Final answer:
A protective plate is required if a wire is less than 1.25 inches from the surface of the stud to prevent damage to the wire during construction processes like hanging drywall as specified by the NEC.
Step-by-step explanation:
A protective plate is required if a wire is less than 1.25 inches from the surface of the stud. In construction and electrical wiring, it is a standard practice to use these protective plates to prevent nails from puncturing the wire during the process of hanging drywall or attaching other materials. The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies that when running electrical wire through framing members such as studs, a protective plate is mandatory if the wire is less than 1.25 inches to the edges of the studs or joists so that future puncturing risks are mitigated.