Beatrice Lang
Running electrical wiring up an existing wall can be a challenging task. While wiring new construction is relatively straightforward, fishing wires through existing walls and floors requires careful planning, special tools, and the right techniques. Before starting any work, it is essential to understand the local building codes and regulations. Most jurisdictions require an electrician's license for running new high-voltage electrical wiring, while low-voltage wiring such as phone lines, computer network cables, and speaker wires can often be installed by homeowners. When running electrical wiring up an existing wall, it is crucial to use UL-rated in-wall wiring that meets safety standards and to ensure that the wiring is at least one stud cavity away from existing electrical outlets to prevent interference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Examine existing electrical outlets, ensure wiring route stays at least one stud cavity away to prevent interference, and check for hidden obstructions |
| Tools | Fish tape (flexible steel tape with a hook or eye to thread through openings), wire coat hanger, drill, electrical tape |
| Wiring type | UL-rated in-wall wiring that meets local building and fire codes (e.g. CM, CMR, CMP for computer networking, CL2 or CL3 for speakers) |
| Precautions | Most areas allow homeowners to install low-voltage wiring (e.g. phone lines, computer network cables, speaker wires), but check local codes; high-voltage wiring requires an electrician's license |
| Techniques | Running wires through attic or crawl space, cutting drywall behind built-in wardrobes, stapling line voltage electrical cables, drilling from attic or crawl space and using a string with a weight to pull wire up |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Planning:
Firstly, carefully plan the wiring route. Examine the existing electrical outlets on the wall and ensure your new wiring stays at least one stud cavity away to prevent interference. Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark their positions. Also, check for other hidden obstacles like pipes, HVAC ducts, or previous electrical wiring.
Preparation:
Calculate the length of wire needed, measuring from the start to end points, and add some extra for connections. It's better to have too much wire than too little. Turn off the power at the electric breaker to prevent the risk of electrical shock while you work, and double-check with a voltage tester. Wear safety gear, including rubber-soled shoes, insulated tools, safety glasses, and gloves.
If you are installing a new outlet, mark the desired location and cut an opening large enough for the box. When drilling holes, follow a straight line to make it easier to pull the cable through. Use a power drill to drill holes through the centre of each stud, ensuring they are straight and large enough to accommodate the wire. Clean out any debris from the holes with a vacuum.
Gather the necessary tools for running the wire, including a fish tape or a straightened wire coat hanger, and electrical tape to attach the wire. If you are using a fish tape, you will also need a drill to create a small pilot hole to insert the tape.
If you are running high-voltage electrical wiring, check your local building codes and regulations. You may need an electrician's license or a permit to perform this work. Ensure you use UL-rated in-wall wiring that meets local codes, such as CM, CMR, CMP, CL2, or CL3.
By following these planning and preparation steps, you can ensure a safer and more efficient process when running electric wiring up an existing wall.
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Using a fish tape
Fish tape is a valuable skill to learn for electricians or anyone looking to install wiring in their homes. It is a long, stiff, flat steel wire with a hook or eye on the end, used to pull electrical wires through conduits, walls, ceilings, floors, and other enclosed spaces. The process of using a fish tape involves the following steps:
Planning and Preparation:
Before starting, it is crucial to plan the optimal wiring route. Examine the existing electrical outlets on the wall and ensure your route stays at least one stud cavity away to prevent interference. Use a stud finder to scan the wall and identify any hidden obstructions. Calculate the required wire length, adding extra for connections and a 10% buffer. Drill a small pilot hole and use a wire coat hanger or glow rod to check for blockages.
Attaching the Wire:
Unspool the electrical cable and cut wires to staggered lengths if there are four or more wires to slim down the bundle. Rip the sheathing from the cable to expose the wires, then strip the plastic casing to expose the copper wire. Twist the wires together, leaving one wire loose, and attach it to the fish tape's hook. Form a complete loop, tamping the wires down tightly so nothing protrudes. Wrap the wires with electrical tape, starting from the attachment point to the fish tape up to the cable sheathing.
Pulling the Wire:
Push the fish tape forward, feeding it through the holes in the studs until a foot or two is exposed at the other end. At the reel end, slowly pull the fish tape back, working patiently to avoid breaking the wire. It is helpful to have an assistant at the other end to unspool the cable and relieve tension.
Safety and Maintenance:
Always wear safety glasses when working with fish tape to protect against the stiff metal wire. Ensure the electric circuits in the area are turned off to avoid electrical injury. To prevent rust, run the fish tape through a towel as you reel it back, and periodically clean it even when dry. Straighten any kinks or sharp bends in the tape by gently forcing it backward by hand.
Fish tape provides a convenient way to pull wires through walls, especially in tight spaces, but it requires careful planning and execution to ensure a safe and successful wiring installation.
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Drilling from the attic
Before you start, it's important to carefully plan the wiring route. Use a stud finder to scan the wall and check for hidden obstructions like pipes or ductwork. Measure the start and end points of the wire, adding extra length for connections and a 10% buffer.
If you're drilling from the attic, you'll need to locate the wire extending through the drilled hole. Use an electrician's fish tape, a flexible steel tape with a hook or eye on the end, to thread the wire through the wall. Uncoil the fish tape and insert it through the drilled hole, extending it until it's visible in the wall box opening. It's helpful to have an assistant at the other end to retrieve the fish tape once it's through the wall.
When drilling holes in the attic, it's crucial to avoid drilling into attic timbers as this can weaken them, impacting their ability to bear the weight of the roof. Cables should be neatly clipped and run away from any sources of interference. Re-routing cables may be necessary to avoid potential hazards and prevent damage.
Some DIYers opt to use a flexible drill bit to make holes for running wires, while others choose to cut out the drywall and drill larger holes to accommodate conduit. It's important to follow local building codes and regulations when running electrical wires, and in most jurisdictions, running new high-voltage wiring requires an electrician's license.
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Local building codes
National Electrical Code (NEC): The NEC is a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to safeguard homeowners and residents from electrical hazards and fires. It covers various aspects, including outlet spacing, circuit protection, wiring methods, and grounding requirements. The NEC is updated every three years, so it is important to verify which code cycle your area follows. Local codes always take precedence over the NEC, so ensure you understand the specific requirements in your region.
Electrical Boxes and Receptacles: Local building codes specify the type of electrical boxes required, which can be plastic or metal. Plastic boxes are standard in many places, but some localities mandate the use of metal boxes. Boxes should be large enough to avoid cramped wiring and securely attached to a framing member or clamped to the wall surface. Receptacle height is typically standardized, with the bottom of the receptacle box placed one foot above the floor or 16 inches to the top of the box.
Circuit Requirements: Different rooms in a house have specific circuit requirements. Kitchens, for instance, demand dedicated circuits for appliances like dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and microwaves. Lighting in kitchens and living areas should generally be on separate circuits, with a minimum amperage requirement. Laundry rooms also have distinct circuit needs, depending on the type of dryer used.
Grounding and Safety: Local codes emphasize grounding to protect against electrical shocks. All receptacles and appliances must be safely grounded, with switches and light fixtures typically included in this requirement. Grounding is achieved by connecting to a ground wire or metal sheathing that runs to the service panel. Additionally, local codes may mandate AFCI and GFCI protection for certain circuits to prevent electrical faults and fires.
Permits and Inspections: Depending on the scope of work, you may need to obtain permits and involve a certified building inspector to ensure compliance with local codes. Major electrical projects, especially those involving new wiring or remodelling, typically require inspections to verify safety and adherence to codes.
It is essential to consult the specific local building codes in your area, as they may include unique provisions not covered by the NEC or general guidelines. These codes are in place to safeguard your home and ensure that electrical installations are performed correctly and securely.
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Hiring an electrician
While it is possible to install electrical wiring yourself, it is a difficult and potentially dangerous job. It is always best to leave electrical work to a local professional electrician. If you are unsure about any step of the process, don't hesitate to contact an expert electrician.
When hiring an electrician, it is important to ensure they are licensed. Licensed electricians have the proper skills and tools to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. They can also advise on other aspects of your home's electrical system, such as how much you could save by switching to LED light fixtures. They will also provide their own warranty on their products and services, which will protect you from further expenses in the event of a problem.
The cost of hiring an electrician will depend on the complexity of the job. Installing a new outlet or switch where none exists, for example, will involve opening up a wall, fishing a new cable to a power source, installing a new wall box and device, and making the connections. The cost of this type of installation typically ranges from \$137 to \$319, plus the cost of the outlet itself (about \$10 to \$20 each). If the electrician needs to run conduit, reorganize circuit breakers, or install a new circuit breaker, the cost will be higher.
If you are installing a light fixture, a licensed electrician will first ensure that your walls or ceiling can bear the added weight of the fixture. Fixtures weighing more than 15 pounds require special electrical boxes, which an electrician can install. They can also supply and install specialized mounts if needed.
If you are running electrical wiring underground, you will likely need to hire a general contractor and an excavation company in addition to an electrician. Underground electrical installation is more expensive than running power overhead, as it requires excavation and the power cables are more costly. However, underground electric service is better protected from weather and general wear and tear, so it is less likely to be damaged.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to use a fish tape, a flexible steel tape with a hook or eye at the end that allows you to thread it through openings and cavities in the wall. Attach the electrical wire or cable to the hook and pull the tape through the wall to pull the wire along with it.
It is crucial to check your local building codes before starting work. Running new high-voltage electrical wiring requires an electrician’s license in most jurisdictions. You should also examine the existing electrical outlets on the wall and ensure your planned wiring route stays at least one stud cavity away to prevent interference.
Aside from a fish tape, you will need a stud finder to scan the wall and locate hidden obstacles, as well as a drill to make pilot holes.
