How to Install a Wall Wire Cover

Install Wall Wire Cover
 
As you add more electrical devices to your Los Angeles home, you also add more wiring and cables. A cable management system, including a wall wire cover, keeps wires safely tucked away. 

At Express Electrical Services, we have over 40 years of experience with all kinds of electrical rewiring jobs. While many electrical installations should be done by a professional, putting in a wall wire cover is one you may want to do yourself. 

Before you start, you’ll want to consider a few things. Check out Express Electical’s DIY guide to installing a wall wire cover below.

What Is a Wall Wire Cover and Why Use One?

A wall wire cover is part of a cord management system that allows you to safely organize and hide wires without damaging the walls. They’re usually made of fire-resistant plastic or rubber and can be painted or decorated to blend into the room.

Cord covers are also safer because they keep wires gathered away from kids’ and pets’ foot traffic. A wire hider can decrease wear and tear, which increases the wire’s longevity. 

Choosing the Right Wall Wire Cover

There are many options when choosing wall cord covers. Most importantly, the wire cover needs to be rated for electrical use. In areas with lots of foot traffic, like a business or industrial setting, you may be required to get heavy-duty wire covers by law. 

Here are some things to consider before choosing a wall wire cover.

What types of wires and cables can be hidden with a wall wire cover?

You can use wall wire covers with most standard low-voltage electrical wiring, such as TV cable management, home theater wire management cables, internet and networking cables, landline telephone cables, computer cables, home automation cables for smart home devices, and home security system cables. Speaker wire covers and ethernet cable covers are also available. 

What types of wires and cables can’t be hidden with a wall wire cover?

High-voltage wiring, such as thick wiring for high-voltage appliances, high-voltage utility wires, wiring for exposed service panels and junction boxes, or any unapproved electrical installation, is not appropriate for wire covers.

What surfaces can I install a wall wire cover on?

Smooth, dry, clean surfaces are best for a wall wire cover. You can use them on drywall, wood, painted walls, wallpapered walls, concrete or brick, metal, tile, glass, plastic, baseboards, and moldings. 

What surfaces should I avoid? 

Avoid highly textured surfaces, damp surfaces, and crumbling or loose surfaces.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Many wire cover kits include most of what you’ll need for installation. However, depending on the extent of the project, you may need some additional materials:

  • Adhesive tape or adhesive wire covers
  • Screws and wall anchors
  • Measuring tape
  • Level
  • Utility knife
  • Screwdriver 
  • Drill and masonry bit
  • Cable stripper or cutter

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Safety is important when working with electrical wiring. Before you start, take a moment to review some best practices when doing electrical work. If you’re drilling into walls, locate any existing wiring before you start.

Consider the age of your home and the last time the electrical wiring was updated. If it’s been 15 years or more, consider having an Express Electrical electrician rewire your home before you consider doing any work yourself.

Follow this step-by-step installation guide to install your wall wire cover:

  • Take measurements: Use a measuring tape to determine how much wire covering to buy. Purchase a little more than you need, whether you use stick-on coverings or a cover that screws into the wall, in case of any errors. However, stick-on ones are recommended, as they are less likely to damage the wall surface during installation.
  • Select a covering: There are a few considerations when making your purchase. First, the covering should have enough space for the wire(s) you want to conceal. It should also be a color that matches the surrounding wall. After all, the wire cover is designed for safety and convenience — it might as well fit in with your décor, too.
  • Align the wires: Start by aligning the wires along a corner of the wall. Then, line them together along the seams of the wall. Once the wires are all in a straight line, install the bottom of the covering. Clip the wires together so they stay in place.
  • Add the covering: Take off the clips one by one as you begin to cover the wires. Press the sticking material face down and with enough pressure so it holds in place. You don’t want the covering to become loose. If it loses adhesion, you’ll have loose wires once again. If any parts are loose, secure them; check that any screws used are fully secured and tightened.

Specific Applications and Situations

Wall wire covers can be used wherever you need to bundle wires safely or prevent them from spoiling a room’s appearance. Similar devices are available for all kinds of jobs, including floor cord covers, home office cable management and desk cord organizers, flexible cord covers, corner cord covers, TV wire hiders, and more. 

Wire covers come in various forms. A common type is a plastic track that mounts directly on top of wires. Wall cord covers are commonly white, metallic gray, or another neutral color. Paintable wire covers are also available. A latex-based paint is preferable so it blends in.

Contact Us for Your Electrical Wiring Needs

Whether you’re doing a simple electrical installation yourself or need professional help with an in-depth rewiring job, contact us 24/7 at Express Electrical, your local Los Angeles electrical experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need to add or remove wires after installing the cover? 

If you need to add or remove wires after installing a wall wire cover, you’ll likely need to remove the cover completely to access the wires. However, depending on the type of cover, you may be able to partially remove sections to add or remove individual wires with minimal difficulty. 

How do I make sure the wires stay neatly tucked inside the cover?

Be sure to accurately measure and cut the cover to the appropriate size. For easier management, group similar wires together (e.g., all power cables or all data cables). Secure the wires to the wall before placing them inside the cover. This prevents the wires from shifting inside the cover once installed.