How do I run wires after removing ceiling on porch?

tahens

I removed an aging ceiling from our screened in porch with the idea to expose the rafters/joists for a more open environment. My initial dilemma is to determine how to route existing wiring for the ceiling fan and outside lights.

This is my first request for assistance on here so please bear with me as I try to run through the technicalities of this project.


First the pic:


Bottomline: Can I drill through the 2x6 rafters at 1-1/4 inch and run the wires through to service the existing lights?

The previous ceiling was an eyesore so we removed it to see what we had and potentially open it up a bit. It looks great now, except for the nails popping through the roof sheathing. I want to cover that up. Current plan is to nail plywood or beadboard to the bottom of the rafters, leaving the horizontal joists exposed, and then stain it the same color as the rest of the porch. I'm not sure what I can do with the wires though.

1) Can I drill the rafters and run the wire through?

2) Understanding I am going to cover the rafters with plywood/beadboard, do I need to replace the romex with a different "outdoor coded" wire?

I plan on posting this in the remodling forum for more ideas on covering the 'nails-through-sheathing' dilemma, but I thought I'd start here as concealing the wiring is my primary concern.

Thanks in advance for any advice out there!

biggles

rafters to joist to the walls there isn't room to slide the romex along the top of the walls,or just drill thru the raft/joist above that wall keeping it low out of sight.opens that room up for sure.test some wood boring bits to take a single romex and double romex

J. V.

I don't get your question. The wiring and box looks fine as it is. Why do you need to drill anything? There is no room above for it (the cable) to be "subject to physical damage" so it can lay on top just like it is.

zappa

1) Yes
2) You can keep the same Romex.

tahens

Thanks for the reply. I am not going to replace the ceiling. I intend to keep the joists exposed, but I would also like to cover the unsightly roof sheathing underside (with nails poking through). Endstate is a vaulted ceiling, joists exposed, wires concealed, and the light box moved to the peak and fixed to the center beam.

silversport

Welcome from another FFX county member. I'll post a picture of my porch ceiling tonight for an idea of what the final result may look like -- mine is stained paneling but no rafter ties.

goosebarry

You could run it in conduit along the ridge and box it in a faux beam.
That will take care of most of the wire except the one wire going off to the right. Is that going to a light or a switch?

Do you have a drawing of wiring from the source? This will help layout the shortest routing and minimize exposed conduit/wiring.

J. V.

So you are just making it nice and neat as there will be no ceiling? Right?
If yes, use conduit and paint it. Looks great.
Or try and hide the cables. I did not understand what you were actually doing until now.

IntexInspector

Are you planning on installing collar ties and therefore have a "flat section near the peak for a light or ceiling fan when you remove the horizontal ceiling joist?

tahens

Thanks, J.V.
Conduit is an option I am considering. I hope to he able to conceal the wires behind the backing that I put on the bottom of the rafters-- but then I'll either have to drill the rafters or run a channel as a faux beam at the peak I think.

stickboy1375

Just drill the rafters... and hope the wires are long enough to do what you need.

k_buz

Keep in mind that if you put the fixture box at the peak, you will either need to space it down a little bit or build a flat spot so the fixture has the clearance needed for the canopy.

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