2026 NEC Sec. 334.24 Requirements for NM Cable Bending Radius Requirements

This video examines the bending radius requirements for NM cable under Sec. 334.24 of the 2026 NEC.

Nov. 12, 2026

This video examines the bending radius requirements for nonmetallic-sheathed (NM) cable under Sec. 334.24 of the 2026 National Electrical Code, focusing on an important distinction when bending flat NM cable.

Using hands-on demonstrations and a review of the NEC requirements, Paul Abernathy explains how the orientation of flat NM cable determines which cable dimension must be used when calculating the minimum bending radius.

When flat NM cable is bent on its flat side, the minor dimension of the cable is used to determine the minimum bending radius. However, when the cable is bent on its edge, the major dimension must be used. In either case, the minimum bending radius must be at least five times the applicable cable dimension.

Paul demonstrates how these requirements apply to common residential wiring installations, including routing NM cable along framing members and making bends through bored holes.

He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between the major and minor dimensions of flat NM cable to ensure NEC compliance and prevent damage during installation.

About the Author

Paul Abernathy

Paul Abernathy is the Director of Technical Services at Prysmian, and the CEO, president, and chairman of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., and serves as executive director and founding member of the Certified Master Electrical Code Professional^® (CMECP^®) program. Since entering the electrical industry in 1986, Paul has served as a licensed electrician, electrical contractor, electrical inspector, electrical plans examiner, electrical engineer, code consultant, and educator. He has served on NFPA 70 National Electrical Code Code-Making Panels 5 and 17 and has extensive experience in code development, enforcement, and technical education. Paul’s public-sector experience includes serving as Electrical Engineer II for the City of Richmond, Virginia, overseeing electrical inspectors and inspection operations, and as Manager of Codes for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. He also served as a Southern Field Expert for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Paul previously owned and operated electrical contracting and electrical design/code consulting firms, including Abernathy Electrical Services in McKinney, Texas, which he closed in 2021. Today, he continues to support the electrical industry through technical leadership, NEC education, professional certification, and training for electricians, inspectors, engineers, contractors, and code professionals."