Any disguise for surface mount conduit containing electrical wiring?
by
JoAnn Cline
+4
Having an old home with plaster and lath walls we're limited to running conduit, (plastic pipe) to contain our new wiring along the baseboard. Obviously not attractive. Other than matching the paint I don't know what to do.
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Kind of surprised an electrician can't fish the wiring in the walls. Looking for an easy way out. Most building codes won't allow electrical pipes or wiring to be on the surface. Always a risk of shorts or fire. Painting would be the only way if its legal.
There's a couple different things you could try. In rooms where the wiring is higher than the baseboard you could build a wooden cover out of decorative molding . Think "mini-mantle" or beefy chair rail. Along the base board they make a product called wire molding. It's paintable and inconspicuous. You see it in a lot of offices hiding all the wiring. Good luck!
You can hang bright decorations and paintings at eye level to distract the eye. And you can try to arrange the lighting and furniture so that you can draw attention to the parts of the room you are comfortable with, and away from the parts you don't want to show off. One big thing to remember: your friends won't care about imperfections. Those who do care, aren't your friends. Best wishes 😇
A licensed electrician should be able to fish wires, unless your walls are solid masonry.
Electrical PVC is gray and is for use in specific areas but what you're describing should be in metal galvanized tubing. White PVC is for water and is thinner walled than the stuff used in electrical. Check your codes or just call the city inspector and ask "for a friend".
Depending on what the conduit is made of, you could try contact paper. It comes in lots of colors, patterns and textures and if you don't like it you can peel it off. If you can't find it in your local store. Check Amazon.