I have a finished living room that I want to install recessed lighting in. I plan on running 4 rows (3 – 6inch remodel cans in each row) parallel to the joists (this way I don’t have to drill thru any joists.)
I will split the room into 2 groups of lights (2 rows per group) and have each group on its own dimmer switch.
QUESTION: Can I run the electrical cable along the wall/ceiling behind the soon to be installed crown moulding?
I was thinking I would fish the cable up the wall from the unfinished basement. The cable would exit wall via small hole at the top of the wall below the top plate. The cable would then enter the ceiling via a small hole and then run parallel to the joists.
For the crown, I have a piece of base trim turned upside down on the wall. The crown will be nailed to this piece of base trim and the ceiling directly. I will also use Locktite’s Grabit adhesive to aid in holding the crown up so I don’t have to use so many nails. The cable will only run behind the crown on one wall.
This article: http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00070.asp
gives me the impression that I can run Romex behind trim.
Does this all sound OK? I’m in Hackettstown, NJ if that makes a difference regarding code considerations.
Edited 6/25/2005 12:05 am ET by thang
Replies
The code requires wiring to be protected from possible nail penetrations. Running the Romex behind the crown does not meet this requirement.
If you use BX or conduit from the point of exit from the wall and behind the crown, you meet the code requiements.
Your exit hole in the wall, below thw top plates will be 3" down from the ceiling.
Why not just use that exit hole to drill on through the top plate, and keep the wire in the wall and attic?
If you are working below a second floor, fist cut out the drywall from the ceiling down to the bottom of the top plates. Notch the plates with a chisel, lay in the wire, and cover the notch with a nailing plate. The wire is then legally protected from ant finish nails you use in the built up crown installation.
An errant nail hitting the romex means you have to take down the crown to fix the oops. (words of experience <g>)
Dave
To expand upon Daves thinking you can protect the wire with a nailing plate on the crown molding itself and stick to your original plan. Stu