1st year out of vo-tech, working for a small shop near asbury. we failed a rough in on a bathroom remodel today. inspector wrote up "physical protection" on a couple runs where the cable goes through studs, and something about the box by the vanity being too full.
boss says the inspector is being picky and he's done it this way for years. i don't want to say anything dumb but i also want to understand it. who's right
edit: it was nail plates on two studs where the holes were close to the edge. boss fixed it, passed on reinspection. thanks for explaining instead of just dunking on me
Electrical inspector (former contractor) · 26 years · Ocean County, NJ
Mentor✓ Accepted answer
Not legal advice, just how I'd look at it. When cable runs through a hole close to the edge of a stud, it needs protection so a drywall screw doesn't find it. That's what a nail plate is for, and it's one of the most common write-ups I see. Box fill is counting conductors, devices and clamps against the box's volume; a small box with a GFCI and a couple of cables fills up fast.
The inspector is enforcing whatever code edition is in effect for that permit. Next time, ask politely for the section number. Most inspectors will give it to you and respect you more for asking.
Electrical Contractor · 22 years · Monmouth County, NJ
Mentor
Honestly nail plates are the number one thing I see guys skip on remodels down here. Your boss knows better, he just didn't want to hear it in front of you.