Is it safe to just lay wiring on top of the rafters?
I am doing a wiring job myself on a cabin, 36 by 14. I am going to have a vaulted ceiling. The question then is, being that my service box is on one end and to get the wire from that end to the other end, can I just lay the wire on top of the rafters? Or should I drill and feed it through the rafters. Maybe I should go under the cabin, but then I would need out-door wiring right?
[ad#block]I would like to know if the walls and ceiling will be finished off with any sheet rock, paneling etc. This will have a lot to do with how the wiring is installed. If the area will be open such as the ceiling, then the wiring should be protected by using EMT, Flex or BX Armored Cable.
Yes, running the wiring under the cabin is an option, just keep in mind that rodents may be an issue, so even outdoor rated UF Cable may not be the most ideal, even though it has a tougher sheath. However if the area below is really accessible by you, such as a crawl space, and it is protected by a concrete foundation, stem walls, skirting or whatever then regular Romex would be ok – ONLY if you don’t think the wiring will become vulnerable to damage of any kind.
If walls or ceiling areas will be covered, then I would drill through the center of the wood members, rafters and studs and install Romex keeping the wiring clear from nails or screws coming from both directions, exterior and interior, and use metal safety plates where wiring may be vulnerable to possible damage.
Not seeing or knowing much about the structure or the environment really leaves things wide open. If you want to be more specific then please email me back and I’d be glad to be more specific – ok?
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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
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Important:
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