320.23(A) Cables Run Across the Top of Framing Members.

Cable protection is required where cables are run across the top of framing members, or across the face of rafters or studding within 7 feet of the floor or horizontal surface.
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Cable protection is required where cables are run across the top of framing members, or across the face of rafters or studding within 7 feet of the floor or horizontal surface.

Code Change Summary: Revised code language covers Type AC cables run across the top of “framing members”.

In the 2023 NEC®, a public input was accepted to reword Section 320.23(A) so that it applies to Armored Cables (Type AC) running across the top of framing members, the face of rafters, or studs.

In the 2020 NEC®, this section applied only when “floor joists” were involved.

Some attics or other spaces where AC cables might be used have ceiling joists. Some finished attics are built with the floor decking resting on the top surface of the bottom chord of a truss which is not technically a “floor joist”.

Now, Section 320.23(A) applies where AC cables are run across the top of framing members, or across the face of rafters or studding within 7 feet of the floor or horizontal surface. For these installations, the cable must be protected by guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. If this space is not accessible by permanently installed stairs or ladders, the cable protection is only required within 6 feet of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.

Even though this code change is only found in Article 320 applicable to type AC cable, it also affects Metal Clad Cable (MC) and Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NM) installed in accessible attics since both cable types are required by their article to comply with the rules in Section 320.23 for AC cable.

Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.

2020 Code Language:

320.23(A) Cables Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 7 feet of the floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, the cable shall be protected by guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanently instal⁠led stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 6 feet of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.

2023 Code Language:

320.23(A) Cables Run Across the Top of Framing Members. Where run across the top of framing members, or across the face of rafters or studding within 7 feet of the floor or horizontal surface, the cable shall be protected by guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanently instal⁠led stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 6 feet of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.

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320.23(A) Cables Run Across the Top of Framing Members.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Based on the 2023 NEC, which of the following is true of AC cable?

A: Section 320.23(A) only applies to AC cables run across the top of floor joists.
B: Section 320.23(A) applies where AC cables are run across the top of framing members, or across the face of rafters or studding within 7 feet of the floor or horizontal surface.
C: Section 320.23(A) only applies to AC cables run across the top of ceiling joists.
D: Section 320.23(A) only applies to AC cables run across the face of studs.
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