Installing hidden wires in your walls can be a great way to hide unsightly cables or wiring for electronics and appliances without damaging your home's aesthetic. With some planning and the right materials, you can discreetly run wires through your walls and avoid drawing attention to them. Here is an in-depth guide on how to install hidden wires in your walls without anyone noticing.
Gather the Necessary Materials
- Romex cable - Use 14/2 or 12/2 NM-B Romex cable for most hidden wire applications. Romex features an outer plastic sheath that makes pulling through walls easier.
- Low voltage wire - For smaller gauge wires, like speaker or Ethernet cable, use CL2 or CL3 rated low voltage wiring.
- Fish tape - A fish tape allows you to easily pull cables through walls. Get one with a metal leader and glow sticks for visibility.
- Wall plates - Use low profile, paintable wall plates in inconspicuous spots to connect wires.
- Wire staples - Use insulated staples to securely attach wires to joists and studs.
- Drywall saw - A drywall saw with a retractable blade lets you neatly cut openings in drywall.
- Drywall screws - Use drywall screws to refasten drywall once wires are pulled.
Locate Potential Routes
- Map an accessible path - Locate routes between floors and from low traffic areas to outlet locations.
- Use interior walls - Wires are easier to fish inside interior walls compared to exterior.
- Follow existing wires - Existing wire runs can provide a template for routing new wires.
- Consider obstacles - Avoid plumbing vents, chimneys, ductwork, and other obstructions when mapping routes.
Cut Access Holes
- Outline opening - Use a drywall saw to cut an outline slightly larger than your junction box.
- Cut drywall - Carefully cut out the opening using the scored outline as a guide.
- Make edges clean - Use a rasp tool to smooth rough drywall edges for a seamless patch later.
- Cut neatly - Avoid ragged edges to prevent cracks once drywall is replaced.
Fish Cables Through Walls
- Feed fish tape - Secure fish tape to the end of your cable and feed through until it exits at the destination opening.
- Use glow sticks - Attach glow sticks to the fish tape to follow its path in walls.
- Lubricate cable - Coat cable with wire pulling lubricant to reduce friction as you pull through.
- Pull firmly - Have a helper feed cable while you pull the fish tape to run wires smoothly and prevent snags.
Secure and Connect Wires
- Staple neatly - Use insulated staples to fasten cable runs to wall studs and joists every 12-18 inches.
- Leave slack - Provide several extra inches of slack wire in the junction box for making connections.
- Connect devices - Use twist-on wire connectors to join Romex cables to receptacles, switches and fixtures.
- Test wires - Verify wires are connected properly by testing power at outlets before patching.
Patch and Conceal Openings
- Replace drywall - Carefully position cut drywall pieces back into openings and screw into place.
- Spread joint compound - Apply joint compound over seams and let dry completely before sanding smooth.
- Texture patch - Match surrounding wall texture on patched drywall to blend seamlessly.
- Paint wall - Use the same paint as your wall color and apply over sanded patches to conceal any signs of work.
With the right approach and materials, you can successfully run hidden wires to add outlets, lighting or other devices without visible evidence of wiring work. Pay close attention to neatly cutting drywall, securely fastening wires, completely concealing openings, and matching paint for a seamless hidden wire installation.