What thickness of steel plate is required to protect cable if the distance from the edge of the black hole to the edge of the framing member cannot be maintained?

The requirement for a specific thickness of steel plate to protect cables stems from concerns about physical damage that could occur due to the proximity of framing members or other structural elements. When there isn't sufficient clearance, a protective barrier is essential to shield the cables from impacts and nicks caused by screws, nails, or other hardware that may be used in the framing.

A thickness of 1/16 inch (1.6mm) strikes a balance between being adequately protective while also being manageable for installation. It offers enough strength to prevent typical fasteners from penetrating the plate and reaching the cables, meeting safety standards necessary in construction wiring. This thickness is often seen as sufficient within regulatory guidelines that dictate minimum protective measures for various applications.

In contrast, while 1/32 inch may be too thin to provide the necessary protection, thicker options like 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch, although protective, may not be needed in this particular scenario, thereby making 1/16 inch the most practical and effective choice in balancing safety and cost.