What Are Staples?

Staples in this category are electrical fastening products used to hold cable or wire against a mounting surface. In electrical work, they are commonly used with non-metallic sheathed cable such as Loomex or NMD90, low-voltage cable, communication cable, and other wiring methods where the fastening product is suitable for the cable and installation environment. Electrical staples are different from office or packaging staples and different from generic construction staples because the crown shape, leg length, material, and insulation are intended to reduce the risk of cutting, crushing, or abrading cable jackets during installation.

Where Are Staples Used?

Staples are widely used in residential rough-in, light commercial branch circuit work, renovation projects, service upgrades, and low-voltage installations. Typical uses include securing NMD90 along studs and joists, dressing short cable runs near boxes, supporting low-voltage wiring in structured cabling layouts, and keeping exposed runs orderly in utility spaces. They are most common where wood framing is available for fastening. In commercial or industrial work, staples may still be used for control, signal, or low-voltage cable where permitted and where another support method is not more appropriate.

How To Choose Staples

Start with the cable being installed. Match the staple to the cable outside dimensions and the number of cables intended under the crown, if the product is listed for that use. Next, consider jacket protection. Insulated staples can be a practical choice when you want a bit more forgiveness during hand installation or when working with softer cable jackets. Then look at leg length and holding power based on the mounting surface, usually wood framing. For repetitive work, staple gun compatible products can improve speed, but only if the tool, staple format, and cable type are all compatible. Also consider corrosion resistance for damp or variable environments. If the cable manufacturer or staple manufacturer gives specific compatibility guidance, use that rather than a general rule of thumb.

Trade Rules Of Thumb

A practical rule of thumb is that the staple should hold the cable snugly without flattening the jacket. If the cable can rattle loosely under the crown, the staple may be too large for a clean installation. If the jacket visibly deforms, the staple is likely too tight or overdriven. Another common trade practice is to use insulated staples for finished-looking rough-in and for service work where cable appearance and jacket protection matter. For mixed cable sizes on a job, many crews keep a small range of staple sizes on hand rather than trying to force one size to fit everything. These are practical buying and installation habits, not code substitutes.

Sizing Guidelines

Staple sizing is usually driven by the cable outside diameter, not just conductor gauge. For example, two cables with the same conductor size may have different jacket thicknesses or constructions, so the same staple may not fit both equally well. As a typical guideline, choose a crown shape and opening that allows the cable to sit naturally without compression. If the staple is intended for one cable only, do not assume it is suitable for doubled-up runs. If you are securing low-voltage or data cable, avoid using staples intended for larger power cable because loose support can lead to messy routing and poor retention. Always verify the product listing and manufacturer guidance, especially where cable damage could affect inspection or long-term reliability.

Common Installation Practices

Common practice is to route the cable first, remove twists, and then staple after confirming box entry, bend radius, and drilling path. Install staples square to the framing so both legs seat evenly. Hand-driven staples should be set carefully to avoid one leg pulling deeper than the other. With tool-driven staples, test on scrap material and the actual cable type before production work. Keep staples close enough to maintain support and neatness, but follow the applicable code rules for support intervals and distance from boxes for the wiring method being installed. In areas where cable may be exposed to mechanical damage, staples alone may not be enough and additional protection methods may be required.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is using a staple that is too small and crushing the cable jacket. Another is using a generic construction staple that was never intended for electrical cable. Overdriving with a hammer or powered stapler is also common, especially in dry lumber or when rushing rough-in. Installers sometimes fasten too few supports, place staples where future drywall screws or nails are likely, or force multiple cables under a staple not designed for that arrangement. On low-voltage work, a frequent mistake is treating communication cable like branch-circuit cable and using fastening pressure that can affect cable geometry. Careful product selection and a quick test fit can prevent most of these issues.

Brand Comparisons

Staples are often selected more by fit, listing, and installer preference than by brand alone. On many jobs, matching the style already used by the crew can improve speed and consistency. Some brands are known for broad electrical fastening lines, while others are chosen because they are easy to source locally or match a specific stapler platform. If you are replacing stock for an existing crew, consistency in crown shape, insulation style, and drive behaviour may matter more than changing brands. If you are buying for mixed service work, a balanced assortment of common insulated and non-insulated electrical staples is often more useful than committing to a single format. Where an installed standard already exists in your shop, staying with that format can reduce misfires, jacket damage, and wasted time.

Related Products

Staples are commonly purchased with Loomex or NMD90 cable, low-voltage cable, cable straps, nail plates, boxes, connectors, and other rough-in fasteners. For jobs where staples are not ideal, consider cable straps, clamps, or support accessories better suited to larger cable bundles, exposed runs, masonry surfaces, or retrofit conditions. If the installation includes bored studs or joists, protective plates are often part of the same material list. Buyers planning larger rough-in packages may also want to review fasteners, cable supports, and box mounting accessories together to keep installation methods consistent across the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any staple for electrical cable?

No. Use staples intended and listed for electrical cable support. Generic hardware or construction staples can damage the jacket or fail to hold the cable properly.

Should I choose insulated or non-insulated staples?

Insulated staples are often chosen when added jacket protection is preferred. Non-insulated staples are still common, but they need careful sizing and installation to avoid pinching the cable.

How do I know if a staple is the right size?

A good fit holds the cable snugly without crushing or visibly flattening the jacket. The best check is the product listing, manufacturer guidance, and a test fit on the actual cable being installed.

Can I staple more than one cable under a single staple?

Only if the staple is specifically designed and listed for that arrangement and the installation method permits it. Do not assume a larger staple automatically makes multiple-cable fastening acceptable.

Are staples used only for residential wiring?

No. They are most common in residential wood-frame work, but they are also used in light commercial, service, and low-voltage applications where the cable type and support method are appropriate.

Do staple spacing rules stay the same for every cable type?

No. Support spacing depends on the wiring method, cable type, and applicable code. Always confirm the current code requirements and manufacturer instructions for the specific installation.