wooden studs, especially for going around a corner. As long as you pull it tight, you should be fine going every other stud. If your afraid about it being called, which it shouldn't just use the grommets.