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frohme · Dec 3, 2005, 10:21 AM

I have been remodeling my basement, and am about to run the wiring for the outlets. Should the wire run above the outlets (standard height of 12” I believe) and come down to the box. Or, should the wire run below the boxes and come up to the box?

Thanks

Scott

labman · Dec 3, 2005, 11:23 AM

Not sure what code says, but I would run the feed across the top of the wall out of harms way and down to each outlet. Maybe I have had too many Labs in the house for too long, but I like to make wires as inaccessible as possible. Run the wires down near the outlets, and they will be in the way of shelves or anything you hang on the wall.

frohme · Dec 3, 2005, 01:13 PM

Thanks for your response.

These wires will be in the wall covered with drywall.

Scott

skiberger · Dec 3, 2005, 03:24 PM

I usually run the wires around 12" above were the outlets will be. Its just a more comfortable working height when your drilling through the studs and pulling wire and also around 8" from the box you should secure the wire(s). As far as box height, a lot of electricians use their hammer as a height gauge to the bottom of the box.

Borewyrm · Dec 8, 2005, 05:59 AM

Ski beat me to the punch. Run them above. Two reasons for this. First Base molding needs to be nailed in. While normally the small finish nails will not puncture far enough (the 1/2 rock and base trim will take most of it) it is better safe then sorry. But second, and honestly the more practical reason, is easier to brace a D-handle drill to ones hip and drill a straight series of lines across the wall. Now in basement finishes the wall is often frames several inches away from the foundation, it is possible to run the wire behind the studs. This, however, makes it tricky to fasten the wire. And he is dead on with the height. Don't worry about height of the boxes. Use a hammer that is 12 or 13 inches and use it to hold the box in position then to nail it up. A standard light estwing hammer is about 13 inches. As long as the boxes are the same height it is not critical. Be sure to use the same hammer for all the outlet boxes. And as ski said make sure every wire is staples within 8 inches of the box.