When adding or replacing wiring in finished walls most electricians will attempt to make the horizontal portion of the cable run in the unfinished attic or basement crawlspace areas looping the cable down or up through the wall cavity across the floor or ceiling joists then vertically through another stud cavity to the next wall box opening.
Attic wiring tips.
Junction boxes are basically standard electrical boxes that act as waypoints and connection centers for one or more circuits.
While building codes usually allow junction boxes in attics the codes impose installation standards to prevent electrical fires and accidental shock.
The newer romex has improved insulation qualities with wiring such as 14 2 14 3 12 2 and 12 3 etc.
For the horizontal portion of the cable run this can involve drilling holes in the joists where the cable will pass.
The process of wiring an attic fan involves the power source and switch location wiring connections to the switch and wiring connections to the fan.
Bring a work light and a flashlight with you if you attic has a light in it that is great but we still recommend bringing a flashlight in case mr.
You can avoid costly mistakes.
When cutting through drywall from the interior of a room use a utility knife and cut carefully you don t want to drill through a hidden wire or the paper backing of the attic insulation.
Find a live receptacle for the power source.
If you will need to fish wiring through a wall drill a hole through the wood plate in the attic only.
As long as the wiring is newer romex type wiring and the circuit breaker is sized correctly there should be not problem with insulation.
Location of power supply and switch.
And use semi rigid wiring fish tape to pull your wiring down to your outlet location.
Determine the fan switch location.
Old knob and tube style wiring does however pose a problem with insulation.
Here are 3 tips to help.
The attic wiring should be protected and secured to ceiling joists or other wood structural supports.
Install the switch box and switch.