When boring through a wood member to run cable, how far should the hole be from the edge of the wood member?

The guideline for boring a hole through a wood member to run cable is that the hole should be positioned at least 1 1/4 inches from the edge of the wood member. This distance helps to prevent structural weakening of the wood, which can occur if the hole is too close to the edge and could lead to splitting or cracking over time. Maintaining this distance is critical for ensuring both the safety and integrity of the installation. Following the recommended 1 1/4 inches ensures that there is sufficient material to support the wood member’s structural integrity while also providing adequate space for the cable, thereby adhering to building codes and best practices in electrical installation.