[topwoodrock]

I need to add a breaker and wire to an in-wall breaker box. I am struggling, however, with how to make this happen. The wires all run through a hole drilled into the top plate in the attic and down from there, behind the sheetrock/insulation, to the breaker box. Any advice?

 

[Missouri Bound]

Where is your breaker box located? Often you can remove a section of wallboard above the panel to get access to the knockouts and wire. In wall panels are very difficult to work with when you haven't got access.

 

[roughneck]

Is this an exterior or interior wall? Is there insulation about the box?

 

[topwoodrock]

Thanks for the reply guys. Box is in the garage. Wall is exterior, but I don't believe it is insulated.

 

[chetwisner]

If you have access to the attic, it shouldn't be too difficult. You will need to find, in the attic, where the other cables enter the wall and into the panel. Drill through the top plate for a new cable drop. Open a knockout in the panel (Be careful, the panel is hot). Then use some type of fish tape or rod through the hole in the top plate to the knockout in the panel. Attach the wire and pull through to the panel. Use of a flashlight between the knockout and the hole in the top plate would help.

 

[rjniles]

Install a plumbing access panel. 6 by 6 works.

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[Missouri Bound]

Install a plumbing access panel. 6 by 6 works.

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That is a great idea.

 

[roughneck]

Yup, especially being in a garage where looks aren’t hugely important, a simple access panel will provide the access you need.

 

[miamicuse]

if you use a fish tape from inside the panel out the KO and up, don't use a metal fish tape.

 

[topwoodrock]

Thanks for the reply. Also, I have thought about tapping into my existing lines going to my house. I'm needing to wire up a bonus room I am finishing. The circuits I would tap into are nowhere near capacity.*Any reason this wouldn't work. It would certainly be easier.

 

[Missouri Bound]

Thanks for the reply. Also, I have thought about tapping into my existing lines going to my house. I'm needing to wire up a bonus room I am finishing. The circuits I would tap into are nowhere near capacity.*Any reason this wouldn't work. It would certainly be easier.

I wouldn't advise that. It is always better to have circuits dedicated rather than shared. Older homes shared circuits with everything. With all of the electrical devices used it would be ill-advised. Is the panel you are working on near capacity? Perhaps a sub-panel is the way to go to add circuits to the bonus room.
It'a hard to judge without seeing your situation or knowing your needs in the future.