320.23 AC cable in attics
What changed in 320.23
Attic protection rules for AC cable were reworded to cover framing members in general. The 7-foot and 6-foot rules still apply.
Point by point
- Guard strips are needed where cable runs across the tops of framing members, or across rafters or studs within 7 feet of the floor.
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- 3 more points on exactly what changed
- The 2020 rule next to the 2023 rule, side by side
- Why it changed
- What to do and check on the job
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This section across NEC® editions
2020 NEC®Revised
Wording on protecting AC cable in accessible attics was cleaned up. Guard strip rules for cable across joists or near the floor stayed the same.
Open the 2020 page →2023 NEC®RevisedYou're here
Attic protection rules for AC cable were reworded to cover framing members in general. The 7-foot and 6-foot rules still apply.
2026 NEC®No change
This section did not change from 2023 to 2026.
This is a plain-English summary, not the NEC®'s exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC® edition your area has adopted, plus any local amendments.
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