Running new wires through existing walls is a routine task for electricians who work on remodeling projects. But as I point out in my article about electricians’ tools, I don’t own a fish tape. Instead, I use a 10-ft. length of 1/2-in. PEX tubing.
I run the PEX through a hole in the framing. In this case, the top plate.toward the cutout in the drywall for a new electrical box. I use this method for both interior partition walls and insulated exterior walls. The tubing is rigid enough to plow through fiberglass insulation. Once I get the end of the PEX through the target hole in the drywall, the tubing becomes an obstruction-free channel to guide the cable through the wall to the new outlet or switch. When the cable is connected at one end, I simply pull the PEX loose from the unconnected end, as if removing a sock.
Brian Walo, Mount Pleasant, SC
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #204
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Would it make sense to keep the PEX in the wall, should you want to pull new wires?
Great way to get wire through tough walls. I have used "fish sticks" to provide something to attach wires to for pulling, but as they say, "Pex is a better way". Thanks for the tip.
Bill from Grass Valley CA
Any chance you meant 1/2" pex tubing?
I assume I should use the blue PEX right? Since red PEX is too hot?
;)