Wiktor Wise
Running electric cables in walls can be a challenging task, especially for those new to DIY electrical work. It is important to understand the basics of electrical work and to consult local electrical codes before beginning any wiring project. The process typically involves fishing wires through walls, either during major remodelling projects or by using existing openings such as basements, attics, or crawl spaces to avoid the costly process of opening and patching walls. Careful planning is required to map out the route of the wires, avoiding studs and other obstacles that may obstruct their path. This guide will provide an overview of the tools, techniques, and safety considerations for running electric cables in walls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Chisel, mallet, square steel plate, cable safe plate, hammer, nails, filler, sandpaper, spirit level or plumb line, stud detector, drill, wire, fish tape or coat hanger, fish stick, multimeter or current tester, stud finder, pencil, tape, trash bag, drywall hand saw or oscillating multi-tool, dust mask, drill with 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) drill bit, pipe cleaner, wall plates, electrical box, electrical outlet, circuit breaker, coaxial cable jack, wall brackets, TV |
| Techniques | Cut a notch in the nogging, feed the cable into the wall, fill the gaps, sand the filler, map out the route, remove a square of plasterboard, cut a shallow notch in the nogging, mark the cable route, locate noggins, mount cables on the wall surface with clips, run cables through plastic trunking, cut a channel or 'chase' in a solid wall, run cable through an oval plastic conduit or 'top-hat' capping, run cable vertically to a fitting, remove the baseboard, cut a long, narrow hole, drill holes in the studs, spread joint compound around the hole, run conduit or BX cable, take advantage of unfinished spaces, push more cable than you need, run wire on the wall surface with raceway, hide the raceway, build the raceway, use conduit or armored cable, pull the cable through the wall, attach face plates, mark the bottom exit hole, run the stud finder down the wall, cut or drill through blocks, make careful measurements, cut holes on each side of a corner, drill a hole in each corner stud, run wire through the holes, remove drywall, run cables through studs and ceiling cavities, loop the cable, drill holes in the joists, run wire through exposed locations, use NM cable, ensure the wire gauge is appropriate, use low voltage boxes and face plates, hook the fish stick, pull the wiring down, replace the TV, insert the wires at the lower exit hole, connect other cables, plug the TV cord into the power outlet |
| Considerations | Compliance with IEE electrical regulations, cables should be well away from where people are likely to walk, keep cables above thermal insulation, route cables along skirting boards and around door and window frames, avoid cutting the cable with a nail or screw, protect the cable as it passes through the notch, cut the plasterboard repair patch to fit the hole, check local electrical code requirements, keep communication cable away from high-voltage cables, avoid running power cords through the wall, avoid exterior walls, check for studs and building materials with a stud finder, shut off the power, check for wiring restrictions, use low-voltage wires, ensure minimum clearance from any stud |
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What You'll Learn
How to fish wires through walls
Fishing wires through walls can be a challenging task, but it is possible to do so without destroying the walls. The first step is to determine the scope of the job. Are you extending a circuit from an existing outlet to a new location, or are you running an entirely new circuit from the main service panel to multiple locations? The approach taken will depend on the circumstances and the extent of the work.
The next step is to map out the route you want your wire to take. Use a stud finder to locate any blocking that might obstruct the route and mark the installation and exit points. It is important to avoid running wires through exterior walls as they typically contain braces and insulation that are difficult to work around. When you have determined the route, you can start drilling holes. Cut holes on each side of the corner with a spade bit in an angle drill to create a path for the wire.
If you are running wires through a finished wall, you will need to remove the drywall and run the cables through the studs and ceiling cavities. This can be a messy and expensive process, so it is best avoided if possible. In some cases, it is possible to add or extend circuits in finished walls without removing the drywall by using a technique called "looping". This involves running the cable up or down through the wall cavity, across the floor or ceiling joists, and then vertically through another stud cavity to the next wall box opening.
When running wires through walls, it is important to use the appropriate tools and techniques to ensure safety and compliance with electrical regulations. For example, when running cable through a solid wall, you should cut a channel or "chase" in the plaster and run the cable through an oval plastic conduit or "top-hat" capping. Always run cable vertically to a fitting in a solid wall so that you will know its approximate position when the work is finished.
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Running wires through finished walls
If you are running wires behind a finished wall, it is important to first check your local electric and building codes to see what type of wiring you are allowed to do. You should also turn off the power to the area at the circuit breaker to ensure safety.
One method for running wires through finished walls is to use the looping method. This involves looping the cable down or up through the wall cavity, across the floor or ceiling joists, and then vertically through another stud cavity to the next wall box opening. This method is often used by electricians as it prevents the expensive and time-consuming process of opening up walls. To do this, you will need to drill holes in the joists where the cable will pass.
Another method is to remove the drywall and run the cables through studs and ceiling cavities. This can be messy and expensive, so it is best avoided if possible. However, during major remodelling projects, this may be the best option to route the wires where you need them to be.
If you are running wires for a mounted TV, you may only need to run the wires to another electrical box a short distance up your wall. You can use a fish stick (also called a fish tape or glow rod) to help run the cords and wires through the space behind the walls. Push the fish stick up through the bottom exit low-voltage box and out through the top low-voltage box, then tape it to the wall temporarily. Hook the wires onto the fish stick and pull them down towards the exit hole.
Always use a stud finder to check for any obstructions before cutting holes in your walls. When cutting holes, use a drywall saw and be careful not to push so hard that the blade punches all the way through the wall.
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Using a fish stick to guide wires
Fishing wire through walls is a valuable skill that can be challenging for beginners. It is important to always plan your route and drill all your holes before pushing your fish tape from the starting point to the endpoint.
A fish stick, also called a fish tape or glow rod, is a flexible rod with a small hook at the end. It is used to guide wires through the space behind the walls. The fish stick is particularly useful when there is insulation in the wall. To use a fish stick, push it up through the bottom exit low-voltage box and out through the top low-voltage box. The fish stick should be protruding from both the top and bottom holes. Tape the fish stick to the wall temporarily. Then, hook the fish stick around the data, audio, video, or other low-voltage wires at the top. Pull the wiring down towards the exit hole, removing the fish stick once the wires are through.
If you encounter a bend or turn that you cannot overcome, you can send a Ferret Pro through on a fish stick to see exactly what is blocking you. Once you identify the blockage, you can break free from it or figure out an alternative route.
Before beginning to fish wire through walls, it is important to consult your local code on the requirements for running cable. Check your local electric and building codes to see what type of wiring you are allowed to do.
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Running wires through studs and cavities
Planning:
Before starting any electrical work, it is crucial to have a clear plan and gather the necessary tools and materials. Ensure that you have turned off the power before beginning. Determine the scope of the work and identify the appropriate wire type, drill, drill bits, wire fish tape, and protective equipment. Check for other utilities like plumbing or HVAC before drilling. Additionally, map out the wiring route and locate any blocking that might obstruct the path using a stud finder.
Drilling and Feeding Wires:
When drilling holes in the studs, maintain a minimum distance of 1-1/4 inches from the stud edges to avoid the need for protective metal plates. Drill holes at the same height to ensure the cable is run level to the floor. For multiple wires, space the holes appropriately to prevent wire damage. Use a drill with a long bit or an auger bit to create pathways through the studs. Feed the wires through the holes using a fish tape or pull string, being careful not to over-pull or bend the wires excessively.
Protection and Finishing:
To protect the wires, use steel plates, especially if they are running closer than 1-1/4 inches to the edge of a stud. You can staple the wires neatly along the side of the stud, ensuring compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) spacing requirements. After securing the wires, fill the holes and sand them smooth when they are dry.
Alternative Methods:
If removing drywall is not an option, there are alternative methods to consider. One approach is to run surface raceway wiring on the walls, but this may not be allowed by local electrical codes. Another option is to take advantage of unfinished spaces like basements and attics to run wires horizontally and then vertically through stud cavities. This looping method avoids the need to open up walls.
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How to run wires through walls with raceway
Running wires through walls with a raceway is a great way to get power where you need it without having to fish wires through walls. Raceways are wall-mounted tubes that allow you to run wires from an existing outlet to power a new outlet or switch. They can be concealed behind furniture and painted to match the wall colour.
To install a raceway, start by securing the elbow fitting to the wall and ceiling with screws. Insert one end of the raceway into the elbow fitting and tap it into the support clips on the ceiling. Install long screws on the ceiling fixture base and slide the terminal end of the raceway onto the fixture tongue. Snake the wire through the raceway, leaving about a foot of length sticking out at each end.
If you are running wires from a switch box to a ceiling fixture, thread the wire through the raceway starting from the elbow base. Leave 12 inches of wire hanging out of each end. Once the wire is installed, attach the elbow caps. Remember that the entire system must be grounded for safety.
Before cutting any holes in the wall, map out the route you want your wire to take and use a stud finder to locate any blocking that might obstruct the route. Mark the stud locations with painter's tape and a writing instrument. Make sure to note the electrical wiring locations as well. When cutting holes, attach a trash bag to catch the drywall dust and wear a mask to avoid inhaling it.
Raceways are a convenient way to run wires through walls without the need for extensive fishing or cutting into walls. They can be easily installed with accurate measuring and the proper safety precautions.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a stud finder, a drill, a fish tape or coat hanger, a multimeter or current tester, a dust mask, a chisel and mallet, a pencil, and a spirit level or plumb line.
Use a stud finder to locate any blocking that might obstruct the route. Mark the route with a pencil, using a spirit level or plumb line. Avoid exterior walls, which typically contain braces and insulation that are difficult to work around.
The easiest route is not always the most direct. Take advantage of unfinished spaces like basements and attics to run wire from one end of the house to the other.
The type of cable you use will depend on the scope of the job. For standard 120-volt branch circuits, use 12-gauge wire for 20-amp circuits and 14-gauge wire for 15-amp circuits.
Running cable in walls without destroying them can be challenging. One option is to remove the baseboard and cut a long, narrow hole in its place. Then, drill holes in the studs for your wire to pass through.
