On a 2" x 4" board, when drilling a hole for a wire run, how close can you drill to the edge of the board?

• A. not less than 0.75 in
• B. not less than 2.0 in
• C. not less than 1.25 in
• D. not less than 0.5 in

Answer: (C)

When you bore for a wire in a wood member, you want to keep the hole away from the edge to protect both the wiring and the wood. The standard rule for a 2x4 is to place the center of the hole at least 1.25 inches from the edge.

This distance helps prevent weakening the edge of the board and reduces the risk of nails or screws penetrating the wire during drywall or finishing work. If you can’t meet that distance, you must install a protective nail plate over the hole to shield the wire from fasteners.