Fishing Wiring Through Walls
Also see:This page covers fishing electrical cable through walls from an existing receptacle to a new ceiling light fixture. Use these links to find an electrical source, locate and cut holes for new cable, run cable from an upper floor and get tips for fishing cable.
Fishing Cable for a Light Fixture
After cutting the access holes remove the receptacle and outlet box to free the wires and make room for pulling the new cable.
Wrap the ends of the wires with electrical tape or cap them with wire nuts.
Push an electrician's fish tape through the switch hole and down to the receptacle hole. Use electrical tape to strap about 6 inches of cable to the fish tape and pull it up through the switch hole. Cut the cable free from the fish tape and leave about 12 inches on both ends.
Move to the Corner Holes
Move to the holes at the ceiling corner. Push the fish tape down to the switch hole and tape a new run of cable to the fish tape. Pull it up and through the hole at the ceiling leaving a couple of inches of cable exposed.
Move to the Fixture Hole
Cut the cable free of the fish tape and move to the ceiling fixture hole. Push the tape to the corner hole, attach the end of the cable and pull it to the light fixture hole.
Cut the Cable
Cut the end of the cable free from the tape and bend the end over. Cut the other end at the switch hole leaving about 12 inches on the end.
Use these links to find an electrical source, locate and cut holes for new cable, run cable from an upper floor and get tips for fishing cable.
