12-3 NM cable secured with wrong size staples

[RCbuilds]

I've been doing some minor work on my basement and noticed that the previous homeowner (who fancied himself many things, including an electrician), had secured 12-3 NM cable with 1/2" staples (the "GB" branded with white plastic insulation fastened with two nails) instead of 3/4". At one point I had walls opened throughout the house to inspect other suspect work but didn't think to look closely at the cable staples, though I didn't notice any obvious damage to the NM.

Most of these 12-3 cables go to switch legs for 3-way switches. How concerned should I be about these cables being fastened with the wrong size staple? Should I rip open the walls again and remove and replace? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[wwhitney]

Those plastic staples held on by two nails, unless you put one of the nails through the NM cable, it would be pretty hard to damage the cable with them. Not something worth worrying about unless you have signs of trouble, and I would be surprised if that staple ended up being the cause.

Cheers, Wayne

 

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[Afjes]

Nothing to worry about especially if they are behind closed in walls. It would be just like if you fished a new circuit thru a wall now without removing the wall cover (sheet rock). Code would not expect you to anchor the romex to the studs etc with staples.

Again, as long as the staples are not damaging the romex sheathing there should be nothing to worry about.