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Question – Cabin Wiring Methods

Is it safe to just lay wiring on top of the rafters?


Electrical Video #1

Generator Automatic Transfer Switch
and Electric Circuit Sub Panel

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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?


The following may also be helpful for you:

Electrical Video #2

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet

without a Ground Wire

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» AskTheElectrician «

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.



Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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