Cable and conduit support simulation

In Secure and Support, you measure a cable or conduit run with a tape and drive staples or straps where they're needed. The inspector checks every gap and every box end against the 2026 NEC. It builds the skill of knowing each wiring method's spacing and using no more fasteners than the job needs.

Play Secure and SupportFree, no sign-up. Works on a phone, tablet, or computer.

Spacing for NM, MC, EMT, and PVC
How close to a box the first fastener goes
When bored holes count as support
How pipe size sets PVC spacing

The Secure and Support simulation on a laptop screen, at the start of the first job.

How it works

Each job shows a wall or ceiling drawn to scale, with the run already pulled. Point at the run and the tape shows the distance from each box and from the last fastener. Click the run to drive a staple or strap. On a phone, tap the run to see where a fastener would go, then tap it again to drive it. Fasteners only go where something solid is behind them.

Call the inspector to check every gap and every box end. You earn up to three stars: one for passing, one for passing on the first call, and one for using the fewest fasteners. Every fastener you drive counts, even one you pull later. The simulation runs in a browser on a phone, tablet, or computer, with no sign-up.

The jobs

1NM on a joist. Staple NM along a basement joist from a junction box to a new light.
2NM through studs. Run NM through bored studs between two clampless plastic boxes.
3EMT on studs. Strap EMT to studs from the panel to an outlet and up to the door opener.
4MC to a light. Strap MC along a strut, and drop a free whip to a lay-in light.
5PVC on block. Strap 2 in. and 3/4 in. PVC on a block wall, each at its own spacing.
6Red-tag repair. Find what the last crew missed, and add only what fixes it.

NEC 2026 sections it checks

334.30: Staple NM within 12 in. of each box and at least every 4 ft 6 in.
334.30(A): On a level run, cable through bored holes 4 ft 6 in. apart or less counts as supported.
314.17(B)(2) Exception: Next to a small single-gang plastic box with no clamp, staple the cable within 8 in.
334.15(C): In an unfinished basement, small NM that crosses joists goes through holes or on a running board.
358.30(A): Fasten EMT within 3 ft of each box or cabinet and at least every 10 ft.
330.30(B): Fasten MC at least every 6 ft, and within 12 in. of each box for small cables.
330.30(D)(2): In an accessible ceiling, up to 6 ft of MC can hang free to a light.
300.13(B)(1): Don't use the ceiling grid or its hanger wires to hold up wiring.
352.30(A): Fasten PVC within 3 ft of each box or other end.
Table 352.30(B): Bigger PVC can have its supports farther apart, from 3 ft up to 8 ft.

Section numbers only. Read the full text in your code book.

Questions apprentices ask

How often do you staple Romex (NM cable)?

At least every 4 ft 6 in., and within 12 in. of each box (334.30). On a level run, cable through bored holes no more than 4 ft 6 in. apart counts as supported, but you still need a staple near each box (334.30(A)). A small single-gang plastic box with no clamp needs a staple within 8 in. (314.17(B)(2) Exception).

How far apart are EMT straps?

Strap EMT within 3 ft of every box, cabinet, conduit body, or other end, and at least every 10 ft along the run (358.30(A)).

How often do you strap MC cable?

At least every 6 ft, and within 12 in. of each box for cable with four or fewer wires, 10 AWG or smaller (330.30(B)). In an accessible ceiling, the last 6 ft to a light can hang free (330.30(D)(2)).

What is the support spacing for PVC conduit?

It depends on the pipe size, from Table 352.30(B): 3 ft for 1/2 in. to 1 in., 5 ft for 1 1/4 in. to 2 in., and up to 8 ft for 6 in. pipe. Every size also needs a support within 3 ft of each box or other end (352.30(A)).

How this simulation was checked

Every rule the inspector applies was checked against the 2026 NEC text in a code review, and the game was play-tested for ease of use. It is a study aid. It doesn’t replace the code book, your instructor, or your local inspector.

See something wrong? Tell us and we will check it against the code.

I’m building these with instructors. What would you change? Tell Matt what is wrong or missing.

Teaching a class?

Build a cited slide deck and quiz on any part of the 2026 NEC, in your own order, and assign this simulation as practice. Free for instructors during the pilot.

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