How to Conceal Wiring in Walls​

Visible wires make a room look unfinished, cluttered and unsafe. Whether you are adding a TV on a wall, installing smart home devices, relocating outlets or updating an older home, concealing wiring inside the walls creates a cleaner look and protects cables from wear, pets, and accidental damage.

Because electrical regulations differ around the world, this blog focuses on universal principles that apply across regions, without referencing any specific electrical codes. It explains when concealing wires is appropriate, the methods you can use, the tools required, and the safety steps necessary to complete the job correctly.

Table of Contents

1. Why Conceal Wiring in Walls

2. Safety Rules and Preparation

3. Tools and Materials You’ll Need

4. Understanding Wall Construction

5. Concealing Low-Voltage vs High-Voltage Wiring

6. Methods for Concealing Wiring in Existing Walls

7. How to Conceal Wires in Drywall (Step-by-Step)

8. How to Conceal Wires in Plaster and Masonry Walls

9. Using Surface-Mounted Alternatives if Wall Concealment Isn’t Possible

10. Avoiding Common Mistakes

11. Repairing the Wall After Running New Wires

12. Testing Your Wiring After Installation

13. When You Must Hire a Professional

14. Final Recommendations

1. Why Conceal Wiring in Walls

Homeowners hide wiring for several reasons:

A. Appearance

A modern home design aims for clean, uninterrupted surfaces. Loose wires around televisions, lighting, and outlets distract from the room’s layout.

B. Safety

Exposed wiring can:

• Become worn

• Be tripped over

• Be damaged by furniture

• Be pulled by children or pets

Concealing the wiring reduces these risks.

C. Functionality

Running wires inside the walls makes it possible to:

• Add outlets in new locations

• Install wall-mounted lights

• Add Ethernet, speaker, or data cables

• Relocate electrical devices without visible clutter

D. Property Value

Well-executed concealed wiring increases home appeal and signals quality workmanship.

2. Safety Rules and Preparation

Electrical safety must guide the entire process. Before cutting walls or running wiring:

Turn Off Power

Disconnect the circuit at the distribution board before working on any electrical wiring.

Use Only Suitable Cable Types

Never bury damaged or incorrect cable types inside walls.

Avoid Structural Elements

Do not cut:

• Load-bearing studs

• Structural beams

• Fire blocks without proper repair

Locate Existing Utilities

Use a stud and wire detector to scan for:

• Existing electrical cables

• Plumbing

• HVAC ducts

• Metal studs

Protect Against Future Damage

Always run cables through protected pathways to avoid nail penetration when hanging shelves or décor later.

Know Your Limits

Certain tasks require professional installation, especially high-voltage wiring, relocation of outlets, or any installation requiring inspection.

3. Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Typical tools include:

• Stud finder

• Wire tracer or voltage tester

• Keyhole saw or oscillating multi-tool

• Drill with long auger bits

• Fish tape or wire puller

• Cable rated for in-wall use

• Low-voltage mounting brackets or electrical boxes

• Wall plates or grommets

• Measuring tape

• Utility knife

• Drywall screws

• Joint compound

• Sanding block

• Paint and primer

Using the correct tools ensures accuracy, safety, and a professional result.

4. Understanding Wall Construction

Before cutting into a wall, understand what’s behind the surface.

A. Timber Stud Walls (Most Common in Drywall Homes)

Typical spacing: 400–600 mm or 16–24 inchesWires can run vertically or horizontally through drill holes.

B. Metal Stud Walls

Require grommets or bushings to prevent metal edges from cutting cables.

C. Solid Masonry or Concrete Walls

More challenging; wiring is usually run:

• Through conduit that is chased into the wall

• Along the surface with trunking

• Behind furring strips

D. Plaster and Lath Walls

Older homes often use wooden laths behind plaster. These walls crumble more easily and require delicate cutting.

5. Concealing Low-Voltage vs High-Voltage Wiring

The type of wire determines the method you must use.

Low-Voltage Wiring (Safe for In-Wall Runs)

Examples:

• Ethernet cables

• HDMI

• Speaker wires

• Alarm wires

• Coax

Low-voltage wires can be concealed with simple in-wall pathways and low-voltage brackets.

High-Voltage Wiring (Must Follow Strict Safety Standards)

Examples:

• Power outlets

• Lighting circuits

• Air conditioning wiring

High-voltage wiring generally requires:

• Approved electrical cable suitable for wall installation

• Proper electrical boxes

• Secure clamping

• Professional installation if local law requires it

6. Methods for Concealing Wiring in Existing Walls

There are several reliable approaches.

Method 1: Fishing Wires Through the Wall

Most common for:

• Wall-mounted TV cables

• Speaker wires

• Small appliancesRequires minimal wall damage.

Method 2: Opening the Wall (Cut and Repair)

Used when:

• Running multiple cables

• Installing new outlets or switches

• Navigating around fire blocksProvides full access but needs wall repair afterward.

Method 3: Using Surface-Mounted Conduit and Painting It

Best for:

• Masonry walls

• Rental properties

• Situations where cutting walls is not allowed

Modern conduit can be painted to blend with walls.

Method 4: Running Cables Behind Baseboards or Trim

Ideal for short runs.

Method 5: Using Floor or Ceiling Cavities

Sometimes easier to run cables vertically inside the wall from above or below.

7. How to Conceal Wires in Drywall (Step-by-Step Guide)

Drywall is the easiest surface for concealed wiring.

Step 1: Plan the Route

Mark:

• Starting point (where cable enters the wall)

• Ending point (outlet, device, or wall plate)

Ensure the path avoids studs or existing utilities.

Step 2: Cut Openings for Boxes or Wall Plates

Use a keyhole saw or oscillating tool to create openings for:

• Electrical boxes (high-voltage)

• Low-voltage brackets (data cables)

Openings should be level and aligned.

Step 3: Drill Through Studs (If Accessible)

If you open the wall:

• Drill centered holes to reduce risk of nail penetration

• Protect holes with cable plates

• Do not drill into edges of studs

If you are not opening the wall:

• Use fish tape to navigate around obstacles

• Drop wires to the bottom or up to the top plate

Step 4: Run the Cable

Attach the cable to fish tape and gently pull through the cavity.

Ensure:

• No sharp bends

• No twisting

• Cable sheath remains intact

Step 5: Make Terminations

Depending on the project:

• Install outlets

• Attach data connectors

• Add wall plates

Step 6: Secure and Close the Wall

If you cut larger access holes:

1. Replace drywall pieces

2. Apply joint tape and compound

3. Sand smooth

4. Prime and paint

8. Concealing Wires in Plaster or Masonry Walls

Running wires in solid walls requires different techniques.

Option A: Chasing the Wall

Use an angle grinder or chasing tool to cut channels for conduit.

Process:

1. Cut shallow parallel channels

2. Remove material using hammer and chisel

3. Insert conduit

4. Re-plaster the wall

This method provides a permanent solution but requires skill and generates dust.

Option B: Furring Strips and New Drywall

Build a thin frame over the existing wall, run cables behind it, and cover with drywall.

Option C: Surface-Mounted Trunking

A practical and non-destructive alternative.

9. Alternatives When You Cannot Conceal Wiring

Not every wall allows internal wiring. When concealment is not possible:

Surface Conduit can be:

• Plastic

• Metal

• Decorative

Paintable options blend into walls easily.

Cable Raceways

Snap-together plastic channels used for TVs and entertainment systems.

Cable Covers

Flexible covers for running wires along baseboards or corners.

10. Avoiding Common Mistakes

Common issues homeowners encounter include:

• Running high-voltage wires loosely without a protective box

• Allowing low-voltage cables to touch power cables (causes interference)

• Leaving wiring behind insulation without proper supports

• Drilling too close to stud edges

• Leaving slack that may sag or catch inside cavities

• Using incorrect cable types for concealed installation

Every cable must be chosen and installed with durability and safety in mind.

11. Repairing the Wall After Running New Wires

Drywall or plaster repair typically involves:

1. Reinserting cut drywall sections

2. Adding mesh tape

3. Applying multiple thin layers of joint compound

4. Sanding until flush

5. Priming and repainting

The goal is a seamless finish where wiring modifications are undetectable.

12. Testing Your Wiring After Installation

After reinstalling power:

• Check for proper voltage

• Test outlets

• Verify data cables with network testers

• Inspect for heat or humming

• Confirm all plates and fixtures are secure

Testing ensures safe operation and prevents long-term issues.

13. When You Must Hire a Professional

Professional help is required when:

• Running new high-voltage circuits

• Installing outlets near water sources

• Modifying load-bearing walls

• Concealing wiring in homes with unknown or unsafe existing electrical systems

• Wiring that requires certification or inspection in your region

Low-voltage concealment can often be performed by homeowners, but high-voltage work frequently requires licensed electricians.

Conclusion

Concealing wiring inside walls significantly improves the appearance and safety of any room. With proper planning, the right tools, and careful technique, homeowners can successfully run wires through drywall, plaster, or masonry surfaces. Understanding the structure of your walls, choosing the correct materials, and following safe installation practices ensures the wiring remains protected and unobtrusive for many years.