Exposed Wiring problem in log wall construction

[Brian in Vancouver, BC]

A friend has a room with 2 interior log walls. A wiring cable has been installed in the space between 2 of the logs, to join switches at each corner of the room, to provide 3-way switching. The wiring is installed in a metallic conduit device with a white cover that is about 1" wide. Looks like hell.

I gather the wire must be protected as it is low in the room (about 15 inches off the floor) to meet the electrical code. It would have been nice to simply tuck a cable with a dark cover in the narrow space between the logs and staple it in place. Then maybe some form of wood moulding could cover the wire, either a flat board (with back cut sides to fir into the logs) or perhaps a half-round moulding.

Anyone done some wiring in a log wall and have some suggestions on how this could be tidied up and made less noticeable, but be adequately protected and meet code requirements?

Brian

[HA HA Budys Here]

I've seen in building log homes segments on the homebuilding shows they usually install the electrical wires in hollowed-out tracks in the logs themselves.

If the only exposed wiring in these rooms is for 3-way switching, I would replace them with wireless switches if the exposed (It sounds like you're describing wiremold) is offensive.

[Brian in Vancouver, BC]

Tell me about wireless switches. What do you need and what sort of cost to install?

Brian

| >A friend has a room with 2 interior log walls. A wiring cable has been | >installed in the space between 2 of the logs, to join switches at each | >corner of the room, to provide 3-way switching. The wiring is installed in | >a metallic conduit device with a white cover that is about 1" wide. Looks | >like hell. | >

| >I gather the wire must be protected as it is low in the room (about 15 | >inches off the floor) to meet the electrical code. It would have been nice | >to simply tuck a cable with a dark cover in the narrow space between the | >logs and staple it in place. Then maybe some form of wood moulding could | >cover the wire, either a flat board (with back cut sides to fir into the | >logs) or perhaps a half-round moulding. | >

| >Anyone done some wiring in a log wall and have some suggestions on how this | >could be tidied up and made less noticeable, but be adequately protected | >and meet code requirements? | >

| >Brian | | I've seen in building log homes segments on the homebuilding shows they usually | install the electrical wires in hollowed-out tracks in the logs themselves. | | If the only exposed wiring in these rooms is for 3-way switching, I would | replace them with wireless switches if the exposed (It sounds like you're | describing wiremold) is offensive. | |

[Chris Lewis]

According to Brian in Vancouver, BC :

The conduit is probably "wiremold". Not very sightly is it?

Canadian code requires that any wiring "subject to damage" needs to be covered with suitable protection. In living space, this pretty well means _all_ wiring. In basements and such, it's anything below 5' from the floor. Various attic/joist min/max height rules, yadda yadda. Never mind.

Wooden covering _is_ acceptable, however, there's this thing about the wire having to be recessed 1 1/4" from "finished surfaces" (to allow for things like drywall screws), or, have a "nail/screw resistant" safety guard (ie: metal plates covering stud crossings if you can't get 1 1/4" of backset.)

You seem to be in a situation where the wire can be routed along the space between two logs, and don't have to cross logs.

I _suspect_ you could easily talk an inspector into permitting a simple wooden cover (like you suggest), because it's not as if drywall or panelling is an issue here. Otherwise, what you could do is install the wiremold in the recess between the logs, and install a moulding over it. Either a moulding wide enough to bridge the gap with enough space behind it for the wiremold, or, route a slot in the back, or some compromise of both.

[Toller]

Would just painting it help?

[zxcvbob]

How about using 1/2" EMT tucked in between the logs, then paint it black or cover with a wood trim?

Or use armored cable and paint it?

Bob