| Running Wiring |
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Wire size is indicated by its gauge. The smaller the gauge number the larger the wire, and the more electrical current it can carry. Common electrical cable for residential use is labeled Type NM 12-2 G meaning it has a nonmetallic (plastic) sheathing covering two 12 gage wires plus a ground wire (bare). Remodeling Tips Wire cable typically has numbers on the insulation that tell you what’s inside. 10-2 cable includes two 10-gage wires (smaller number means larger wire than 12 gage). The two wires are black (hot) and white (neutral). 10-3 cable adds a red (hot) wire for 240-volt service such as electric dryers and stoves. Remember: ALWAYS connect the same colors together (black to black, etc.). NEVER connect black to white or to other color wire. Installing wire cable between an electrical box and the service panel is called pulling cable. You install switch and fixture boxes where they need to be, then drill holes in studs along the most direct path to the service panel. Cables for lights and switches run higher in the wall and in the ceiling; cables for receptacles run low in the walls. Once you cut the length at the panel, mark the cable to indicate what it goes to. Then “make up” the service panel by attaching the individual circuits to breakers. Once the cables are in place, remove any slack and (carefully) staple the cable to wall framing so that it doesn’t move around. Your electrical plans and building department can tell you how frequently staples are needed (typically, every 4-1/2 feet and within 12 inches of the electrical box. Note that the building inspector will want to take a look at your handy work twice, once when the wire cable is run to the fixtures and once after the fixtures are installed. In many basements, the exterior walls are concrete or masonry block, making wiring difficult. Unless you install a false wall over the solid wall you’re going to have to run all wiring and install fixtures on the outside of the wall. Fortunately, there are materials and wires for doing just that. They include channels, corners, covers, and special switches and fixtures that are mounted on the wall rather than in it. If required, larger building material and electrical suppliers will have the components and installation instructions. Alternately, you may need to run wiring in a basement wall that is already closed. This job is more time-consuming as you insert a “fish line” or stiff wire with a hook on the end in to the wall. The best place to start is at the hole you make for the fixture or receptacle and fishing it toward the service box. Obviously, you can’t cut holes in any wall studs that stand in the way so you may need to be creative in how you use the fish line. Once found, connect the wire cable to the fish line and pull it through.
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