How do you conceal cable for an electric socket in a plaster-on-brick wall?

Is it current practice to use conduit or can you just staple the cable directly to the channelled wall and cement over it?

This is a kitchen wall, and the cable is looped into the ring main (2.5mm 2 core + earth). The socket is used for the microwave and the cable was lying on the wall surface behind a wall cupboard that has now been removed. The cable has probably been there for 10 years or more.

cement is corrosive to cables,, make sure what ever you put in to the pipe is listed to be wet. all conduit is wet in side due to the condensation


my best tip is call a pro

Cable type UF, often used outdoors and directly buried underground is listed for emedment in plaster. Type NM (romex) cable cannot be embeded. I prefer to use EMT conduit, as it also provides protection should someone decide to hammer a nail into the wall, but it takes years of experience to learn to bend it neatly.

You can conceal wiring by cutting channels into brick/plaster - the best way to cover is plaster over the brick.

The least expensive method of routing wiring is in surface-mounted metal or plastic channels called raceway. Generally, this method is also the fastest because it does not require opening finished construction. This is conspicuous but can be covered using several thin layers of plaster.

You can also use conduit! Brackets are used to attach the conduit to the wall; outlets are installed, and the wiring is threaded through the system. But there are important differences: metal conduit must be bent with a conduit bender (a levering tool available at rental centers) to form bends, and threading wires through conduit usually requires the use of electrician's fish tape.

You can just run the wires on the wall and camouflage with low profile (1" x 5") wall-mounted cabling channels. You can even plaster over them as well.

You can also build what is called a false wall over the wiring but this will take some skill but can be done if you take your time.

You will want to consult a local building inspector to learn who is permitted to undertake electrical projects and what regulations apply.

How do you conceal cable for an electric socket in a plaster-on-brick wall?
Is it current practice to use conduit or can you just staple the cable directly to the channelled wall and cement over it?

You are: Electrical Inspector Your Answer:


You need to provide a little more information.

Is this indoors, or outdoors. What type of construction is the building? Is it a single family dwelling, or a forty story condo? Or a factory, shoe store, bank or cattle barn?

You also need to check with your local Building Department, to be certain there are no amendments to the electrical Code that would change the "Uses Approved" catagory of the NEC Chapter Three wiring methods (in newer Code editions, all uses approved are in the xxx.10 section, and uses not approved are in the xxx.12 sections, for example Type AC cable {BX} is Article 320, uses approved are found in 320.10).

Types AC and MC cable assemblies are permitted to be embedded in plaster finishes of interior brick walls in dry locations. Type AC cable cannot be bent tighter than a radius 5 times its diameter (measured inside of the bend), MC Cable, with interlocking armor, can not be bent tighter than 7 times its diameter. Neither type can have more than 360 degrees of bend between boxes or pulling points, which must remain accessible.

Boxes and fittings used must be approved or listed for the installation, and all other Code rules must be followed.

Type NM ("rope" or "Romex") cable cannot be "embedded in poured cement, concrete, or aggregate" (which I interperate as including plaster and stucco). Source(s) 2005 National Electrical Code Articles 300, 320, 330, 334.