Good morning everyone,

I remember the code used to have specific language about stapling to a furring strip. I thought the code used to say the word "furring." 1999 NEC?? I looked for this yesterday in 2002 but could not find it. Does anyone know if there is still code language specifically mentioning the word "furring?"

furring strip (noun)
1. strip used to give a level surface for attaching wallboard
Synonyms: furring

I am aware of the 1 1/4 inch rule for securing parallel to framing members. The problem is that I have a contractor adding his own furring strips, so that he can staple to them. Is that considered to be a framing member? What do you guys think?

Nick, thats a good question and probably impossible to answer. I would suggest that any furring strip attached to the wall has a possiblity of having a drywall screw inserted, even though most drywallers would follow the 16or 24 on center strips, but for safety I would probably make them protect to the 1 1/4 inch rule
I don't remember any mention of furring in previous codes, but in one of the nec magazine issues there was mention of adding it to the 2005 code.

I agree with you. The debate could be endless as to whether or not it's considered a framing member. Unless there is some definition of "framing member" in the FBC. Don't know off hand.

I also agree with you, drywallers may be likely to use these furring strips. They are anywhere from 3 to 5 feet long. Very tempting for certain drywallers to attach wallboard to.

I think it's in there somewhere. I just don't have my books (old ones) with me. I'm currently on an assignment in Polk county near Kissimmee and I only travel with the most recent codebooks.

I think it says something like "such as stapled to furring". It might be the 99 code or even the 96 code. I think it was in article 300. I'm not sure.

Or I may just be hallucinating, which is entirely possible at this point in my life. But if anyone can check for me and give me the old article, if it exists, I'd really appreciate it.

You are correct, a furring strip is not a framing member by the FBC. The NEC doesn't use furring strip as part of their language. But the intent of the code is to provide the 1 1/4" in any location where dry-wall screws may damage the wiring method. Some jurisdictions have enforced 300.4 to furring strips, and some do not, and use the FBC definition of framing member to support their opinion.

As for me I think that 300.4 applies and the wiring method can be damaged if not enforced.
I would myself apply that code rule to any furring strip installed to support dry-wall. If additional furring strips were installed by the electrical contractor in other locations just for the support of the wiring method I would look at that in a different light.

Just for information, that is one of the code changes proposed for the 2005 NEC. Adding the word furring strip.

Mike,I guess this statement"Some jurisdictions have enforced 300.4 to furring strips, and some do not, and use the FBC definition of framing member to support their opinion."would apply to concrete block walls that have 3/4" furring for the drywall. To me this seems like an accident waiting to happen if the homeowner decides to start hanging pictures.

Thanks for the input, Dan! And welcome.

I think we all agree that it's not good practice. But if it's not clear in the codes than that's where the "politics" of code enforcement comes into play.

Who is more influential to the building official? The builder? The electrical inspector's opinion? Which will carry more weight? Who does the contractor know? I agree with Mike that the INTENT of the code is not to do it at all. But it's not clearly specified. And to make matters worse, the FBC doesn't designate a furring strip as a framing member, as Mike pointed out. What if the electrical contractor used short, little pieces of furring strip, say 2 or 3 inches long. Nail it to the concrete block and then nail the cable to that. Would that be OK then? Would it still be considered a furring STRIP, or just a way to secure the wire to the block? OK I'll stop rambling.

I think we have identified a potential problem with the 2002 NEC code. So that brings me back to my original question. I think it used to say furring strip in an old NEC code somewhere. Can someone find this for me? I need to know the old language. As I firmly believe it was once in the code, I am offering the FURst guy that finds this old code language a 25 dollar gift certificate to Chili's.

:p

Nick, It's a shame I can't find furring strip in any previous code books and I've been back to 1971,because I really love Chili's. The closest in all the code books is wood members, joists, rafters etc.
Sorry I was really looking forward to those fajitas!!!!

I just got home and checked the 99 and guess what -- it's not there!!!!!!
AAARRGG**!!++###!!!

Your right and I guess that I AM hallucinating.
Email me privately with your address for the Chili's certificate. I figure you earned it.

Hay don't be to quick to give it up...I have code books back to 1959! I'll check tonight.

Just another thought. Take a look at 300.4(e):From the NEC;

(E) Cables and Raceways Installed in Shallow Grooves.
Cable- or raceway-type wiring methods installed in a groove, to be covered by wallboard, siding, paneling, carpeting, or similar finish, shall be protected by 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent or by not less than 32 mm (11/4 in.) free space for the full length of the groove in which the cable or raceway is installed

Exception:
Steel plates, sleeves, or the equivalent shall not be required to protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.

Now I understand that it says "shallow groove",
but the idea is when the cable is installed in a wall where the 1 1/4" measurement can't be maintained than a steel plate must be installed for the full length of the groove. So than, what is the difference between a shallow groove, that does not have the 1 1/4", and a wall that does not have the 1 1/4" because of the size of the furring strip? Really isn't it the same thing, I mean if the code requires protection for the cable for a groove, why would not the cables in the whole wall require the same protection?

Doesn't that put a kink in your belt!

So if a contractor installed some sections of furring strip to staple the cable, would it comply with 300.4(e)?

Back to 59!! Well, I was born in 64 so don't check before that date - I couldn't have possibly read it!

I guess we could nail plate the whole dang wall with one gigantic piece of sheet metal 1/16" thick. Then, of course, construction adhesive could be used to secure the wallboard, and screws wouldn't be a threat any longer............. ...........but I agree with your logic and how you see the intent...........................but --- we could always fish the wire....

Glad you're back, my friend. I heard you were pulling double time up there in Lake county in order to keep things rolling.

Have been back in the code books and I must concur that I have not come across the word furring. If the 11/4" can not be maintained it seems that the dear contractor may have to run conduit to protect the wiring. As Danny stated when the homeowner trys to haang a pic etc. he could potentially run into a problem. Would this also pertain to m/c cable?

Yes it would apply.

Nothing on furring back to 1959, but the code section from 59 was 300-8. In 75 it was relocated to 300-4.

What ever happened to the old intrepretation that any cable in a 3/4" furred wall against block, went in EMT? I know installers probably hate it but it does seem a lot safer

Welcome.

I agree it's safer. It's like Mike was pointing out earlier (the 1 1/4" can't be maintained), as if you have a shallow groove.

I really hope they add the words "furring strip" in the 2005 code.

The way it's done now is the cable is fastened to a plastic standoff that holds it a couple inches away from the furring horizontally but it is still right behind the drywall. If the homeowner is hanging pictures they can hit the cable