Exposed Wiring problem in log wall construction
 

A friend has a room with 2 interior log walls. A wiring cable has been
installed in the space between 2 of the logs, to join switches at each
corner of the room, to provide 3-way switching. The wiring is installed in
a metallic conduit device with a white cover that is about 1" wide. Looks
like hell.

I gather the wire must be protected as it is low in the room (about 15
inches off the floor) to meet the electrical code. It would have been nice
to simply tuck a cable with a dark cover in the narrow space between the
logs and staple it in place. Then maybe some form of wood moulding could
cover the wire, either a flat board (with back cut sides to fir into the
logs) or perhaps a half-round moulding.

Anyone done some wiring in a log wall and have some suggestions on how this
could be tidied up and made less noticeable, but be adequately protected
and meet code requirements?

Brian

Exposed Wiring problem in log wall construction
 

From: "Brian in Vancouver, BC"


A friend has a room with 2 interior log walls. A wiring cable has been
installed in the space between 2 of the logs, to join switches at each
corner of the room, to provide 3-way switching. The wiring is installed in
a metallic conduit device with a white cover that is about 1" wide. Looks
like hell.

I gather the wire must be protected as it is low in the room (about 15
inches off the floor) to meet the electrical code. It would have been nice
to simply tuck a cable with a dark cover in the narrow space between the
logs and staple it in place. Then maybe some form of wood moulding could
cover the wire, either a flat board (with back cut sides to fir into the
logs) or perhaps a half-round moulding.

Anyone done some wiring in a log wall and have some suggestions on how this
could be tidied up and made less noticeable, but be adequately protected
and meet code requirements?

Brian

I've seen in building log homes segments on the homebuilding shows they usually
install the electrical wires in hollowed-out tracks in the logs themselves.

If the only exposed wiring in these rooms is for 3-way switching, I would
replace them with wireless switches if the exposed (It sounds like you're
describing wiremold) is offensive.

Exposed Wiring problem in log wall construction
 

Tell me about wireless switches. What do you need and what sort of cost to
install?

Brian

"HA HA Budys Here" wrote in message
...
| From: "Brian in Vancouver, BC"
|
|
| A friend has a room with 2 interior log walls. A wiring cable has been
| installed in the space between 2 of the logs, to join switches at each
| corner of the room, to provide 3-way switching. The wiring is installed
in
| a metallic conduit device with a white cover that is about 1" wide.
Looks
| like hell.
|
| I gather the wire must be protected as it is low in the room (about 15
| inches off the floor) to meet the electrical code. It would have been
nice
| to simply tuck a cable with a dark cover in the narrow space between the
| logs and staple it in place. Then maybe some form of wood moulding
could
| cover the wire, either a flat board (with back cut sides to fir into the
| logs) or perhaps a half-round moulding.
|
| Anyone done some wiring in a log wall and have some suggestions on how
this
| could be tidied up and made less noticeable, but be adequately protected
| and meet code requirements?
|
| Brian
|
| I've seen in building log homes segments on the homebuilding shows they
usually
| install the electrical wires in hollowed-out tracks in the logs
themselves.
|
| If the only exposed wiring in these rooms is for 3-way switching, I would
| replace them with wireless switches if the exposed (It sounds like you're
| describing wiremold) is offensive.
|
|

Exposed Wiring problem in log wall construction
 

According to Brian in Vancouver, BC :
A friend has a room with 2 interior log walls. A wiring cable has been
installed in the space between 2 of the logs, to join switches at each
corner of the room, to provide 3-way switching. The wiring is installed in
a metallic conduit device with a white cover that is about 1" wide. Looks
like hell.

The conduit is probably "wiremold". Not very sightly is it?

I gather the wire must be protected as it is low in the room (about 15
inches off the floor) to meet the electrical code. It would have been nice
to simply tuck a cable with a dark cover in the narrow space between the
logs and staple it in place. Then maybe some form of wood moulding could
cover the wire, either a flat board (with back cut sides to fir into the
logs) or perhaps a half-round moulding.

Canadian code requires that any wiring "subject to damage" needs to be
covered with suitable protection. In living space, this pretty well means
_all_ wiring. In basements and such, it's anything below 5' from the floor.
Various attic/joist min/max height rules, yadda yadda. Never mind.

Wooden covering _is_ acceptable, however, there's this thing about the wire
having to be recessed 1 1/4" from "finished surfaces" (to allow for things
like drywall screws), or, have a "nail/screw resistant" safety guard (ie:
metal plates covering stud crossings if you can't get 1 1/4" of backset.)

You seem to be in a situation where the wire can be routed along the
space between two logs, and don't have to cross logs.

I _suspect_ you could easily talk an inspector into permitting a simple
wooden cover (like you suggest), because it's not as if drywall or
panelling is an issue here. Otherwise, what you could do is install the
wiremold in the recess between the logs, and install a moulding over it.
Either a moulding wide enough to bridge the gap with enough space behind
it for the wiremold, or, route a slot in the back, or some compromise
of both.
--
Chris Lewis, Una confibula non set est
It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them.

Exposed Wiring problem in log wall construction
 

"Brian in Vancouver, BC" wrote in message
news:rDjPb.210$i72.80@edtnps89...
A friend has a room with 2 interior log walls. A wiring cable has been
installed in the space between 2 of the logs, to join switches at each
corner of the room, to provide 3-way switching. The wiring is installed
in
a metallic conduit device with a white cover that is about 1" wide. Looks
like hell.

Would just painting it help?

Exposed Wiring problem in log wall construction
 

Brian in Vancouver, BC wrote:
A friend has a room with 2 interior log walls. A wiring cable has been
installed in the space between 2 of the logs, to join switches at each
corner of the room, to provide 3-way switching. The wiring is installed in
a metallic conduit device with a white cover that is about 1" wide. Looks
like hell.

I gather the wire must be protected as it is low in the room (about 15
inches off the floor) to meet the electrical code. It would have been nice
to simply tuck a cable with a dark cover in the narrow space between the
logs and staple it in place. Then maybe some form of wood moulding could
cover the wire, either a flat board (with back cut sides to fir into the
logs) or perhaps a half-round moulding.

Anyone done some wiring in a log wall and have some suggestions on how this
could be tidied up and made less noticeable, but be adequately protected
and meet code requirements?

Brian


How about using 1/2" EMT tucked in between the logs, then paint it black
or cover with a wood trim?

Or use armored cable and paint it?

Bob