Run Rough Electrical Wiring
Install electrical cables and boxes throughout your basement before insulation and drywall. Proper rough-in ensures safe, code-compliant electrical systems.
Why Proper Electrical Rough-In Matters
Electrical rough-in is when you install all the wiring infrastructure that will be hidden behind walls. This work must meet strict electrical codes for fire safety and proper function. Mistakes here can cause house fires, failed inspections, or costly repairs after walls are closed. Proper wire sizing prevents overheating. Correct box mounting ensures outlets and switches align with drywall. Adequate securing prevents cables from being damaged. While intimidating, rough electrical follows clear rules and patterns. Taking time to do it right protects your home and family for decades.
Tools & Materials Needed
Tools
Materials
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Main Panel (Hire Electrician Recommended)
Add new circuit breakers for basement circuits:
DANGER - LETHAL VOLTAGE
Main panel work involves live 240V power that can kill. Even with main breaker off, incoming service lines are energized. Most homeowners should hire a licensed electrician for panel work. If you proceed, use extreme caution and never touch service entrance cables or main lugs.
- •Verify panel has capacity for new circuits
- •Install appropriate breakers: 15A for lighting, 20A for receptacles
- •Use AFCI breakers for bedrooms, GFCI for bathrooms/wet areas
- •Leave breakers OFF until final connections are made
Mount Electrical Boxes
Install boxes at all outlet, switch, and fixture locations:
Standard Heights:
- • Outlets: 12-18" above finished floor
- • Switches: 44-48" to center
- • Bathroom outlets: 36-42"
- • Kitchen counters: 42-44"
Box Types:
- • Single-gang for switches/outlets
- • 2-gang for double switches/outlets
- • 4" square for junctions/ceiling
- • Old-work if retrofitting
Mount boxes so front edge will be flush with finished drywall surface (typically 1/2" or 5/8" from stud face). Use box extensions if needed.
Drill Cable Pathways
Create paths for cables through framing:
- •Drill 3/4" holes with spade bit at consistent heights
- •Keep holes at least 1.25" from stud edges (code requirement)
- •Drill through center of plates at top/bottom of walls
- •Install metal nail plates if holes are closer than 1.25" to edges
- •Plan route from panel to farthest box, drilling all studs in path
Pro Tip: Drill all holes at the same height (e.g., 12" for outlets) to create straight runs. This makes pulling wire much easier.
Pull Electrical Cables
Run NM cable from panel to boxes following your electrical plan:
- Work one circuit at a time to avoid confusion
- Start from panel, feed cable through holes to first box
- Leave 12-18" extra at panel for connections
- At each box, leave 6-8" of cable extending into box
- Continue to next box, daisy-chaining outlets on same circuit
- For switches, run 3-wire cable (14/3 or 12/3) for 3-way switching
- Keep wire runs neat and organized
Important: Never splice wires inside walls - all connections must be in accessible junction boxes. Don't pull cables so tight they damage the sheathing.
Secure Cables Properly
Fasten cables according to code requirements:
- •Cables running through drilled holes don't need staples between holes
- •Use cable clamps or built-in clamps at box entries
- •Keep cables away from sharp edges and heat sources
Label Everything and Final Checks
Prepare for inspection with proper labeling and verification:
- •Label each cable at the panel with circuit number and room
- •Mark boxes with circuit number using permanent marker
- •Verify all boxes are securely mounted and properly positioned
- •Check that all cables are properly secured per code
- •Install nail plates where required for protection
- •Take photos of all wiring before covering with insulation/drywall
Ready for Inspection: Schedule rough electrical inspection after all wiring is complete but before insulation. Inspector must see all cables and connections.
Pro Tips
- ✓Use different colored tape to mark different circuits at boxes - speeds up final connections
- ✓Buy extra cable - running short mid-circuit is frustrating and wasteful
- ✓Work methodically one circuit at a time and check off on your plan as completed
- ✓Leave cables coiled neatly in boxes - makes device installation much easier later
- ✓Consider hiring electrician for panel work and inspection prep, do box/cable pulls yourself to save money
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wire do I need for basement electrical circuits?▼
Use 14/2 NM cable for 15-amp lighting circuits, 12/2 NM cable for 20-amp receptacle circuits, and 12/3 for three-way switch circuits. Kitchen/bathroom/dedicated circuits require 12/2 minimum on 20-amp breakers. For 240V circuits like electric heaters, use appropriately sized wire (typically 10/2 or 8/2) based on amperage. Always use copper wire, not aluminum, for residential wiring.
How do I drill through studs for electrical wire?▼
Drill 3/4 inch holes at least 1.25 inches from the edge of studs using a drill and spade bit. Keep holes centered in studs when possible. Drill at consistent height (usually 12-18 inches for outlets, 44-48 inches for switches) to make running wire easier. If holes must be closer than 1.25 inches to the edge, install metal nail plates to protect cables from drywall screws.
How often do I need to staple electrical wire?▼
NM cable must be secured within 12 inches of every electrical box (8 inches for plastic boxes) and at intervals not exceeding 4.5 feet along the cable run. Use cable staples designed for electrical wire - don't overdrive them, which can damage the cable. Cables running through holes in studs don't need additional stapling between holes.
Can I work on my main electrical panel myself?▼
While many jurisdictions allow homeowners to add circuits to their own panel with a permit, this is dangerous work involving live power. Even with the main breaker off, incoming service lines remain energized at 240V. Most homeowners should hire a licensed electrician for panel work and run their own cables to the panel. If you insist on DIY, take extreme precautions and never touch the main service lugs.