Installing exposed wiring in your home can add an industrial look and feel to your rooms. However, working with electrical wiring carries risks if not done properly. This guide will walk you through the process of installing exposed wiring safely without hiring an electrician.
Understanding Exposed Wiring
Exposed wiring, sometimes called open wiring, is electrical wiring that is not enclosed inside the walls, floors, and ceilings of a home. Instead, the wiring is openly run along floors, walls, and ceilings.
There are a few key things to understand about exposed wiring:
- It involves running electrical wire and cables visibly along surfaces rather than hiding them behind drywall or paneling.
- The wiring is mounted to the surface using special brackets, hangers, or staples.
- Only certain types of electrical wire can be used for open wiring, such as NM (non-metallic) cable.
- Exposed wiring must meet electrical code requirements for proper installation.
Exposed wiring can create safety hazards if not properly installed. Make sure you understand electrical codes and safety procedures before attempting any electrical work yourself.
Gathering the Right Materials
You will need to purchase the correct supplies before installing exposed wiring in your home. Key materials include:
- NM electrical cable - This flexible cable contains insulated wires and is designed for open wiring. 12/2 and 14/2 NM cables are common sizes.
- Cable staples or clamps - Used to securely fasten the cable to surfaces. Metal staples must be non-corrosive.
- Cable ties - Provides additional security for anchoring the wiring.
- Wire stripper - Allows you to remove the plastic insulation from the ends of the wires.
- Voltage tester - Essential for safely checking wires are dead before working on them.
- Wire nuts - Twists wires together inside the connector for secure connections.
- Cable concealers - Plastic covers that can hide junction boxes and connections.
Purchase the exact amount of NM cable needed for the planned wiring layout. Having leftover cable can lead to temptation to add unplanned wiring.
Safety Tips
Working with electrical wiring is extremely dangerous if safety precautions are not taken. Here are some key safety tips:
- Turn off power supply - Turn off electricity to the relevant circuit at the main electrical panel. Double check wires with a voltage tester.
- Avoid working live wires - Do not install exposed wiring to a live circuit. Always confirm wires are completely dead.
- Wear safety gear - Use insulated gloves, eye protection, sturdy shoes, and turn off water supply.
- Mind existing wires - When drilling or nailing, be cautious of existing hidden wires inside walls.
- Keep wires free of tension - Cable should not be tightly stretched or have tension. Maintain slack.
- Connect wires securely - Use wire nuts and terminal screws properly to avoid loose connections.
Skimping on safety to save time can lead to electrocution or burning your home down. Follow all electrical safety principles.
Planning the Wiring Layout
Carefully planning the wiring layout is crucial for both the look of the exposed wiring and safety:
- Map route - Sketch where wiring will be surfaced mounted and the paths between A and B.
- Consider wire length - Measure distance along planned route to know how much cable to purchase. Add extra.
- Mind furniture - Leave room for moving furniture and opening doors without straining wire.
- Stay close to walls - Run wiring close to wall edges, not down middle of wall for easier mounting.
- Choose mounting type - Consider cable staples, clips, or cable trays depending on surface.
- Meet electrical codes - Research requirements for cable types, wire gauge, wire spacing, etc.
Take time to think through the full wiring plan. Rushing into installation often leads to sloppy, unsafe work.
Installing the Wiring
Once fully prepared, you can start installing exposed wiring:
1. Mount Boxes and Outlets
- Mount new electrical boxes if any wiring will connect to new outlets and switches.
- Ensure depth matches wall thickness so outlet sits flush.
- Feed wiring into the electrical boxes, leaving plenty of excess wire.
2. Run Cable Along Route
- Lay out the NM cable along the planned route first to confirm it reaches.
- Pull out the insulation from the ends of the wires to expose copper.
- Affix NM cable to studs using insulated staples every 4-6 inches.
3. Make Secure Connections
- Use wire nuts to connect exposed wire ends to outlet and switch terminals.
- Wrap electrical tape around connections as an extra safety measure.
- Tug gently on wires to ensure a tight connection.
- Close up the electrical boxes with securely fitted covers.
4. Anchor Cable Along Route
- Use cable staples, J-hooks, clips, or ties spaced every 12-16 inches along run.
- Do not overtighten ties or excessively staple. This can damage cable sheathing.
- Use extra anchors at corners or any change in direction.
5. Attach Warning Labels
- Affix "Live Wire" warning labels along exposed runs, available at hardware stores.
- Make any exposed junction boxes easily visible.
Always double check with voltage tester that wires are truly dead before handling!
Finishing Touches
The final steps involve tidying up the wiring installation:
- Use cable concealers over junction boxes for a cleaner look.
- Patch over old outlet holes in drywall unless still usable.
- Confirm no wires are excessively stretched or have tension.
- Replace furniture and decor moved for installation.
- Dispose of any discarded old wiring properly.
Once finished, carefully restore power to the updated circuit at the breaker box one by one. Test outlets and switches to confirm all is working properly.
Maintaining Exposed Wiring
Over time, exposed wiring will need periodic maintenance:
- Check for any loose wire connections and tighten if needed.
- Examine for cracked, damaged, or frayed insulation along the cable.
- Watch for sagging wires and use additional anchors to lift back into position.
- Evaluate if any sections pose safety hazards and re-route away from traffic areas if needed.
- Use a voltage tester to confirm wires stay completely dead when power is shut off.
Routinely inspect the full installation at least once a year. Proactive maintenance helps avoid electrical hazards.
Installing exposed wiring certainly takes effort and care. But armed with the right knowledge of codes, safety, planning, and materials, you can tackle running open wiring without needing an electrician. Just be sure to always make safety the top priority rather than merely the end results.