Stud guards for piping passing within one and one half inch of the edge of the stud should be made from which material?

Stud guards are essential components designed to protect plumbing pipes from being damaged by the structural elements of a building, specifically studs in walls. When pipes pass close to the edge of a stud—within one and one-half inches—they are at risk of being punctured or crushed during construction or renovations.

The recommended material for stud guards is typically a steel plate that can withstand the potential impacts and pressure associated with construction activities. A thickness of 1/16" for the steel plate strikes a balance between providing adequate protection while not adding excessive bulk or weight that could complicate installation or interfere with other building components.

This thickness is sufficient to protect the piping from incidental contact without being unnecessarily thick, which could lead to difficulties in installation. Thicker materials, such as those mentioned in the other choices, while potentially more protective, are not required by the code for this specific application. Therefore, using a 1/16" thick steel plate as stud guards is both a compliant and practical approach to ensuring the safety and integrity of plumbing installations near structural elements.