I decided to add a few comments on the issue of log homes and wiring after I couldn't find much on the web regarding layout and fixtures; and, after I approached a few contractors for a quote.
With all the planning that goes into a log home, electrical help was one of the most difficult topics to research. Primarily because every home is unique, every region has different code requirements and most folks are reluctant to approach a contractor for advice without committing to that contractor. While it's not necessary to have an electrical layout plan 6 months in advance of construction, it is important to review local codes and at least know the minimum requirements, (ie. distance between plugs, smoke detector locations, mandatory lighting, the number of outdoor plugs, etc.). You won't really get down to detailed planning until you receive your final floor plans with the construction drawings. Once you have the floor plans, ask around for the names of some good electricians. Most contractors I spoke to, electrical (there were a few) or otherwise, had little or no experience with log construction; and while most are willing to listen, the first and most common response from electricians was : "a log home? Oh, they can be pretty complicated", and the first thought that goes through your mind is, I'm being set up for the big quote. Truth is though a log home should be no more expensive than a stick built home and in some case it'll be cheaper. Any electrician that tells you different doesn't understand the basics of a well planned log home. In our case we lucked out with an excellent electrician, creative, lots of suggestions, doesn't mind very early mornings and basically provided the guidance and experience we needed to stay within within the budget. As with every contractor, do not take the first one that comes along, have patience; comfort and confidence with your selection will follow, and who knows it might end up being the first quote.
A successful electrical installation requires good planning on your part and a helpful design team on the part of the log home manufacturer. The Kuhns Bros design, pre construction workshop, the information in the construction manual and on-site tutoring was simply the best in the business, to meet our needs.
Without getting into too much detail, sit down with your electrician and draw up an outline of the floor plan. At this stage you're really only interested in the outline of the log walls. Non log, interior partitions can come later. Identify the location of all plugs, switches and fixtures that will be in the log walls and transfer (magic marker) this information directly unto the actual, wooden platform, sub floor, before any logs are layed. At this point, a 1" hole is drilled at every location through to the basement or crawl space. Thus every plug/switch/fixture has it's own direct line to the under floor where, in our case, the main electrical panel is located. In some cases, switches and fixtures, for example, can use the same hole. Subsequently, every log is drilled and every electrical box cut out, before laying, to match up with the predilled holes in the floor. We put our plugs in the second course, switches in the 7th course and fixtures in the 11th course, all with holes going through to the basement. The builder will drill the holes, and this is where a professional and conscientious builder is a must. The builder that we were lucky enough to hire, in my, albeit, subjective opinion, is not one of the best, he and his family team are the best residential builders in our region.
When done correctly the electrician can easily and quickly (no drilling in exterior walls) pull wires and do the usual routing and panel design.
Tip of the Week
Run a couple of extra conduit lines from the basement to the attic. This will allow for easy installation of additional wiring if the need arises later down the road.
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