Running electrical wire through joists?

Question

I'm installing 6 recessed lights in my living room. I really would like to stay away from the parameter walls as much as possible. Once I get the wire to the first fixture and on the way to other fixtures...... can I cross the joists by simply creating a notch (where the ceiling drywall meets the joists) run my wire and cover with with nail plate and drywall? IS this up to code? I've seen it done to studs so why not to joists?

Answer 1

no , get a wood drill bit about 20 m/m and drill holes for the wire about 2" to 3" from floor level , this means that no nails or screws will hit the wires

also mark the floor boards with " elec wire " incase you leave the house

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Joists are not wall studs. They bear weight and load differently. Drill a 1/2 to 3/4 inch hole through the joist at least 2inches up from the bottom, or dry wall side. Any lower and you can serious damage and weaken the joist in your ceiling.
Good Luck

Answer 4

Running Wire Through Studs

Answer 5

Fish Wire Through Ceiling

Answer 6

u want to install recessed cans in your ceiling , first thing imagine where u want to put them and see if there is joist located at that spot, if there is u have to move the lite over a little and similer with the others. second u dont cut any joists or notch especially on the bottom side, u can make ur holes in the dry wall for the rcans and use a snake and get to fish for the end of it and tie or romex to it and go from lite to lite this way, do have or not have a existing lite to come off for your switching needs? for those new rcans? If your put your switch above a already existing oulet at your desired height u can come off if for your power and u will need to drill 1 hole in the top plate of that wall above the new switch to go to the first rcan wiring is easy stay color to color the black wire off the outlet is your hot 120v source and the white is the neutral and its not hot get all the other connectors done first and make this the last one done in the ourlet good luck kirk

Answer 7

This should not be done at all, especially in studs. You need to drill a hole in the joist for the wires. Keep the hole a couple inches from the edge of joist.

Answer 8

If you want to get TECHNICAL....you can go straight from point A to point B.It is not against code to run wire straight across on top of or over studs to get to lights.Its mostly a LOCAL thing.My local code states that any area where that is over 36 inches from the top of the joist to the roof or pitch of roof....you cannot run wire because this is considered potential walk space.But as far as code...just run wire straight to light and if you want to feel safe that no one nails a floor(attic floor) on the wire,then nail down a 2x4 or 1x2 piece of wood along side of wire...this is called a ridge back or hard back.The wood will act as a marker and barrier from anyone laying plywood directly on the wire.Also it is ok to drill thru 2x6 studs or bigger.you will NOT weaken structure.Thats just paranoid BS.I wouldnt do it on 2x4 though....thats different.Ive been in the electrical field 16 years and been licensed for 13years.Trust me.I can do house with my Eyes closed.Ive wired up to 20,000 square foot houses before....yes,thats right.....20,000 sq ft.Thats freakin huge.Hey,rich people go all out :)

Answer 9

can you run a #6 stove wire thru a floor joist. Is there a hat problem.

Answer 10

no holes you can just staple them ..just try and keep them looking neat.. like 3 in a row....and dont go diagonally across the joist because it is a shorter route .. u can also nail them to the sides of the joists..need to be carefull with those nail typeStapless its easy to beat one right into the wire