Log House wiring - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Murray Ritchie · 02-20-2009, 04:01 AM

Looking for information on wiring methods used in log housing. have been have problems finding detailed information and or ideas. Any and all assistance is greatly appreaciated.

sgr1 · 02-20-2009, 09:15 AM

I haven't done one myself. I just talk to a guy yesterday that has a log house. I asked how they did the wiring and he said they drilled each log as they where putting them up. I was just curious. I hope this helps.

wirenut1110 · 02-20-2009, 09:54 AM

I've done one, and the inside walls had furring strips and wainscoting(I think that's what it's called), so it was very simple to just attach an 1 1/2 deep box directly to the log. The ceiling lights had to be run with MC tucked in the corners to conceal it and they "boxed" around the fixture box.

Also have "heard" the way sgr suggested.

I've also "heard" the "kit" houses are pretty much assembled, holes are drilled and notched for boxes, taken apart and shipped with some sort of numbering system but sometimes it didn't work out in the real world so field modifications had to be made.

Speedy Petey · 02-20-2009, 10:24 AM

I've done around 20 and they all suck to different degrees. Obviously the more elaborate and large the more sucky.

Typically the logs are drilled as they are set. Then the boxes are cut out of the logs and the cables run from basements or wherever. If the home is on a slab it is a literal nightmare.

Proper planning and layout are ESSENTIAL.

te12co2w · 02-20-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Proper planning and layout are ESSENTIAL.

I second this statement. The importance of this CANNOT be overstated. If you have conventional frame interior walls, you can run wires through them to ceiling, then across the tops of beams for lighting in log purlins. Try to utilize space at doorways and windows for wires. Have the builders make a chase on the ends of these logs that you can run your wires in. A lot of times at doors you can get them to use a split buck or door jam so you can get wires in there. As far as cutting boxes in logs, we try to get the builders to do that. Not easy to make boxes look good in round logs. Some homeowners prefer to have a flat spot big enough for the box and wall plate. Your builder can do that. Another option is to use specialty wall plates for your devices. There are a few sites that sell these. Do a google search for wood wall plates.
Just a year or two ago, I saw on the web some templates for routers that were the same as single gang and double gang boxes. Can't find that anymore. Does anyone know of something like that? We have a job coming up where it would be nice to have.
Use your regular plastic or fiber boxes for devices. Mark the outline on the log, drill the 4 corners with a 1/2"-7/8" auger bit. Careful not to let the wood splinter and pull off past what the plate will cover. Then drill out the rest of the log with a 2-1/8" self feed bit. Then chisel out the rest for proper fit. You can use your 4- 4-1/8" hole saws for light boxes and use 4" octogon metal boxes for lights.
I try not to bid these things anymore as they always take way more time than I would like. Very time comsuming and they can be frustrating. Your homeowner MUST understand and communicate to you clearly what they want or they won't be happy with the end product. I've found that track lights are relatively easy to install on log beams. I've also had to hang very elaborate and heavy chandeliers. Proper attention to all these details is crucial. One elk antler chandelier we hung was so big, it took 4 men to lift it up there. Had to build a scaffold just to sit it on so we could wire it from another scaffold right along side.
All in all, be prepared to spend a lot of time on it. Good luck!

480sparky · 02-20-2009, 11:02 AM

No one has asked the obvious here:

is this a true, full-log structure, or is it a log veneer?

Answers depend on that.

Speedy Petey · 02-20-2009, 04:41 PM

Well in my opinion a log veneer home is NOT a log home. It is simply a home with log siding.

Good point to bring up though.

480sparky · 02-20-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Well in my opinion a log veneer home is NOT a log home. It is simply a home with log siding.

Good point to bring up though.

Yea, and a full-log home is just a stick-built house without all the sticks.

Bkessler · 02-20-2009, 04:54 PM

Would you rather do a log home or one of those Styrofoam between osb house? aggb....I hate those styrofoam one's.....

Speedy Petey · 02-20-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bkessler

Would you rather do a log home or one of those Styrofoam between osb house? aggb....I hate those styrofoam one's.....

Oh God, logs any time!

Bkessler · 02-20-2009, 05:24 PM

.....

480sparky · 02-20-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Oh God, logs any time!

Yea, but can you tell the difference?

te12co2w · 02-20-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 480sparky

Yea, but can you tell the difference?

tiny kitchen?

480sparky · 02-20-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by te12co2w

tiny kitchen?

Weekend digs.

electricalperson · 02-20-2009, 09:50 PM

i had to wire a loghome that was built in 1920. i ran wires insidde the cracks between the logs and the carpenter built a cover for it

Speedy Petey · 02-20-2009, 10:26 PM

I don't care what it looks like when it's done. I care how it is built.
That was my point.

A log home is built with logs, and a PIA to wire.
A home with log siding and regular framing is no different than any other stick built home.
An SIP panel home is a PIA no matter how you look at it.