Non-power-limited wiring installed exposed must be mechanically protected within seven feet of the finished floor.

• A. Within seven inches
• B. Within seven feet
• C. Within three feet
• D. Within ten feet

Answer: (B)

Non-power-limited wiring that is installed in exposed locations must be protected from physical damage within seven feet of the finished floor. The idea is to shield conductors that carry higher fault potential from everyday contact, bumps, or abrasions in areas where people and objects are likely to interact with the wiring. Because of this risk, running the conductors in a listed protective raceway or conduit up to seven feet from the floor helps prevent insulation damage, short circuits, or fire hazards in high-traffic zones. The specific seven-foot distance is the established threshold for this protection; shorter distances would not give adequate protection in typical spaces, while longer distances aren’t required. So the correct requirement is protection within seven feet of the floor.