Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 22, 2000 05:59am | #1

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   Kelly,

   Are you talking about bringing the service entry through the wall (from the meter base to the main panel) or are you talking about the outlet and lighting circuits (or both). Are your interior walls natural sandstone or have they been plastered?

   To bring the entry through you are going to need a chase (hole) that will accomodate 1 1/2" or 2" conduit. The good news is sandstone is relatively soft. I would start by drilling a series of smaller holes with a hammer drill and a long bit (rent or borrow a generator if you have to). I would shoot for a hole about 1" larger than the outer diamiter of the conduit. Then I would use a 5 pound hammer and chisel to chip out the hole. I would secure the conduit in place with low expansion foam.

   For the individual circuits I would consider a product called Wiremold. Click on http://www.wiremold.com/ and then click on the do-it-yourself icon. Wiremold is surface mounted. Not quite as nice as something hidden in the walls but a lot easier.

   If you are adamant about running the circuits in the wall you will need to cut chases with a diamond masonry blade. Two parallel cuts for each chase. Then you will have to use that 5 pound hammer and a chisel to clean out the waste. The runs will be straight forward but 90 degree bends will be tricky. Setting the boxes will take a lot of drilling and chipping. This will be exhausting, dirty work. If you have plastered walls you may be able to restore them to some semblance of their original condition. Natural stone - forget it.

   If you have a finished ceiling you may be able to lay out your circuits so that some of the wire is overhead. Also look at running wire behind cabinets,
   under your floor, behind various moldings, etc.

   Good luck!

   Steve

   PS Posting in CAPITALS is SHOUTING and is considered rude. Hard on the eyes, you know.

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 22, 2000 06:31am | #2

   *Sandstone is quite soft, or at least it disintegrates easily. Use a rotary hammer (more like a impact chisel than a drill) and clear debris frequently, it should not be that difficult to bring in the service. Steve gives good advice, I always prefer the path of least resistance (electrical humor).

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 22, 2000 11:37am | #3

   *Kelly - HILTI TE series variable-speed, on-off impact drill (hold on tight or lay flat on a sandbag, etc.) Sandstone as mentioned is soft enough that you may be able to get away without using the impact setting, which can dislodge stone or vibrate out mortar.Just watch the torque vs. your wrists, face, etc.Jeff

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 22, 2000 07:51pm | #5

   *I've drilled and chisled 8"x16" vents in sandstone foundations that were probably 18" thick in under an hour before. Sandstone is pretty easy to cut, drill, or chisel.Rent a good drill and it will go well.

2. 
   KELLY_O'NEIL | Sep 22, 2000 07:51pm | #4

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   I HAVE A CIRCA 1870'S ROCK CABIN OF 16" THICK SANDSTONE WALLS TO WHICH
   I WISH TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY--HOW DO I GET THE CONDUIT THROUGH THE WALLS?