How to Run Romex in The Attic: 7 Steps Ultimate Guide

Romex is the modern trade name for an electrical wire used for residential branch wiring. New lighting systems, sound systems, and computer networking require cable wiring. You may need to run the wiring through the attic to the upper floors of a multi-story building.

Running Romex in the attic is also risky if you do it improperly. It is a complex job; if you do it without preparation, you will spend more time and money. Surely you need help, do not go anywhere. This article will teach you an easy step-by-step guide to running Romex in the attic.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Run Romex in the Attic

You may prefer to hire professional services when you need to run Romex in the attic. If you learn it, you can also do it. But you need a lot of care when completing this task. Below are simple steps that may help you to finish this task excellently.

Step 1- Measure the Distance

Before running Romex, you have to measure the distance between two sites where you need to run the wire. But make sure that you have enough wire for running as required. Remember to include vertical distance up to the attic and back down again while measuring the wire. Mostly the newbie forgets causing a shortage of wire.

Step 2- Find an Attic

After measuring the distance, you will need to find attic access. Generally, it is moveable drywall covering a rectangular hole in the attic. Usually, it is located in the garage or the hall. Accessing it before running the wire could help you complete the Romex running task efficiently.

Step 3- Climb to the Attic

Next, climb to the attic through the attic access or by using a ladder. Then you look into the attic path and examine the location where you will use the Romex. If there is no flooring to walk, you have to consider lying across the trusses as a walkway or a bringing plank.

Step 4- Check the Insulation

The next thing is you need to check the insulation to hide the trusses. Make sure that the location of your new wiring does not interfere with the previous system. It may cause wire burn or electric sparking.  You also need to consider the location of existing wires, pipes, and ducts while checking for insulation.

Step 5- Dig Holes

Here you need to dig the holes for passing Romex to enter and exit the attic. It depends upon the type of wiring and its purpose. If you are going with fish wiring, dig the attic hole with a drill machine. You will also need semi-ringing wiring tape fish for pulling the wires.

Step 6- Cut the Drywall

For running the Romex in the attic, you will need to cut through the drywall. While cutting through the drywall, you have to use a utility knife but be careful. If you are running Romex sites outside of the house, you do not need to dig new holes. You can use old roof holes to find those holes underneath the roof. But if you do not find holes, do not waste time and dig the new holes to finish your assignment quickly.

Step 7- Run the Romex

Finally, you bring up all the Romex in the attic. Now, you will need a person for support to hold the flashlight. Now run the Romex along the rafters from one hole to another. By using staple guns, run the Romex in the attic. But ensure the staple gun is loaded with the suitable Romex staples designed for holding the wire.

Do this job with great care because the staple is too tiny to puncture the wire. It is also possible that it may break the connection and cause a fire hazard.

Can you Run Romex in the Attic?

Yes, you can run Romex in the attic. If you want to run Romex through the wall, you must drill a hole in the attic. Then you can use semi-rigid tape and pull the thread. But, if you want to Romex out of the house, first find the roof holes; if not, dig the new holes.

Does a Romex in the Attic Need to be in Conduit?

No, a conduit is not required in the attic. Many other factors are involved in the Romex in the attic. But, you can put the wiring in the conduit only when you want to protect it from damage or any other danger.

Can you Insulate the Romex in the Attic?

Yes, insulation is necessary to protect the attic from electric damage or fire. Beware of squeezing the insulation to fit behind the pipe or a cable. You have to one flap under the yarn and the other above the yarn. Otherwise, it may cause breakage of romex that may cause a fire.

Conclusion

Romex is a flexible electrical cable produced by two or more insulated conductors at a time and a bare copper ground wire. Running Romex in the attic is tough, but you can complete it in a few easy steps.

We have also guided you with an easy guide that ensures quick completion and efficiency. But you need much care while performing this job. If you are not good at electrical work skills, hiring professionals is better.


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