Is it possible to run wiring for a chandelier on the wall instead of inside the wall?

Question

I have a room without a lighting fixture in it. Instead of fishing the wiring through the wall i was wondering if it was possible to put the wiring on the outside of the wall with some kind of protection over it. I have seen it done many times in old historical homes, but i don't know what it is called or if it is even done anymore

Answer 1

Most DIY home centers have what is called "wire moulding" that is availible in white or beige that allows you to run wiring exposed in a neat little chase way.

This site will explain it better http://www.genovaproducts.com/wiremanagement.htm

Answer 2

Go to the lighting section of a home improvement store and ask for chain wiring. It's lamp wiring threaded through a light-gauge chain (about 1-1/2 inch links). This comes in white, brass, or antique brass, and that's exactly what it's made for.

You then get ceiling hooks to "swag" the chain and wiring over to the corner of a room or to the ceiling on the side of a room, and down to the electrical outlet. Just make sure you get a long enough piece to get a nice, graceful swag in the chain at the ceiling. You don't want to go straight over without some droop, or it looks kinda tacky.

Answer 3

you CAN if its properly sheathed but WHY is the question. IT will look horrible and no professional would do it that way so it will be obvious an inexperienced person did the work. If you mean running the power on the outside of the building (i dont know where youre located but) it would probably have to be sheathed in PIPE (EMT).

Answer 4

Trunking is a really cheap method of hiding the wiring. Because it is cheap it will look cheap - you will be much happier if you spend more and have the wiring done properly.