{"id":1079,"date":"2021-12-21T15:12:46","date_gmt":"2021-12-21T15:12:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=1079"},"modified":"2021-12-21T15:12:48","modified_gmt":"2021-12-21T15:12:48","slug":"run-wire-through-ceiling-joists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/run-wire-through-ceiling-joists","title":{"rendered":"The Best Way To Run Wires Along (Or Through) Ceiling Joists"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cJust run the cable along the joists.\u201d I\u2019ve heard this said many times. Everyone from DIYers to professional electricians looks for the quickest and easiest ways to finish a job safely, so when it comes to running wires in a ceiling, the joists are often the quickest and most natural places to do so. But is this a good idea, and if it is, what is the best way to run wires along (or through) ceiling joists?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to run wires along ceiling joists is to use a running board, spacing the wires evenly with electrical staples. This is for running wires in the direction of the joists or perpendicular to them. If there is no space, you can bore holes in very specific places to run wires through.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using the existing structure of ceiling joists makes sense to run wires, they already run from one wall to the opposite wall and are evenly spaced. But there are a few must-know details to keep your ceiling wires safe, neat, and working for years to come. Let\u2019s nail some of these down!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Ceiling Joists?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Various
Various electrical cables underneath floorboards<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ceiling Joists are the horizontal timber beams that provide structure under the roof trusses to fix the ceiling to. Often these joists play an additional role of supporting and fixing diagonal rafters that give shape to the roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern roof constructions often have factory-manufactured roof trusses that use the bottom timber of the truss as the joist. The ceiling sheets are often attached directly to these, but thinner strips of wood may also be used between the joist and the ceiling sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a handy image of all the names for the different parts of a ceiling, have a look at this link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Way To Secure Wires To A Joist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ideal time to run wiring is naturally during the initial construction<\/a>, when the ceiling cavities, joists and battens are still open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
A partially built new construction home with window lintels exposed<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pulling wire, stapling and positioning are easiest when everything is open to view and accessible. Unfortunately, there will come a time when you need to run electrical wiring for lights and other electrical appliances after the fact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By far the best way to secure one or many wires to a joist is to use a running board if space in the attic or ceiling cavity will allow it<\/strong>. A running board is a length of timber that wires are stapled to that is laid on top of the joists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is true for running wires in the same direction as the joists or running wires perpendicular to the joists. Think of it like an athletics track, neatly laid out rows of wires all running to the finish line together, but without interfering with another wire\u2019s race!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two good reasons to use a running board:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. First, the running board will only need to be attached to the joists in two or three places rather than sinking nails into every joist<\/a><\/strong>. Running boards can be moved or removed with minimal damage to the joists themselves.<\/li>
  2. Second, if the space allows it, the wires can be attached neatly to the running board outside of the ceiling space with the additional wire to be run down the walls neatly rolled on the sides<\/strong> and the whole running board can be slotted into the ceiling without having to work in the small space of the ceiling.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If there is no space in the attic or ceiling cavity to use a running board, then running electrical wires through the channel between ceiling joists<\/a> is generally easiest. In this case, fixing the wire directly to the joist is best, don\u2019t just lay the wire in the cavity. Use an adequate number of staples<\/a> and aim for the wire to be taut but not stretched or sagging, giveing it just the right amount of tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If there is no space above or below the joists and you need to run the wires perpendicular to the joists an option is to run wires through the joists by drilling holes and feeding the wire through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When And How To Drill Holes In Joists<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Drilling holes in joists should be the last option when it comes to running wires in a ceiling. If there is a way to safely run wires using a running board (or by attaching it to the joist if it is running in the same direction as the joist), you should do that<\/strong>. If there is no other option, then there are a few things to keep in mind when drilling the holes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n