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Can you drill through ceiling joists for electrical?
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You can safely drill joists for electrical and plumbing runs without weakening the joists, if you follow the rules. By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. Where and how to drill joists for electrical cables or plumbing runs depends on what type of floor framing you have. Keep the hole at least 2 in.
Drill a vertical hole through the center of the top wall plate where it is revealed by the wall-to-ceiling access hole. The top wall plate is the horizontal board that runs across the top of the vertical wall studs. Bore additional holes, horizontal and side to side, in each stud the wiring must pass through, if any.
How do you run fish wire through walls and ceilings?
Can you run wiring through joists?
Yes, it is standard practice to run electrical wiring through floor joists, although it can be a lot of work. Any joist or structural member should be drilled within the middle third of its width only.
Can you drill through ceiling joists for electrical? – Related Questions
How big a hole Can I drill in a joist?
The hole cannot be larger than one-third the depth of the joist, so the maximum hole size for a 2×12 joist (actual size 1-1/2 x 11-1/4 in.) is 3-3/4 in. diameter—plenty big enough for running cable! You can drill the holes anywhere along the length of the joist (first photo).
Can I run wire on top of ceiling joists?
There is nothing wrong with running your electric on top of joists but you really should try to do it in areas that aren’t going to be exposed to any foot traffic. If you need to go parallel then simply run them a few inches down on the side of a joist.
How do you run electricity through joists?
To run cable through a floor that contains a cross joist, cut a hole in the cross joist in the cavity closest to the cable`s entry point. Then, run the cable through the hole in the cross joist and through 1/2-inch holes in each joist between the entry point and the communications outlet.
How many wires can I run through a hole in a joist?
If you maintain proper cable spacing (which is defined by individual cable manufacturers) where not passing through joists, you can jam as many cables as you like (without damaging the cables) through a bored hole (that is not fire- or draft-stopped using thermal insulation, caulk, or sealing foam).
Can you run Romex through joists?
It is okay to staple Romex along the floor joists, provided you keep it at a safe distance from the edge. This will help you protect it from screws and nails and any critters that may be crawling along the edges – since that is where insects usually decide to burrow. You can also run Romex THORUGH floor joists.
You can put holes in floor joists anywhere along the length of the joist, but you can’t put them any closer than 2″ from the top or bottom edge of a joist.
Where do you drill holes in joists for wiring?
Picking the Right Spot
The middle should be on the center line of the joist: the middle of its vertical dimension.
The hole cannot be 2 inches from the top or 2 inches from the bottom of the joist.
The diameter of the hole cannot be larger than a third of the vertical dimension.
Do ceiling joists run both ways?
An important thing to know about joists is that they usually run in the same direction throughout a house. If the visible joists in a basement or attic run east to west, for example, you can be fairly certain the invisible joists under the bedroom floor also run east to west.
How do you drill through a ceiling without making a mess?
Can I drill hook into ceiling?
Don’t hang the hook too close to a wall so the plant rests against the wall and won’t hang freely. Use a drill with a 5/8 inch drill bit to make a hole in your ceiling. Remember to switch out for a smaller drill bit if you hit a stud so you can install the screw-in swag hook.
How do you drill into a ceiling?
Set up the overhead drill press. Secure the drill into the press and then raise it until the bit almost touches the ceiling. Move the overhead press to line the drill bit up with your mark and then lock the wheels in place to prevent movement while drilling. Raise the drill again until the bit touches the ceiling.
Hanging items on plaster almost always involves drilling a hole first, since nails may not penetrate the thick surface and they tend to leave cracks if they do make it through the plaster. Drilling a hole in plaster safely prevents cracking around the hole area while minimizing the amount of plaster dust kicked up.
How do you hang something heavy on a plaster ceiling?
Screws (and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items) are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail. For lighter items, simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1/4” drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done.
Are there special drill bits for plaster?
Masonry Drill Bits
Masonry bits are for drilling holes in bricks, concrete, concrete blocks, Thermalite, cement, plaster, stone and are also good for drilling ceramic tiles.
How do I stop my plaster from cracking when I drill?
Drill and Hang: Once you know where to hang your piece (see Hang & Level below) cover the mark with painters’ tape or masking tape to prevent the plaster from cracking or crumbling around the nail hole. With a pen, mark the hanging spot over the tape.