When passing through a wood stud, PVC plastic pipe shall be protected from puncture by a minimum __________ inch thick steel plate.

In the context of plumbing codes, the protection of PVC plastic pipe as it passes through wooden studs is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of the piping system. The critical point is that such pipes need to be safeguarded from any potential punctures or damage that could occur due to nails or other fasteners being driven into the wall.

The standard requirement is to use a steel plate to shield the pipe. A minimum thickness of 1/16 inches is sufficient to provide adequate protection against punctures, as it offers a solid barrier to impact from any sharp objects that may come into contact with the pipe. This thickness effectively fulfills the safety need while complying with the code requirements, therefore making it the appropriate choice for safeguarding PVC pipe in this scenario.

Choosing a thicker plate, while potentially providing more protection, is unnecessary by code standards and may complicate installation. Hence, a 1/16-inch thick steel plate is deemed adequate according to plumbing code specifications.