ᐅ Installing additional electrical outlets in a timber frame house after construction
Created on: 29 Apr 2011 15:17
B
Bonagel
Hello everyone,
I am currently deciding whether to build with traditional masonry or timber frame construction. I have already read a lot about the advantages, disadvantages, and differences between the two methods (in the end, it probably comes down to personal preference...), but one question has not been satisfactorily answered by the good old internet:
If it turns out after construction that I forgot to install an electrical outlet (or satellite connection, etc.) in one spot – and sooner or later, I think everyone faces the problem that exactly where you need an outlet, there isn’t one – how can I install an outlet afterwards in a timber frame house? With traditional masonry, I understand: the wall is chased, the box installed, conduit laid, plastered, and painted – and if done properly, it won’t be noticeable afterwards. But what do I need to do with a timber frame wall? Remove the wall panels? Drill a hole? What about the vapor barrier?
I am currently deciding whether to build with traditional masonry or timber frame construction. I have already read a lot about the advantages, disadvantages, and differences between the two methods (in the end, it probably comes down to personal preference...), but one question has not been satisfactorily answered by the good old internet:
If it turns out after construction that I forgot to install an electrical outlet (or satellite connection, etc.) in one spot – and sooner or later, I think everyone faces the problem that exactly where you need an outlet, there isn’t one – how can I install an outlet afterwards in a timber frame house? With traditional masonry, I understand: the wall is chased, the box installed, conduit laid, plastered, and painted – and if done properly, it won’t be noticeable afterwards. But what do I need to do with a timber frame wall? Remove the wall panels? Drill a hole? What about the vapor barrier?
Hello,
...so, an installation cavity?! How much space is there between the drywall and the wooden board? Without an installation cavity, you will probably damage the membrane when drilling.
If you pull the cable directly along the membrane, you will almost certainly tear holes in it.
Regards
markus1207 schrieb:
If you drill a socket now, you will only drill through the drywall and the board behind it. Ideally, the membrane remains undamaged.
...so, an installation cavity?! How much space is there between the drywall and the wooden board? Without an installation cavity, you will probably damage the membrane when drilling.
markus1207 schrieb:
Now you tie your cable (or conduit) to the wire at the bottom and pull it up to the drilled hole.
If you pull the cable directly along the membrane, you will almost certainly tear holes in it.
Regards
M
markus12077 May 2011 19:53The wooden board and drywall are placed directly on top of each other, so there is no installation cavity. The membrane won’t get damaged if you work carefully (of course, there shouldn’t be any sharp edges at the end where it’s being pulled through). I have installed about 150 electrical boxes without damaging the membrane (passed the blower door test with flying colors). And as I mentioned before: if the membrane does get damaged around the hole, just put some tape over it and install an airtight electrical box.
Regards
markus1207
Regards
markus1207
Hello,
Drywall thickness = 12.5mm (0.5 inches); wooden panel max. 20mm (0.8 inches).
How deep is the flush-mounted box that can be installed there?
Where does the cable actually come from? It must be pulled into this layer afterward, which again means penetrating the vapor barrier.
Well, it’s not done with just a bit of tape. You need special sealing tape and have to work very precisely → vapor barrier!!
The airtightness layer is a very sensitive area. I strongly advise against making alterations afterward. Either use an installation zone or place the outlet on the interior wall, which I consider the best option for this wall assembly (which I would never design like this anyway).
Regards
markus1207 schrieb:
The wires are located between the membrane and the inner wooden panel. If you drill a hole for an outlet now, only the drywall and the panel behind it will be pierced. Ideally, the membrane remains undamaged.
Drywall thickness = 12.5mm (0.5 inches); wooden panel max. 20mm (0.8 inches).
How deep is the flush-mounted box that can be installed there?
markus1207 schrieb:
Now you tie your cable (or conduit) to the wire at the bottom and pull it up to the drilled hole.
Where does the cable actually come from? It must be pulled into this layer afterward, which again means penetrating the vapor barrier.
markus1207 schrieb:
A bit of tape on it and airtight box inserted.
Well, it’s not done with just a bit of tape. You need special sealing tape and have to work very precisely → vapor barrier!!
The airtightness layer is a very sensitive area. I strongly advise against making alterations afterward. Either use an installation zone or place the outlet on the interior wall, which I consider the best option for this wall assembly (which I would never design like this anyway).
Regards
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