Hi, I am wiring my new addition. My question has to do with the wiring. I have recepticals in opposite corners of the room. Should I drill holes into each stud around the room to run the wire? Or am I better off drilling a hole into the top plate, and running the wire across the attic, drilling a hole into the opposite top plate, and down to the second receptical??Thanks for your timepb4sc
omg.first off, only 2 outlets in yur room doesnt appear to meet code anyways why not simply add an outlet on each wall? Personally best way is running thru the studsby the way the NFPA code for outlets states you must not be anywhere along the wall space longer than 6feet from any outlet.or on smaller wall spaces 24inchesso an average bedroom of 12 x 11 would need at min 4 outlets. where a 12 x 13 would need more give or take depending on doors.
It would save you a lot of drilling going through the top plate. YOu are going to find that you are not happy with just 2 recepticles in a new room. I have wired for some women and they wanted one every few feet. Since it is a new room you can also split the recepticle to make it switchable from a wall switch if you should want a lamp to turn on when you enter the room. I like to use 12 gauge for recepticles and 14 for the lights. If it meant for a micro wave I run a dedicated line of 10 gauge. I also wired our laundry room with 10 gauge and used GFI's. I use the GFI's around the kitchen sink and in the bathroom.
There are some relatively new codes on that. Go through the studs about in the center where you want them. After you have done that, there is a metal plate that should be nailed onto the stud where the hole is on the stud. Those are there to stop nailing where there is a possibility the nail might enter into the wiring and short out two wires.
If you ceiling is open it is much easier to go up and over. If the ceiling is in place but the attic provides easy access then it is still easier. If not, get a board about 8 - 10 inches longer than the height of the outlet box and cut a V-notch in it. Never cut away more than 1/3rd of the thickness of the stud your drilling into. Using the board as a guide, drill each hole the same distance up on each stud in the center of the stud and run your wire. Staple all wire ends to the last stud withing 6 - 8 inches of the outlet box.
