Installing new boxes/wiring in plaster ceiling--tips?

[JCH]

Wanting to add 3-way switches and new ceiling light locations to our plaster and lath front hall. Unfinished basement so getting power to new switch locations should be fairly easy.

Question is how to get wiring to new ceiling box locations? Floor above is finished so no access from above. Joists run across hallway so need to get the new wiring to turn the corner from the hall ceiling to the load-bearing side walls and down to the basement.

Anyone have any tips (other than ripping down the entire plaster ceiling to expose everything) for:
1) Attaching the new ceiling boxes? I've seen rectangular reno switch boxes but haven't seen round ceiling reno boxes... do they exist? Otherwise, how do you support them without cutting back to the two nearest ceiling joists? Or is plaster/lath (which is in good shape) not strong enough to be used to support a round light box?

2) How to get wiring around the corner from the ceiling to the load-bearing wall? Need to get through a double top-plate. Cut a small slot in both ceiling and top of wall and use a long bit to drill a hole in the top plate?

Appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks!
.../j

 

[WorthFlorida]

At home depot site search on "cable bit". They are available in many lengths up to 6 feet and with extensions such as on a three footer then add another 2 foot if you want.

With plaster and lath makes it an old home and who knows what is in the wall cavities so you'll need to be careful. I would add multiple light fixtures and place them nearer to the wall. The first one would be where you want to come up the wall from the basement. On the wall cut a hole in the wall as if you're adding a light switch, 48" from the floor. With one of these cable bits on a good drill, snake it up the wall to the double plate and start drilling until you go through. Do the same going down to the basement. Drill the proper size hole for the ceiling light, for recessed lights 5 or 6 inches are needed and there are saws are sold just for recessed lighting.

Here is the trick, if the ceiling light is close enough to the wall and you have small arms, you can get a wire into the hole drilled through top plate. It might not be possible so at least one hole will have to be made in the wall or ceiling to fish the wire throught the top plate. You can use a fish tape for the rest of it.

As far as the wall repair (the one at 48") you can add a switch anyway or just place a blank plate over it.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

Also search for "installer bit" or even "long drill bit" if you check other places. https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...2-c-10079.htm?tid=1806893881055202997&ipos=55 for example.

The long bits are somewhat flexible. These bits have a hole near the tip. That hole is so that you can poke the bit through, tie on a strong string or wire, and pull that string as you pull the bit out. Then pull the electrical wires with the string

 

[Jadnashua]

If you're careful when cutting a hole in plaster, I've had success just using the piece I cut out as the filler along with drywall mud. You need to put some support on the back side of the wall so you can screw it in place so that it's flush, but then fill in the saw kerf and the screw holes, and paint it. Done right, you can't tell. For the back support, take a short piece of ply, and screw it to the wall from the front, then screw the removed piece to it.

Once you have the hole through the plate, Harbor Freight sells a fiberglass fishing kit that can help. A fish tape can work, but tends to curl...that kit tends to try to stay straight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-16-inch-x-33-ft-fiberglass-wire-running-kit-65326.html

 

[JCH]

Thanks for all the help guys. I now own a 54-inch drill bit !

Wish me luck...!

.../john