How Many Electrical Wires Can Be Stapled Together

Today, we’re going to talk about electrical staples—specifically, how many wires you can safely run underneath a single staple. This is a common question we get from homeowners, apprentices, and even experienced electricians, so let’s break it all down.

Understanding Electrical Staple Sizes

There are four main types of staples we commonly use in residential wiring: S1, S2, S3, and S4. Each is designed for different wire sizes and applications.

S1 Staples

Designed for single cables only.
You can run 14/2 or 12/2 wire under one staple.

S2 Staples

Slightly larger than S1, giving you more flexibility.
Works for 14/2, 10/2, 14/3, 10/3, and similar sizes.
You can also double up:
- Two 14/2s under one staple
- Two 12/2s under one staple

S3 Staples

Ideal for heavier gauge cables like 10/2, 8/2, 14/3, and other thicker combinations.
Allows more variation but still requires proper sizing based on the packaging.

S4 Staples

These are for large cables and bigger bundles.
Technically, you could fit up to eight 14/2 wires under one S4 staple—but we don’t recommend doing that.
Instead, we typically use a standoff or wire tree for neater, safer installations.

Using Standoffs and Wire Trees

For larger bundles, we prefer using standoffs. These attach to the side of a stud and allow you to neatly organize multiple wires without cramming them under a single staple. Once the standoff is mounted, you secure the wires in place, keeping everything tidy and safe.

How Many Wires Should You Staple Together?

In most cases, we don’t staple more than two wires under a single staple. This creates a cleaner installation and reduces the risk of damaging the insulation.

However, it’s important to remember that local codes may vary:

Here in Canada, we’re allowed to staple two wires together under certain circumstances.
Some local inspection authorities don’t allow it at all, so always confirm with your local electrical code before proceeding.

New Stapling Technology: Klein Hand Staplers

There’s also a newer tool on the market we use a lot—the Klein hand stapler.

Staples are individually loaded for quick, clean installations.
The stapler itself is labeled with approved wire sizes.
One important note: these staples are designed for single-wire use only. You cannot double up wires when using this tool.

Final Tips

Always check the label on the staple box to confirm which wire sizes it supports.
Follow your local inspection authority’s rules to ensure your installation meets code.
For larger bundles, consider standoffs or wire trees instead of stacking multiple wires under one staple.
And most importantly:
Never do your own electrical work unless you’re qualified. Always consult a licensed electrician in your area.

If you found this guide helpful, check out our other videos and articles for more electrical tips. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and visit our website where all our tutorials are organized in a searchable format for easy reference.

Stay safe, and we’ll see you in the next one!