Fishing wires through walls is an essential skill for any DIY enthusiast tackling electrical or communication projects. It allows you to discreetly run cables for new outlets, lights, switches, and communication lines like Cat 6, eliminating unsightly extension cords. This guide, featuring expert insights from licensed electrician Matt Cross, provides the tools, techniques, and crucial advice needed to master wire fishing safely and effectively.
Creative Cable Routing Techniques
Route Cable Behind Baseboard
For those who prefer trim work over drywall repair, routing cables behind the baseboard is an excellent solution. Remove the baseboard and cut a narrow channel in the wall. Drill holes in the studs, ensuring they are at least 1-1/4 inches from the stud edges to avoid needing protective metal plates, for the wire to pass through. This method works best with wider base trim but can also be adapted for narrower trim.
Make a Bevel Cut
When access holes are necessary, make them with a bevel cut. This allows for seamless patching. After running the cable, apply joint compound around the hole and press the beveled cutout back into place. The compound will secure the plug without screws or backing, preventing it from falling through.
Make a Chase With Trim
Conduit or BX cable can be run along the corner of a wall and concealed with crown molding. Small, discreet holes can be cut in the wall or ceiling where the wiring needs to exit. This method provides a clean and organized look.
Essential Safety and Best Practices
Don’t Fish Power Cords
It’s crucial to remember that power cords for appliances, TVs, and power strips are not designed for in-wall use. According to the National Electrical Code, these cords cannot replace permanent wiring and are not UL listed for in-wall applications. To avoid visible power cords, install a new outlet closer to the appliance by fishing a wire from an existing outlet or the basement.
Give Communication Cable Enough Space
Communication cables like coax or Cat 6 should be kept separate from high-voltage cables. Professionals recommend maintaining a distance of 12 to 16 inches. If crossing is unavoidable, do so at a 90-degree angle to minimize interference.
Find the Easiest Route
The most direct route isn’t always the easiest. Utilize unfinished spaces like basements and attics to run wire across the house. Although it might require more cable, it can save significant time and effort.
Use a Lot of Cable
When fishing cable, push more cable than needed into the walls or ceilings. This makes connecting the cable easier and reduces tugging, which can damage fragile Cat 6 cables.
Alternative Wiring Solutions
Hide Wires With Raceway
Raceway offers a convenient way to run wire on the wall surface without fishing through walls. The raceway can be hidden behind furniture or painted to match the wall. Build the raceway from an existing electrical box with snap-together components, concealing the wire inside the channel.
Run Conduit in Closets or Cabinets
Conduit or armored cable is a cost-effective alternative for surface wiring, especially in areas like closets or behind cabinets where it won’t be visible. It provides a durable and protected pathway for the wires.
Splice Like a Pro
When pulling cable through a wall, ensure it is securely attached to the pulling tool, whether a fish tape or coat hanger. A reliable method is to put the wire through the eyelet or around the hook, then wrap it around the fishing tool. Secure with electrical tape, tapering the wrapped section for easy sliding through holes.
Don’t Run Cable in Ductwork
Running cable inside ductwork is prohibited by code. While you can run cable in plenum spaces like stud and joist bays for return air, you must use plenum-rated cable, which has special, nontoxic, fire-rated jackets.
Wire Along the Plumbing Stack
In older homes, adding power to an upper level can be simplified by using the plumbing vent stack as a guide. Lower a plumb bob along the stack from the attic to the basement and pull the cable up. Newer homes might not have enough space around the stack, but it’s worth checking.
Drill Two Holes to Turn a Corner
To run wire around corners, drill holes on each side of the corner studs using a spade bit in an angle drill or an angle attachment. This creates a clear path to pull the wire through.
Find Obstructions
Before cutting any holes, map out the desired wire route. Use a stud finder to locate any blocking that might obstruct the path. If blocking is present in one stud bay, the next bay over might offer a better route.
Double-Duty Access Holes
Utilize existing access points by removing light fixtures, switches, or outlets to use existing holes. Alternatively, plan ahead to use the access hole for a new fixture, reducing the need for additional cuts.
Hide TV Wires With a Wiring Kit
An in-wall TV wiring kit provides an easy way to hide TV wires. Cut holes for the boxes, drop the wire down the wall, and plug in the extension cord. These kits are prewired and come with an extension cord, especially useful when studs block a direct fishing route.
Tuck Low-Voltage Wires
Low-voltage cables, such as speaker wire, doorbell wires, thermostat wires, and communication lines like Cat 6, have fewer installation requirements than household power cables. These wires can be tucked under the baseboard, but not under carpets or rugs.
Essential Wire-Fishing Gear
Glow Rods
Glow rods are essential for wire fishing. They can be pushed up walls and along ceilings and can be screwed together for longer spans. They often come with a swivel eyelet tip and a hook tip. The luminescent rods glow in the dark, making it easier to navigate dark spaces.
Flex Bit
If you need to run wire across joists or studs, use a flex bit. These long bits come with extensions for drilling through multiple joists. They have an eyelet at the tip for pulling the wire back through. Be careful when using these bits, as they can drill through sheetrock if not handled properly.
Homemade Hooks
Homemade hooks made from cable or coat hangers are excellent for grabbing cables just out of reach. They are also an economical solution.
90-Degree Drill Attachment
A 90-degree drill attachment is perfect for drilling holes between stud bays. It’s more affordable than a dedicated angle drill and serves the same purpose.
Wire-Pulling Magnets
Wire-pulling magnets are useful for pulling wire along insulated stud bays and retrieving lost tools from inside walls.
Low Voltage Mud Ring
Use mud rings to prevent marring drywall as you pull cable. They also have markers for outlining the correct hole size and shape for single-gang boxes. After fishing, leave it in the wall and cover with a blank faceplate to avoid patching.
Steel Fish Tape
Steel fish tape is ideal for pushing wire through insulated walls, up wall cavities, and down long lengths of joists. Straighten the end of the wire to help it get through insulation easier, then bend it back into a hook to pull wires through.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of guiding cable through walls opens up a world of possibilities for DIY electrical and communication projects. By following these expert tips and utilizing the right tools, you can achieve professional results, enhance your home’s functionality, and eliminate unsightly wires. Remember to prioritize safety and always adhere to electrical codes for a successful and worry-free project.
