How to Install Hidden Wiring in Your Home Without an Electrician

Installing hidden wiring in your home can be a great way to upgrade your electrical system without the high costs of hiring an electrician. With the right materials and safety precautions, a homeowner can successfully install new wiring in walls, ceilings, and floors. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to install hidden wiring yourself.

Reasons to Install Hidden Wiring

There are several benefits to installing hidden wires in your home:

• Aesthetics - Hidden wires keep rooms looking clean and clutter-free. No more cords and outlets marring your walls.

• Safety - Concealed wires are safer than exposed wires running along baseboards and ceilings. Reduces trip and fire hazards.

• Resale value - Updating your electrical with hidden wiring adds value when selling your home. Buyers want updated systems.

• Flexibility - You can strategically add wiring and outlets anywhere needed. For example, behind wall mounted TVs.

• Cost - Doing it yourself is much cheaper than hiring an electrician.

As long as proper precautions are taken, the project can be safely DIYed without professional help.

How to Get Started with a Hidden Wiring Project

Careful planning is required before you start cutting into walls for hidden wire installation:

• Choose gauge - For 15 amp circuits, use 14-gauge wire. For 20 amp circuits, use 12-gauge wire.

• Circuit planning - Map out which rooms will be on which circuits. Don't overload circuits.

• Outlet planning - Decide outlet placement based on furniture layouts and device locations.

• Inspect walls - Check for existing wires, plumbing lines, or other obstructions in the walls you'll be working in.

• Have tools ready - Gather basic hand tools, a voltage tester, wire strippers, fish tape, and more. Rent or buy power tools for cutting openings.

• Safety gear - Wear safety goggles, work gloves, dust mask, and ear protection when cutting openings.

Thorough planning and preparation prevents mistakes and safety hazards down the road.

How to Fish New Wires Through Walls

Fishing wire through walls is a key skill for hidden wiring projects:

• Open access points - Cut small openings near the top and bottom of the wall run to fish wires through.

• Drill holes - Drill entry and exit holes through wall studs and sill plates for fishing the wires.

• Run fish tape - Attach fish tape to the end of the wire. Feed through holes and access points.

• Use fish sticks - Flexible fiberglass rods push wire through tight spaces the tape can't fit.

• Coat hangers - bend coat hangers into hooks to fish wires around corners and between floors.

• Lubricants - Coat wires with lubricant like wire pulling gel if getting tangled in walls.

Patience and persistence are required for fishing, but these tips make feeding wires much easier.

Installing Wires in Finished Walls, Floors, and Ceilings

Working in finished spaces like drywall requires extra care:

• Cut access holes - Use a drywall saw or oscillating tool to cut openings for fishing wires.

• Drill holes - Use a long flexible drill bit to bore wiring holes through joists and studs.

• Surface wiring - Run plastic raceway along baseboards and ceilings to avoid cutting drywall.

• Attics and crawlspaces - Access wires from above or below to avoid cutting into finished surfaces.

• Inspect carefully - Locate existing wires, pipes, and ducts before cutting to prevent damage.

• Patch holes - Seal around wires with acrylic caulk. Refinish drywall openings with joint compound.

Take your time and be meticulous when fishing wires through finished walls to get a professional looking result.

Installing Boxes, Outlets, and Cover Plates

The final steps involve installing electrical boxes and devices:

• Mount boxes - Attach electrical boxes secured to studs or joists where devices and fixtures will go.

• Outlet alignment - Ensure outlets are level and aligned. Use spacers if boxes are recessed.

• Secure wires - Use wire nuts to join wires securely in boxes. Follow proper splice techniques.

• Install devices - Connect receptacles, switches, and fixtures to wires. Screw into boxes.

• Cover plates - Insert wall plates over boxes to hide rough openings. Choose decorative plates to suit room style.

• Test operation - Turn power back on and test outlets, switches, and lights with a voltage tester before finishing the wall.

Taking care with boxes and devices ensures your hidden wiring system works reliably and looks great.

Safety Tips When Installing Electrical Wiring

Safety should be your top concern:

• Turn power off at the breaker before starting work

• Avoid working on live wires

• Wear rubber-soled shoes

• Label all disconnected wires

• Use a voltage tester to confirm power is off

• Double check wires are dead before touching

• Keep the work area dry

• Wear safety goggles and gloves

• One circuit at a time - don't open up multiple wired areas

• Call an electrician if any part seems unsafe or beyond DIY skill level

Proper materials, planning, and cautions will keep you safe while installing hidden wiring without a professional.

Installing hidden wiring in your home takes time and diligence, but gives fantastic rewards when completed. Follow the guidelines above to take on this exciting DIY electrical project in your own house.