How to Run Cables Through Existing Walls?
by Guest on Nov 29, 2012
Whether you wish to install new speakers for the home theater or a phone jack in your home, you would require running cables through the existing cables. Fishing wires through existing walls can be a difficult task to achieve. You have to be extremely careful while planning the entire procedure. You would require special tools and proper techniques for running wires into the walls of your home.
Following is a list of tools you may need for running cables through existing walls.
- Stud Finder
- Measuring Tape
- Electrical Tape
- String and Fishing Weight
- Fish Tape or Wire Coat Hanger
- Flashlight
- Drill and Bits
- Drywall Keyhole Saw
Things to Consider Before Starting:
Check the codes of Building: A majority of buildings allow homeowners to install low-voltage wiring at their homes for various purposes such as phone lines, speaker wire, computer cable but you should not take chances and check to be free from any sort of doubt.
Selection of Proper Cable: You should consult an expert before buying cables for your home. You have to assure that the cable meets the fire codes and other standards of the building.
Plug Off the power: You should turn off the power from your electrical box before starting with the task. This would reduce the chances of getting an electrical shock.
Avoid Electrical Wiring: You would have to keep all the wires related to the phone, speaker and computer at a distance from the electrical wiring of your home. You have to give due importance to your safety.
Walls: You should try running cables through the interior walls of your home because exterior walls are having insulation.
Planning:
Initially, you need to finalize the location of the new wiring. Check out the existing electrical wiring at your home and accordingly keep the new wiring at a safe distance. Thereafter, you should look for hidden wirings at different locations of your home such as an attic, basement or crawlspace. There are instances of hidden wiring beneath the walls, so to locate this wiring you would have to use metal detectors.
Once you’re clear about the route of the cable, then you have a focus on the total length of cable you’d need for running through your walls. A simple method is to measure the distance from start to end and add 4-5 feet extra for connections. You can keep a reserve for tackling some unexpected problems. You would not want the cable to be short as it can spoil all your hard work, so you have to always keep a few extra feet as a reserve.
Steps for Fishing Wires:
Once you’re ready to run a cable through your walls, turn off the power for being safe.
You should start by drilling a small pilot hole and some metal prick or a coat hanger to feel the inside of the hole. This can let you know whether the area is free from any existing wiring or not.
If you don’t find any existing wiring, then you can move ahead and enlarge the hole.
Now go to the endpoint or basement, and again drill a hole that will act as the outlet.
Attach the cable to a coat hanger using electrical tape.
Finally, run the cable to its final destination. This would involve fishing the cable through another wall cavity.
If the pilot hole made by you didn’t work, then you would have to patch it up and bring it to the matching point of the wall by using sand and cement. There are various other options too for filling up of these holes but the material used depends upon the sizes of the holes.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
66132 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
66047 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
60217 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
41102 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
25751 Views
Latest Articles
6 Water Heater Problems to Never Ignore
You know how frustrating it is to take a cold shower in the middle of winter or for the hot water to run out before you're even halfway through. To...
on Aug 14, 2022
How Land Clearing Can Improve Your Property Value
When you want to improve your property value, land clearing is a great option to consider. This process can remove any trees, undergrowth, or...
on Aug 10, 2022
Residential andCommercial HVAC Service: What’s the Difference
HVAC denotes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC systems assist in regulating the environmental temperatures and humidity while...
on Aug 3, 2022
Top 6 Things to Look for When Hiring a Professional Plumber
Whether you need to replace bathtub faucets or unclog drainage systems and kitchen sinks, a plumber does it all. However, look for a professional...
on Jul 21, 2022
Water Leaks
Water leaks are one of the most common causes of home damage and are one of the most expensive types of water damage to repair. If you are unsure...
on Jul 20, 2022
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Juan Plumbing - Learn about SCAMs
on Sep 17, 2021
Hire Contractors / Estimates

I can firmly say, I'm only trying to be an advocate for a neighbor that is a DISABLED SENIOR who was taken advantage of in this SCAM. I feel the...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 236
- Real Estate / Finance — 190
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 181
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 140
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 116
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 114
- Doors / Garages — 112
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Modern Canvas Art in Interior Design
Art can be a way of giving an interior the wow factor without the need to spend thousands on painting and decorating. Decorating, wallpaper, and...
5 DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
Most homes are nowadays well equipped with modern home appliances. Regular service of any home appliance is very necessary at regular intervals for...
Late Winter Chores - More on Pruning
So much good is accomplished by proper pruning technique, but so much damage can be inflicted by ignorance - this is one gardening technique that...
How You Can Organize Your Home
4 Necessities For Organizing Your Home! After a long day of work it can be over whelming to think about cleaning the house. You want to relax from...
Worthy Improvements for Your Next Bathroom Remodel
You do not spend enough time bathing because your bathroom does not look great. Perhaps, it is time to consider renovating your bathroom. You can...