I'm in the process of finishing my basement, and I've got some Romex and coaxial cables running along the sill plate (check out the photo I attached). I'm applying rigid foam panels to the concrete walls and then framing on top. I'm trying to figure out the best way to deal with these cables, and I've come up with a few options:
1) I could run the rigid foam up to the top of the concrete, just below the sill plate, and frame up to the floor joists, which would trap the cables behind the framing. However, I think this could be an electrical code violation.
2) Another option is to do the same thing, but notch the back of the top framing stud so that I can access the wiring. This approach seems like it could violate fire blocking codes.
3) A more labor-intensive option would be to pull the wiring and reroute it through holes in the floor joists, allowing me to run the rigid foam all the way up to the joists and frame over it. This seems like the best option, but I'm worried it might be a real hassle.
I've also thought of a fourth method after posting: what if I just frame up to the top of the concrete and add blocking between the top of the frame and the floor joists? This way, the wiring would still be mostly accessible but not mess with the fire blocking requirements. Any thoughts on these options?
1 Answer
Honestly, it sounds like option #3 is the safest bet. You're right about not having any junction boxes hidden behind framing or drywall. As long as your cables (Romex and coax) are rated for in-wall use, they're fine to run along the sill plate as you described. Just make sure to keep those access points for the wiring if you need to troubleshoot later on. Just do it right the first time, and you won’t have to worry!
So, if I just keep those accessible and use in-wall rated cables, it should be all good?