Embedded wiring
       Tom Fassett
 
   
This is how I run wiring to fixtures when I want the wiring to be completely hidden.  The advantage to this method is it does not effect any surface material I want to cover it with (including paint).
 
 
 
 
Here is the upper side of the surface that the fixture will hang from.  Basically, this is the floor of the room above where the fixture will hang.
First, I drill a hole where the fixture is to be located.  Then I use the Dremel with a cut off wheel to score a channel in the flooring.  Last, I score out an area where the wires will be attached.  This does not have to be "pretty," it will be filled in later.  Make sure that the channel is deep enough so that none of the wire you intend to use will stick up above the surface.
FIGURE 1
 
Here is the wire I intend to use, along with the fixture that will hang from the ceiling beneath.  This wire is bigger than what is needed for the single fixture but it is what I had laying around.
FIGURE 2
 
Here is the feeder wire embedded in the channel.  I use a few spots of cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) to hold it in place so it does not rise out of the channel.  The important thing here is to make sure the wires never touch each other, and can't get close enough to touch when you fill in the hole.
FIGURE 3
 
Here is a close up of the connections between the feeder wires and the wires from the fixture.  The wires are soldered together to create a good electrical connection and to add strength to the mounting of the fixture.  Again, make sure the feeder wires cannot touch each other.
FIGURE 4
 
Now it is time to fill in the channel and the indention where the wires are connected.  Here I used water putty but any kind of hard putty will work.  You can use just about anything with an edge to spread the putty.  Be sure to "work" it into the channel so there are no gaps left.  I use a painter's spatula but the edge of a piece of cardstock works just about as good.
FIGURE 5
 
After the putty has dried, a light sanding smoothes the surface and removes any tiny ridges that might show up under whatever you plan to use on the floor.
FIGURE 6
 
 
 
 
 


This method works as well for walls.  Cutting the channels does not take much time and one is able to use a larger gauge of wire than might be possible if trying to hide the wire under something like wallpaper.  This also works if you are attaching a plug on the other side of the wall or floor.

Enjoy,
Tom Fassett