In an attic space that does not have permanent stairs or a ladder, protection for feeder cables running across the face of the rafters is required within how many feet of the attic entrance?

• A. 6 ft
• B. 3 ft
• C. 10 ft
• D. 12 ft

Answer: (A)

When there’s no permanent stair or ladder into an attic, cables exposed along the face of the rafters are at real risk of damage from foot traffic and what can be nailed or stapled near the opening. To guard against that, the code requires protective measures for feeders within a short distance of the attic access. That distance is six feet from the attic entrance. This creates a safety zone right where someone first moves into the attic, ensuring the feeder is shielded as they step in and navigate around. The protection can be in the form of conduit, nail plates, or other approved protective methods applied within that six-foot zone.