Molly Ayala
Running electrical wiring through existing concrete is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. It involves cutting and drilling through the concrete to create channels for the wiring to pass through. The wiring must be protected by a conduit, such as PVC or ENT, to prevent it from coming into direct contact with the concrete, which is typically damp or wet. This process can be challenging and may require expertise in electrical work and concrete construction. Planning the setup thoroughly is crucial to ensure a successful and safe installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Conduit Types | Cor-line/smurf tube/ENT, PVC, EMT, Rigid Pipe |
| Conduit Placement | Below the slab, below the top layer of rebar, on top of the vapour barrier |
| Cable Type | NM, UF |
| Cable Placement | Inside concrete forms, inside conduit, inside bored holes |
| Additional Considerations | Caulking to seal ends of conduit, bonding agent for concrete patchwork |
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What You'll Learn
Using PVC conduit
Conduit is PVC pipe designed to safely contain electrical wiring. Before starting any electrical work, it is important to check local building codes and regulations, as some areas require professional installation.
When running electrical wiring through existing concrete, you will need to drill holes in the concrete to feed the wiring through. The wiring must be protected by a conduit when embedded in concrete, and PVC is a common choice for this application.
To use PVC conduit, start by measuring and cutting the conduit to the required length. It is recommended to have extra conduit and connectors on hand to avoid repeat trips to the store. When drilling the holes in the concrete, ensure they are large enough to accommodate the conduit and wiring. Feed the wiring through the conduit, and seal the ends with appropriate bushings or caulking. If drilling through a concrete wall, you may need to turn the cable 90 degrees once it exits the conduit to continue through ceiling joists.
PVC conduit can be run below the slab or below the top layer of rebar in the slab. It is important to plan your setup thoroughly to avoid wasting money on buried materials. Some users have shared their experiences of running PVC conduit below their slabs, bringing the wiring up to power lights, exhaust fans, and water heaters.
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Drilling through concrete
Once you have determined a safe location for drilling, use a tape measure to find the right location and set the diameter of the hole. Mark the spot on the concrete with a carpenter's pencil and double-check the placement of the holes. If you are drilling holes to hang or install something, hold the item up to ensure the holes are lined up.
For drilling into concrete, experts recommend using a hammer drill with masonry drill bits or concrete diamond point screws. If you are drilling a hole to attach a bracket or similar object to concrete using concrete screws, you will often find the correct size drill bit included in the pack. Otherwise, get a 5/32-inch bit for 3/16-inch concrete screws and a 3/16-inch bit for 1/4-inch screws. Keep spare bits in the correct size on hand as working with masonry can wear out bits quicker.
It is important to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when drilling into concrete, including eye and hearing protection, work gloves, and a dust mask. If you are drilling many holes, it is recommended to use vacuum dust extraction as the silica dust produced by drilling concrete is hazardous to your health if inhaled.
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Electrical wiring through concrete walls
Running electrical wiring through concrete walls can be a challenging task and is best done while the concrete is being laid. The most common conduit run in concrete is Cor-line/smurf tube/ENT and PVC. EMT is another option, but it has fallen out of favour due to the ease of use and lack of rust with ENT. Rigid pipe can also be used, but it requires threading and is therefore not often used unless necessary.
If you are running wiring through an existing concrete wall, you will need to drill through the concrete to feed the wire to the outside boxes. The wire must be sheathed and protected, usually with conduit. PVC conduit is a popular choice for running electrical wiring through concrete walls. It can be run below the slab or below the top layer of rebar in the slab. After drilling, the conduit sleeve is inserted, and the cable is run through it. The cable can then be turned 90 degrees and run through the ceiling joists.
If you are running wiring through a concrete floor, you will need to cut a channel in the concrete for the conduit to run through. This can be done with a concrete saw to create a trench for the conduit, and then the strands of wire can be run through.
Another option for running wiring through concrete walls is to use furring strips, which provide ample space to run wiring. This method can be useful if you are trying to keep the bulk of the wiring under a certain depth.
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Running electrical through concrete floors
Running electrical wiring through concrete floors is a complex process that may require professional help. It is important to plan the setup thoroughly before beginning any work.
The first step is to cut a trench in the concrete to create a channel for the wiring to run through. This can be done using a concrete saw with a diamond blade, or a circular saw and a chisel and hammer. The trench should be deep enough to accommodate the wiring and any conduit, with at least 2" of space on top for patchwork to adhere.
Once the trench has been cut, the next step is to lay the wiring. This can be done using PVC conduit, which is commonly used for electrical wiring in concrete slabs. The conduit should be laid in the trench, with elbows on each end to allow for cables to be run through it. It is important to ensure that the conduit is protected and that the wiring is properly grounded. In some cases, it may be necessary to separate neutrals and grounds in a subpanel.
After the wiring has been laid, the trench can be filled back in. This can be done by dampening the trench, mixing a cement grout, and pouring it into the trench before trowelling it flush with the slab. Once the grout has set, the subfloor and replacement flooring can be reinstalled.
In some cases, it may be possible to run electrical wiring through existing holes or channels in the concrete, rather than cutting a new trench. This can be done using fish tape or string to pull the wires through. It is important to ensure that the wiring is protected and properly grounded, regardless of the method used to run it through the concrete.
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Electrical boxes and conduits
When it comes to electrical boxes, there are a few types commonly used in concrete applications:
- Masonry boxes: These boxes are designed for concrete block walls and provide a secure enclosure for electrical wiring and devices. They are typically made of heavy-duty galvanized steel and are available in various gang configurations.
- Octagon concrete boxes: Octagon boxes are commonly used in poured concrete installations, offering a reliable housing solution for electrical connections in slabs and walls. They feature a spacious design to accommodate multiple wiring connections and secure mounting options.
As for conduits, there are several types to consider, each with its advantages and suitable applications:
- Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) and Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC): These heavy-duty conduits are made of galvanized steel and are used for structural piping that houses the wiring for the home's connection to utility service lines. IMC has largely replaced RMC in new construction due to its threaded connections.
- Electrical Metallic Conduit (EMT): EMT is a rigid, thin-walled metal conduit typically made of galvanized steel. It is lightweight and easy to bend with a special tool called a conduit bender. EMT is best suited for indoor residential and light commercial construction.
- Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing (ENT): ENT is a flexible plastic tubing designed for use inside residential walls or concrete block structures. It is moisture-resistant and flame-retardant but should not be installed in exposed locations or outdoors.
- Flexible Metal Conduit (FMT) and Liquid-tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC): FMT has a spiral construction that allows for easy bending, making it suitable for short runs in exposed locations, such as wiring for garbage disposals and water heaters.
When running electrical wiring through concrete, it is essential to follow local codes and regulations, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), to ensure safe and compliant installations. Consulting with a licensed electrician or a local inspector is always recommended before beginning any electrical work.
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Frequently asked questions
PVC conduit is the most commonly used material for running electrical wiring through concrete. Cor-line/smurf tube/ENT, EMT, and rigid pipe are also used.
The process involves cutting and chiselling a channel in the concrete, running the conduit through the channel, and then embedding the outlets. The channel is then filled with concrete and a bonding agent is applied.
Yes, it is possible to run electrical wiring through concrete without using conduit. However, it is recommended to use conduit for additional protection.
PVC conduit is the most commonly used type of conduit for electrical wiring in concrete due to its ease of use and resistance to rust.
It is important to plan the setup thoroughly before running electrical wiring through concrete. The wire must be sheathed or protected, and in some cases, a specific type of cable may be required for damp locations.
