I’m in the process of finishing my basement and, aside from a ground wire that was run under the floor joists, I have a fairly clear path for drywalling the ceiling along the floor joists. I have contacted the builder and they are refusing to address the issue. I’ve done some research on the subject and I’ve found other answers on this site pertaining to NEC codes for hanging wire to floor joists, but I believe the code doesn’t specifically address my situation because the ground wire is a single 2 AWG conductor, while the NEC code (from the sections I’ve read) specifically call out two 6 AWG and three 8 AWG conductors. I’ve tried to find any additional information on this subject, which might be directly relevant to my case, but I haven’t been able to locate anything. Is there a specific section of the NEC that addresses this case? Is a single conductor 2 AWG run under the floor joists up to code? If this is to code, how would you recommend I hang the drywall?

As a side note, I am not a contractor and I’m essentially trying to learn framing and drywalling by watching YouTube videos, so it’s not that I’m trying to be a pain, but having the cable run through the joists (rather than under) would make my life significantly easier.

National Electrical Code 2011

Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials

Article 334 Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable: Types NM, NMC, and NMS

II. Installation

334.15 Exposed Work.

(C) In Unfinished Basements and Crawl Spaces. Where cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements and
crawl spaces, it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller
than two 6 AWG or three 8 AWG conductors directly to the lower edges
of the joists. Smaller cables shall be run either through bored holes
in joists or on running boards. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable installed
on the wall of an unfinished basement shall be permitted to be
installed in a listed conduit or tubing or shall be protected in
accordance with 300.4. Conduit or tubing shall be provided with a
suitable insulating bushing or adapter at the point the cable enters
the raceway. The sheath of the nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall extend
through the conduit or tubing and into the outlet or device box not
less than 6 mm (¼ in.). The cable shall be secured within 300 mm (12
in.) of the point where the cable enters the conduit or tubing. Metal
conduit, tubing, and metal outlet boxes shall be connected to an
equipment grounding conductor complying with the provisions of 250.86
and 250.148.

Edit: Added image