Which of the following is a typical drywall nail protection device used with low-voltage cabling?

• A. Plastic bumper
• B. Cable tie
• C. Junction box
• D. Steel plate

Answer: (D)

The protective barrier against nails or screws for cables running through studs is a steel plate placed over the cable where it crosses the stud. This nail plate acts as a durable shield that prevents fasteners used to install drywall from penetrating and damaging the cabling, which is why steel plate is the typical drywall nail protection device for low-voltage cabling. Plastic bumpers aren’t used for this purpose, since they don’t provide the needed rigidity and coverage; cable ties only secure conductors and don’t offer protection from fasteners; and a junction box is meant for terminating or joining conductors, not shielding them behind drywall.