Installing hidden wiring in your home can provide a clean, seamless look without exposed cables or wires. With some planning and DIY skills, you can install hidden wiring for lighting, home theater, security systems and more without it being noticeable. Here is an in-depth guide on how I installed hidden wiring in my home without anyone noticing.
Selecting the Right Hidden Wiring System
The first step is choosing the right type of hidden wiring system for your needs:
- Raceways - plastic or metal channels that mount to walls and allow you to run wiring inside. Very versatile and easy to install.
- Conduit - metal or PVC piping that is run through walls and ceilings. Allows for safely running multiple wiring. More difficult to install.
- Flat cable - thin, flexible cable that can be painted or wallpapered over to hide it. Limited capacities.
For most DIYers, raceways provide the best balance of ease of installation and versatility. I chose Legrand Wiremold raceways for my home wiring project.
When selecting raceways, consider:
- Channel capacity - make sure it can accommodate the wiring you need to run through it.
- Aesthetics - choose a color that matches your walls and décor.
- Low profile - thinner raceways are less noticeable.
Planning the Wiring Runs
Before starting the installation, you need to plan out all the wiring runs in your home.
- Make a diagram indicating the start and end points for each cable run.
- Plan routes to be inconspicuous like along baseboards or edges of the room.
For my media room, I planned wiring runs from my AV receiver to 4 in-wall speakers, 2 surround speakers, my projector and my TV. Planning it all out ahead of time ensured I got cables to every component without visible wires crossing the room.
Installing the Raceways
With raceways selected and wiring runs mapped out, now you can start the installation:
1. Mount the Raceways
Use screws or adhesive to mount raceway tracks along your planned routes. For a discreet installation:
- Run along corners, edges of the room or under floor molding.
- Paint raceways the same color as your walls for camouflaging.
- For flat surfaces, use low profile, paintable raceways.
2. Cut Access Holes
Cut small access holes in your drywall where you want to route cables in and out of the raceways. Use a drywall saw and be sure to save the cutout pieces.
3. Fish the Cables
Use a fish tape to route your cables through the walls and into the raceways through the access holes. Tape cables end-to-end if extra length is needed.
4. Close Up Access Holes
Secure cables in the raceways and use silicone caulk followed by drywall compound to close up the access holes around the cables. Paint to match the wall.
5. Install Wall Plates
Install wall plates and audio/video outlets to connect your devices. Choose Decora-style plates that match your raceways.
Hiding the DVR, AV Receiver and Other Components
For a fully hidden install, you need to also conceal your DVR, AV receiver, game consoles and other components:
- Built-in cabinets - integrate components into custom built-in cabinets with ventilation.
- Closet install - install components in a nearby closet with an IR repeater to control from the room.
- Rack enclosure - enclose components in a nearby closet in an enclosed rack.
I built a compartment in an unused area behind my media room wet bar to install my AV receiver, gaming consoles and streaming player while keeping them easily accessible.
Maintaining Hidden Wiring and Expanding Over Time
With your hidden wiring installed, a little maintenance and planning ensures it remains discreet:
- Keep access hole patches in good repair if cables need to be changed or added.
- For temporary cables like HDMI, use low profile raceways or paintable cables.
- Leave pull strings in any conduit runs to allow expanding wiring later.
- Use wire labels, diagrams and photos to keep track of all hidden cables.
By following this guide, you can install new wiring for speakers, TVs, security systems and more without having exposed cables running across rooms. With some creativity and DIY spirit, you can maintain a clean, seamless look in your home.