Are you running the cables parallel or perpendicular to the joists.
Staple wires in attic.
I was also under the impression that if wiring is in an attic space that it may need to be derated because it can get very hot up there.
There are codes for how far apart staples have to be what the wires can be stapled to and where on the structural members the wires can be stapled.
Which is most effective outside on overhang or inside attic.
Do not fasten cables on edge.
Avoid plain metal staples and never use standard staples or other fasteners that are not designed for electrical installations.
1 staple long wire 60 to 110 feet u shaped to wood roof overhang height varies 10 to 19 feet at peak as endfed.
When romex is run across rafters in an open unfinished attic it is my position that a raceway of some kind 1x3 s or even 2x4 s should first be attached across the affected rafters perhaps 3 to 4 above the joists then the wiring be stapled to the raceway.
Find your attic access.
Use insulated staples and fasteners.
Next would be drilling holes through the joist and threading the wire that way next would be attaching the wire to the side of the joist with a wire staple next you could attach to the top of.
The question i have is do i really need to staple the wires down every two feet in the attic.
Or 2 staple as 40 20 dipole.
Also it may not be as simple as stapling the wiring to the structural members.
It s a borderline case.
The staple requirement is actually every 4 1 2 i would probably try to do so if possible.
Tester101 feb 18 13 at 12 40.
How to run wire through an attic step 1.
Electrical staples are approximately 1 2 inch wide and can be attached with a hammer to hold the wire in place beneath the joists.
In my 2017 nec handbook under 334 30 the commentary reads draping the cable over air ducts rafters timbers joists pipes and ceiling grid members without securing the cable with approved means is not permitted except where the cable is fished as allowed in 334 30 b 1.
The best way to install an electrical staple is to put the prongs.
The wire options above i could do in attic but more physically difficult.
Secure cables snugly but not so tightly that the cable is damaged or indented from the fastener.
Position cables flat against framing before securing them.
If this meets code then i will be running attic wiring in this manner from now on.
Measure the distance between the two sites you want to run wire between and make sure you will have enough wire.
Or 3 staple a ocfd.