How much ampacity is allowed for four 14-2 conductor nonmetallic cables (Type NM) passing through an opening in wood framing filled with caulk?

The appropriate ampacity for four 14-2 nonmetallic cables (Type NM) when passing through an opening in wood framing that is filled with caulk is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines. In this case, each 14 AWG conductor has a standard ampacity of 15 amps in typical conditions.

When considering multiple conductors bundled together, such as four 14-2 cables, you must account for derating to avoid overheating. The NEC stipulates specific derating factors when cables are grouped, which can impact the overall allowable ampacity. For four conductors in a raceway or cable assembly, the ampacity is typically reduced to adhere to safe operating conditions.

In this scenario, since you have four individual conductors, the most restrictive ampacity is retained for safety, which aligns with the standard 15 amp limit for a 14 AWG wire in residential applications. Thus, when these four cables are passed through an opening in wood and filled with caulk, they are still regulated by the lower ampacity limit due to heat buildup from bundling and potential insulation effects.

This establishes the valid answer as 15 amps, as it reflects the permissible safe current for these particular conductors in the given