How To Run Wire Through Walls With Studs

Make a hole in the center of each stud large enough to allow the cables to pass through easily but never exceed 40 percent of the stud width which means a maximum diameter of 1 3 8 inches for 2 x 4 framing.

How to run wire through walls with studs.

Drill through the center of the stud using a maximum diameter of 60 of the stud s width 40 for load bearing walls. Tap the wall with a hammer across the area where the new wiring will be installed. One of the options t. For either 12 or 14 gauge wire a 1 2 inch or 3 8 inch spade or auger bit mounted on a drill provides a good amount of space to pull the wire through.

Each time you hear a sharp tap. Use a drill and spade bit to make holes in the studs and other framing members for running the cables. Follow these guidelines to avoid causing structural damage. Smaller holes make it difficult to pull the wire.

If there is no open path for the wire you may need to drill through wall studs or ceiling joists. The primary challenge when installing new wiring in existing walls is routing the wiring through the intervening framing. Pierce the drywall with the tip of a drywall saw on the left or right side of one of the pencil marks on the wall. Larger holes compromise the structural integrity of the stud.

For the horizontal portion of the cable run this can involve drilling holes in the joists where the cable will pass. When adding or replacing wiring in finished walls most electricians will attempt to make the horizontal portion of the cable run in the unfinished attic or basement crawlspace areas looping the cable down or up through the wall cavity across the floor or ceiling joists then vertically through another stud cavity to the next wall box opening. How to run wire through the studs behind a wall 1.