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I’m installing two new ceiling fans below an existing ceiling that cannot be disturbed because it’s decorative, so I’m framing a new drop ceiling cavity consisting of 2x4s to run 14/3 cable and set the two fan junction boxes with steel brackets.

Can I run the cable loosely in this space, connecting only at the boxes, or does this wiring have to be secured somehow? I'm in Kansas and NEC applies.

FreeMan
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Roger
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  • you might want 12/3 – Traveler Aug 02 '23 at 03:50
  • I don't understand why you wouldn't want to simply remove a decorative ceiling, if you're willing to cover it up anyway. – Huesmann Aug 02 '23 at 12:23
  • It's not being covered, @Huesmann. It's being partially covered by a wiring duct. – isherwood Aug 02 '23 at 13:06
  • Why can't you staple to your new framing? The question isn't clear. – isherwood Aug 02 '23 at 13:07
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    Have you considered surface-mount channel (like Wiremold) for the wiring? Might be less intrusive. – nobody Aug 02 '23 at 13:25
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    The question is clear as mud. If it's about running through an existing space, it's a duplicate. https://diy.stackexchange.com/q/15694/18078 It's unclear how much that is the case from the question, since it refers to "framing a new drop ceiling cavity" – Ecnerwal Aug 02 '23 at 13:42
  • This could definitely use an [edit] to clarify. Maybe the addition of a picture or drawing showing us exactly what's going on here would help. In any event, if you're putting up new framing of any sort, and the wiring will be in this new framing, the most likely interpretation is that the cable should be secured to said framing. If it's not being inspected, you could probably get away with not securing it, but why quibble over a few wire staples for under $1 total cost? – FreeMan Aug 02 '23 at 17:19

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If you can get to the areas, and not running cable through a cavity, the wire needs to be anchored. Since you said you are framing in a new ceiling you need to follow the code for new construction. Staple the wire 8 inches from the box minimum. and every 4 1/2 feet.

Your choice of cable should be rated for the breaker that services it. #14 for a 15 amp breaker, #12 for a 20 amp breaker. The reference from another member to 12/3 cable is good advice. The 12/3 will give wire to power the fan and a light separately. A good idea even if the new fan does not have a light, the wire is there for the future. The 12/3 can be used with a 15 or 20 amp breaker.

RMDman
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  • The cable is running through a cavity, and there's not a new ceiling. I suggest a re-read. – isherwood Aug 02 '23 at 13:09
  • @isherwood No, you’re misunderstanding. The OP is constructing a new channel on the surface of their ceiling. This channel will be accessible during construction so the wire that will run inside it must be secured. The exception to securing requirements is for wiring being fished inside entirely pre-existing spaces, not new spaces. – nobody Aug 02 '23 at 13:23
  • Yep. Not a new ceiling. – isherwood Aug 02 '23 at 13:44
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    It seems to me that the cable is running through some framing that is (to be) newly built and open. Therefore, the cable should be attached to the new framing. If one were to attach the cable (even if it weren't required), one would be exceeding the minimum required by code and that is allowed; ergo, no harm, no foul. – FreeMan Aug 02 '23 at 17:17
  • What if the OP builds the chase and then runs the wire through it? :-p – Huesmann Aug 03 '23 at 13:49