Electrical wiring, better to cut holes into studs, or top plate?

Question

Hi,
I am wiring my new addition. My question has to do with the wiring. I have recepticals in opposite corners of the room. Should I drill holes into each stud around the room to run the wire? Or am I better off drilling a hole into the top plate, and running the wire across the attic, drilling a hole into the opposite top plate, and down to the second receptical??

Thanks for your time

pb4sc

Answer 1

It would save you a lot of drilling going through the top plate. YOu are going to find that you are not happy with just 2 recepticles in a new room. I have wired for some women and they wanted one every few feet. Since it is a new room you can also split the recepticle to make it switchable from a wall switch if you should want a lamp to turn on when you enter the room. I like to use 12 gauge for recepticles and 14 for the lights. If it meant for a micro wave I run a dedicated line of 10 gauge. I also wired our laundry room with 10 gauge and used GFI's. I use the GFI's around the kitchen sink and in the bathroom.

Answer 2

If you ceiling is open it is much easier to go up and over. If the ceiling is in place but the attic provides easy access then it is still easier. If not, get a board about 8 - 10 inches longer than the height of the outlet box and cut a V-notch in it. Never cut away more than 1/3rd of the thickness of the stud your drilling into. Using the board as a guide, drill each hole the same distance up on each stud in the center of the stud and run your wire. Staple all wire ends to the last stud withing 6 - 8 inches of the outlet box.

Answer 3

There are some relatively new codes on that. Go through the studs about in the center where you want them. After you have done that, there is a metal plate that should be nailed onto the stud where the hole is on the stud. Those are there to stop nailing where there is a possibility the nail might enter into the wiring and short out two wires.

Answer 4

IMO, if you have a drill and the wallboards are not up its 90 times better and easier to drill the holes and do the wiring at waste level.

I only do the attic wiring if theres wallboard up already and the house has space up there to wire.

Remember to use nail planes where you drill the holes and to follow all the NEC05 code rules as well as the codes for your area. I also suggest getting an electrician or inspector in there to get you the green light.

In most states, doing DIY wiring or any huge project like this requires the need of a permit and you almost always need an inspector to come and check everything before, during, and after the project. Inspectors are there to help...dont get angry at them or not have one come in.

as i said, follow all the codes for your area


BTW, here's a great PDF file for the recep. placement for outlets going by the NEC

http://www.ul.com/regulators/ode/1104.pdf#search=%22NEC%20for%20outlet%20placement%22

Also, NEC also says a room should either have a switch controlled outlet, or a siwtch controlled light installed in the ceiling.

I prefer the light on the wall but most do the half switched outlet with the breakoff tab cut on the brass side of the outlet and run 3 wire romex to it.

Answer 5

omg....first off, only 2 outlets in yur room doesnt appear to meet code anyways... why not simply add an outlet on each wall? Personally best way is running thru the studs...by the way the NFPA code for outlets states you must not be anywhere along the wall space longer than 6feet from any outlet....or on smaller wall spaces 24inches...so an average bedroom of 12 x 11 would need at min 4 outlets.. where a 12 x 13 would need more... give or take depending on doors..

Answer 6

auger holes through the middle of the studs and run the wire across the room As mentioned you may want more receptles, code states one every 6 feet, so if a wall is 10' long you would have 2 on that wall alone

Answer 7

Top plate sounds better. All those holes in each wall stud would tend to weaken the walls shear strength in a straight line. Don't know your wind conditions but it just makes sense,,,:-)=

Answer 8

Two receptacles? National electrical code requires receptacles installed according to the six foot rule. Cable should be run in the shortest route.

Answer 9

check your local building code. depending on the size of the room you will need more than two outlets. pick up a d.y.i. book at your local home improvement center. if you stick with only two outlets, up and over would be the way to go.

Answer 10

whitchever is quicker and will run the shortest romex just remember to staple