A Smarter Way to Route NM Cable
What is the Wire Waffle?
The Wire Waffle, available from Rack‑A‑Tiers, is a patented, UL-listed 2.5″ knockout connector designed to route up to SIXTEEN (16) NM cables through a single panel opening. It’s fully compliant with NEC 312.5(c), allowing residential electricians to streamline their work while maintaining code and safety standards. For anyone who’s tired of cramming multiple connectors into a tight panel or drilling extra knockouts, this connector delivers a much cleaner and faster solution. If you’re working on a new house with new circuits, the Wire Waffle is absolutely indispensable.
Real-World Experience
I recently had the chance to test the Wire Waffle during a panel replacement and service upgrade. It performed exactly as promised. It was the first time I ever needed to pop out a 2.5″ knockout in a residential panel which made me chuckle a bit. What really stood out was how much time and frustration it saved. Instead of running separate NM connectors and trying to space them out, all the cables entered through one central location. This actually made routing the grounds and neutrals easier and more organized than usual. I’ve yet to use one on a new panel in a new house, post rough. It will REALLY shine here because you have the freedom to route wires wherever you want.
Despite its lightweight feel, the build quality was impressive. It’s rigid and strong enough to hold everything in place without any flex or slop. The plug-and-play installation was quick, and it felt solid once secured in the panel. From a code perspective, knowing it carries a UL-listing and NEC-compliance gives me peace of mind that I’m not just looking for shortcuts. I can be confident I’m doing it right, faster and neater. Here’s a little video of me during a recent install:
Why It Stands Out
What makes the Wire Waffle really a standout tool? First, is its ability to combine compliance, speed, and organization in one simple solution. It supports a wide range of NM cable sizes. We’re talking from 14/2 to 10/3 out of the box. Then, with break-off tabs, it can accommodate 8/2 and 6/3 as well! That versatility is backed by real field testing and a thoughtful design that shows this wasn’t just built in a lab. It was created by electricians, for electricians. Another thing to note is that you can use it for new and existing installs. By this I mean that it can be installed from either the top OR bottom of a panel, this can be a life saver during an install.
It also delivers a cleaner finish. Having all cables enter from a central, protected knockout makes your panel wiring look more professional and intentional. If you’re on a new home, inspectors will appreciate this! And because it avoids improvised PVC bushings or questionable multi-cable clamp hacks, it keeps you squarely within the NEC guidelines. I always appreciate anything that will make one less potential issue with a picky inspector.
Another thing I think that goes underappreciated is the future proofing aspect of the device. As long as you don’t max out the waffle, you can pretty easily enter cables in to it in the future. Even AFTER sheetrock. To me that’s huge.
Who’s Behind It
The Wire Waffle was invented by Hunter Franssen and his father. Both men are long time electricians who see the need for a better way to route multiple NM cables through panel knockouts. Their innovation earns praise from industry legend Mike Holt, who calls it “amazing.” He encouraged the duo along the journey as they prototyped, secured a patent, and obtained a UL Listing. Their story reflects the kind of ingenuity that moves our trade forward. They are solving real problems with practical solutions that actually work on the job. I first learned about the Wire Waffle and Hunter through Mike Holts newsletter. (You should definitely be subscribed if you call yourself an electrician!).
Final Thoughts
The Wire Waffle is an excellent tool for residential electricians who care about working smarter. It speeds up installation, cleans up panel entries, and helps maintain code compliance, all while looking and feeling like a product made by people who understand the trade. If you’re a homeowner reading this, ask your electrician about it. If the wire waffle isn’t available at your local supply house, I would urge you to have them get in touch with Hunter and get that set up. I had the supply houses I use contact him and within a few weeks it was on the shelves. Your fellow electricians will appreciate it!
You can purchase it directly from Rack‑A‑Tiers or learn more at WireWaffle.com.
Thanks for reading, now go install some panels!
