RBM wrote:
"RogerT" wrote in message
...
I am planning a complete rewiring of a house that I own,. and I am
trying to figure out how to place the new interior outlets in the
existing exterior walls that are made of stone/masonry. I
previously posted about this property regarding sheetrocking,
electrical subpanels, etc. The house will end up being a rental
property.

I think that John is correct in the block being teracotta. I don't
know that I'd be too quick to chase that stuff. It can be hard and
it can be soft and wet. Considering the number of chases you'll have
to make, you may seriously compromise the integrity of the masonry.

I think I'll be okay with doing the short chases to the outlets without
compromising the integrity of the masonry. Almost all of the wiring will be
done in the open ceilings with only short runs up to wall outlets. If
necessary, I could probably even do that by running conduit up to each
outlet and then mortaring in the open chases around the conduit for more
structural support. In the kitchen where there will be countertop outlets,
all of those walls will already be framed out.

I have to agree with Haller, (first time for everything) you may be
required to insulate the walls now that the place is gutted. Even if
it's not required, you might want to consider installing 2x4's on
the flat. This way it won't eat up too much space, you can install
some insulation, and you have something to mount boxes to without
destroying the block

I hadn't thought about the possibility that I may be required to insulate
the exterior walls now that the place is gutted. But, since you're the
second person to mention that, it is something I will have to look into. I
had actually been considering doing that anyway. My thinking was to frame
out all of the exterior walls and insulate them. Although that would mean
more work and more in materials, it would certain be a plus to have the
walls insulated, and that would also provide the wiring access for outlets,
switches, etc. The house is getting all new replacement windows -- possibly
full-frame replacement windows -- which will also help in terms of
preventing heat loss. One added problem with framing out the exterior walls
is that the house has hot water cast iron radiator heat, and the radiators
are, of course, on the exterior walls -- mostly under windows. So, if I
frame out those walls, I will need to move all of the radiators in about 4+
inches. That means plumbing work, but since all of the other walls and
ceilings are now open, access to all of the radiator plumbing is easy.

However, I posted this question about how to wire and mount the outlets in
masonry walls in case I end up not framing out all of the masonry walls.