I need to run some wire in my kitchen for recessed lighting. The wire needs to go perpendicular to the beams and I have no access from above. An electrician we called in for an estimate said that he would need to make additional access holes to do this. Can you provide me with any tips on minimizing the damage caused by creating these access holes so that they can easily be repaired when complete. Can I just notch the sheetrock over the beams and then spackle over it after the wire is run? I've installed rcessd lighting in other parts of our house with no problems.

If u run BX, u can cut out s/r and staple to beam. Then patch.

If u run romex, u will have to protect the wire with wire shield plates. This so u don't put nail in wire by mistake.

Good luck

Chuck

I'm using romex 14/2. So your suggesting I notch the sheetrock and the beam and then cover over it with a wire shield plate? What tool would I use to create the notch? Maybe a jigsaw or a chisel or maybe a router?

Thanks,
Chris

Quote:

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Originally Posted by creahands

If u run BX, u can cut out s/r and staple to beam. Then patch.

If u run romex, u will have to protect the wire with wire shield plates. This so u don't put nail in wire by mistake.

Good luck

Chuck

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I've seen an electrician use a hole cutter, make a 3 or 4 inch hole at each joist. Then made a pass through the joist with a router, fished the wire and installed a plate. The hole is then nailed or screwed back up and taped. It was a very neat patch.

That's an interesting method.

The other method is to use a flexible drill bit. It can drill about 48" or more through an opening. You need a "steering wheel" for the bit too. They are available at Home Depot. The end of the bit has a hole, so you can pull a string back.

It's nice to have an inspection camera and/or be able to look for wiring with a non-contact voltage detector.

Thanks guys. I like the flexible drill bit idea, I'll check that out. Another thread I found on here was very negative on notching the joists because it reduces their strength. I'm thinking maybe a combination of both would be the best.

I've used these, or equlivent, IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. - Flexible Drill Bits

For putting in low voltage wiring. Note the positioning tool above.

I also put a low voltage metal mounting bracket in before I drill to better avoid damaging the wall.

Also, the larger bits require a more powerful dril. The drill needs to be VSR.