How deep should wires be chased into walls?

When running cables up or along a masonry wall – to install a TV, for example – you’ll want the cables hidden in the wall for a neat finish. But how deep should the wires be chased into walls? We walk you through the process in this quick-read guide.

How deep should wires be chased into walls?

When chasing wires into the wall, these are the golden rules to follow regarding depth:

• When cutting a vertical chase, don’t cut any deeper than one-third of the total wall depth
• When cutting a horizontal chase, don’t cut any deeper than one-sixth of the total wall depth

NB. If your wires are set less than 50mm into the wall, capping or conduit is recommended to protect your cables.

And don’t forget:

• Never make any two chases, either vertically or horizontally, back-to-back
• Consider the thickness of your wires and ensure your cuts are deep enough to accommodate the wire plus filler to make good the hole you’ve created

What’s the best way to chase wires into a wall?

The quickest and easiest way to create a narrow but uniform channel to chase wires into the wall is with a wall chaser. This clever tool allows you to set the blades to the desired depth before you begin.

It’s possible to hire a wall chaser if you are confident to tackle this DIY job yourself. Please ensure you take all necessary safety precautions for you and your home.

Call in the experts to do the job

To ensure your wires are chased into the walls to a safe and proper standard, we always recommend hiring a registered electrician.

Find a fully qualified electrician near you by using our directory. Simply add your postcode to the search box below to see who comes highly rated in your area.

All our members are checked and approved by us, so you know you’re getting the real deal.