Wiktor Wise
There are several methods for running cables through walls and the approach depends on the circumstances and the scope of the job. It is easy to run cables through unfinished basements or attics, but running them inside finished walls is more challenging. This technique, known as fishing, involves pulling cables through walls to add new switches, lights, outlets, or communication cables. Before cutting holes in walls, it is important to map out the route and use a stud finder to locate any blocking that might obstruct the path. Additionally, it is crucial to turn off the main power before starting any electrical work to ensure safety and compliance with local building regulations.
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What You'll Learn
How to fish electrical wires through walls
Fishing electrical wires through walls, or "wire fishing", is a valuable skill that allows you to add new switches, lights, outlets, or communication cables. While it may seem intimidating, the process is relatively straightforward with the right tools and knowledge. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fish electrical wires through walls:
Step 1: Understand the Basics and Precautions
Before beginning, it is crucial to understand the basics of electrical work and take necessary precautions. Ensure that you are familiar with your local electric and building codes to comply with the type of wiring allowed. Always turn off the power to the area you are working on at the circuit breaker to ensure safety.
Step 2: Plan Your Route
Visualise the path you will take to guide the wire from point A to point B. Identify any "pinch points", such as where a wall meets a ceiling at a 90-degree angle, as these areas may require cutting the drywall to prevent the wire from bending.
Step 3: Identify Obstructions
Use a stud finder to check for any obstructions, such as existing electrical wires, plumbing pipes, or other mechanicals, to ensure you do not cut into them accidentally.
Step 4: Cut Access Holes
Using a drywall saw or jigsaw, cut out box openings along the outline of the electrical box. Make sure the cutout fits exactly with the outline. Additionally, drill access holes in the wall plate at the top or bottom of the stud cavity. These holes will be used to guide the cable to the attic, basement, or crawl space.
Step 5: Prepare the Fishing Setup
Obtain a fish tape, which is a long metal line with a hook on the end used to guide cables through walls. Uncoil the fish tape and slowly feed the hooked end into the drilled hole in the wall plate. If possible, have an assistant at the other end to help guide the process and look out for the end of the fish tape.
Step 6: Secure and Pull the Wire
Secure the electrical wire to the end of the fish tape using electrical tape. Overlap about 6 inches (15 cm) of wire with the fish tape and wrap the tape tightly around them. Slowly pull the fish tape and wire through the wall, being careful not to snag or damage the cable.
Step 7: Disconnect and Connect
Once the wire is through, disconnect the wire from the fish tape by unwrapping the tape. Pull out about 1-2 feet (30-61 cm) of wire through the hole. Finally, run the wire to the desired connection point, such as another wall cavity or an electrical box.
Alternative Methods:
If you are unable to access the wall cavity directly, there are alternative methods to fishing wires through walls. One option is to use a conduit or armoured cable for surface wiring, which can be hidden in dark closets or along the backs of cabinets. Another method is to use a raceway, which can be built from an existing electrical box and painted to match the wall.
Fishing electrical wires through walls can be challenging, but with the right tools and precautions, it is a valuable skill that allows you to add electrical components exactly where you need them.
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How to run wires through walls without destroying them
Fishing wires through walls is a great way to keep them out of sight and up to code. This technique allows you to add new switches, lights, outlets, or communication cables without the need for extension cords. While it may seem challenging, it is a straightforward process with the right tools and techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to run wires through walls without destroying them:
Planning and Preparation:
Before starting, it is crucial to check your local electric and building codes to understand any wiring restrictions. Contact your local government's municipal department for specific guidelines. Additionally, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a stud finder, drill, fish tape or glow rods, electrical tape, and safety gear like a face mask or respirator.
Stud Finding and Marking:
Use a stud finder to locate studs, pipes, and existing wires behind the wall. Mark the locations with painter's tape and a writing instrument. Determine the installation area for hiding wires, ensuring it will be concealed by your TV or desired fixture. Mark the top installation location at a point that will be hidden, and then mark the bottom exit hole closest to a power outlet.
Cutting and Drilling:
Attach a trash bag with painter's tape to the bottom of the wall to catch drywall dust during cutting. Cut a hole in the desired location with a drywall hand saw or an oscillating multi-tool. Make sure to cut only through the wallboard and stop if you encounter pipes or wires. Drill a hole in the wall plate and create another hole in the top or bottom plate of the wall.
Fishing the Wire:
Strip the end of the wire's sheathing. Secure the wires to the fish tape or a flexible rod/steel tape by wrapping them together with electrical tape. You can also use a coat hanger or a string with a weighted nut. Slowly pull the fish tape and wires through the wall, ensuring someone holds the opposite end of the cable to avoid it getting stuck. Alternatively, drill up from the ceiling or down from the floor to create a path for the wire, then use a fishing tool to pull it through.
Connecting and Testing:
Run the wires to the desired connection point, such as another wall cavity or electrical box. Strip the ends of the wires and connect them to the appliances or receptacles. Once connected, turn the power back on and test the connection to ensure it works properly.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively run wires through walls without destroying them, creating a clean and efficient space.
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Locating electrical wires before drilling
First, ensure that all light switches in the room you are drilling are turned on, as well as in the room on the other side of the wall. This simple step will help you identify the presence of electrical wiring. Think about the possibility of pipes being present in the wall as well.
Next, use a stud finder to scan the wall and locate the studs, blocks, and spacers. Studs are typically wooden spacers between the wall studs, and blocks are the wooden spacers between them. A stud finder will also help detect the existence of pipes and wires behind the wall. Mark the stud locations with painter's tape and a writing instrument. Remember that wiring is typically centred in the stud and attached to its side.
When marking the installation and exit points, ensure a minimum clearance of 2.5 inches from any stud to smoothly run the wires through. Also, be mindful that wires passing through studs should be under 36 inches and protected by nail plates, while wires between studs should have some freedom to move to reduce the risk of puncturing.
Additionally, consider using a borescope to identify what's inside the wall. However, this requires a hole of at least a centimetre, which might be too large for your purposes. Alternatively, you can push through the drywall with something non-conductive, like an old insulated electrician's screwdriver, to create a small hole. Then, use a stiff wire to sweep around and locate any wires or obstructions by contact.
By following these steps, you can effectively locate electrical wires before drilling and ensure a safer process when attaching electric objects to your walls.
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Using a fish tape to pull cables through walls
Step 1: Planning the Route
Before starting, it is important to visually map out the route the wire will take from point A to B. This involves identifying any structural elements that will need to be drilled or cut through, such as framing members or materials like wood, metal, concrete, or blocks. Identify any "pinch points", where a wall meets a ceiling at a 90-degree angle, as these areas may require cutting the drywall to prevent the fish tape from bending. Additionally, use a stud finder to locate any blocking or obstructions in the wall that might affect your route.
Step 2: Preparing the Fish Tape
The fish tape is a long, stiff, flat steel wire with a hook at the end. If your fish tape is new, unspool it and run it through a towel to remove any dust or rust. If you are working with a coiled fish tape, be cautious when uncoiling it to prevent it from springing out. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from the stiff metal wire. Ensure that the electrical circuits in the area are turned off to avoid electrical hazards.
Step 3: Attaching the Cable to the Fish Tape
Strip the end of the cable's sheathing to expose the wires. Cut the wires to staggered lengths to create a slimmer bundle, especially if you are working with four or more wires. Strip about ten inches off a couple of wires if you are running single conductors. Expose the copper wire by stripping the plastic casing from the ends. Then, twist the wires together, leaving one wire loose. Attach the loose wire to the end of the fish tape and bend it to form a complete loop. Secure the connection by wrapping the bundle tightly with electrical tape.
Step 4: Feeding the Fish Tape
Push the fish tape through the drilled holes or the holes in the studs. Feed it gently until about a foot or two of the tape is exposed on the other end. If you are working with a partner, have them pull the cable through the wall plate and out of the next wall box opening while you feed the fish tape. Ensure that the cable is securely attached to the fish tape to avoid losing the cable inside the wall.
Step 5: Pulling the Cable
Once the fish tape is fed through, pull the cable through the wall. Pull the cable in short, 2- to 3-foot intervals, ensuring that your partner is feeding the cable from the other end simultaneously. Be gentle to avoid tearing the sheathing on the cable. If you encounter fire blocks or obstructions, you may need to find an alternative route or cut an access hole to drill through the obstruction.
Step 6: Finalising the Connection
Once the cable is pulled through, complete the connection by attaching it to the relevant outlet or device. Ensure that you use approved attachment methods, such as drilling holes through joists or stapling the cable as required.
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Installing an electrical box in a finished wall
Planning:
Before starting the installation, it is crucial to plan the job carefully. Determine the ideal location for your electrical box, considering its proximity to other outlets or switches and ensuring it complies with safety guidelines. Understand the purpose and anatomy of an old work electrical box, which is designed for installation on already finished walls.
Marking:
Use a pencil or marker to mark the wall and indicate the desired location of the electrical box. Tape the box to the wall backward, allowing you to outline its position without obstruction. Use a torpedo level to ensure the box is straight, and then trace its outline with a pencil.
Cutting:
Using a utility knife, cut along the marked line, ensuring you cut through the drywall paper. Cut the hole with a drywall saw, being careful to cut inside the marked line to prevent fraying the paper. If you need to make a larger cutout, use drywall to install an electric box, and consider using plaster repair techniques to achieve a seamless finish.
Securing the Box:
Push the electrical box into the hole. If it fits tightly, do not force it, as you may damage the drywall. If needed, use a utility knife to enlarge the hole. Secure the box to the wall using screws or suitable fasteners. Old work electrical boxes have retention tabs and mounting ears that pinch the box tightly against the wall surface. Tighten the screws until the box is firmly attached.
Running the Cable:
Strip 8 to 12 inches of sheathing from the cable and run it into the box. Ensure that 1/2 inch of sheathing is visible inside the box and tug to confirm the cable clamps securely. Use cable clamps to secure the electrical wiring. If needed, create holes for the cable clamps using a drill.
Final Steps:
Organize the wiring inside the box, ensuring no loose or exposed wires. Attach the appropriate cover plates to the electrical box. Finally, restore power to the circuit, and your installation is complete!
Remember to follow local electrical rules and guidelines, and always prioritize safety when working with electricity.
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Frequently asked questions
You can attach electrical wires to the wall by using a fish stick (also called a fish tape or glow rod). Push the fish stick through the wall and hook the wires onto it. Then, pull the fish stick back through the wall, bringing the wires with it.
First, use a stud finder to ensure there are no joists or studs in the way. Then, use a utility knife to cut a hole in the wall, deep enough to cut through the drywall paper. Finally, push the electrical box into the hole and secure it with screws.
You can use a wire tracer to find electrical wires in a wall. First, attach the tracer's wires to the end of an exposed wire. Then, turn on the transmitter and receiver and move the receiver slowly across the wall until you hear a beep.
