wiring light behind walls

19 years ago

So here is my creative maybe not pratical idea... are there any hazards in running a strand of lights behins drywall with the individual lights being exposed behind "glass" blocks in a backsplash. I understand the issues with changing the bulbs but I wouls like to know if there are saftey issues???

Thanks.

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Comments (8)

bigbird_1
19 years ago
What do you mean by a "strand of lights"? Are you referring to low voltage lights? LED strings? All device boxes must be mounted flush with a finished surface. You can't hide the octagonal box to hold the lamp fixture behind the drywall.
brickeyee
19 years ago
If the 'wall' is removable (screws not nails) the wiring would still be accessable.
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bigbird_1
19 years ago
Drywall being "removeable" because it's screwed to the wall?
I don't think so.
mainelystuck
Original Author
19 years ago
Okay let me try to explain what I mean in alillte clear terms...
I want to tile the back splask in 12 x 12 tile install on the diagnal. Every two feet at the intersections I want to install an 2 x 2 accent tile. What I was thinking is for this tile to be glass and to be able to light it from behind. I figured if I could find say 2 x 2 picture frames of sorts the I could install them backwards and grout and the glass could slide up and down to access the light bulb for replacement. I was thinking maybe a strand of christmas lights or umbrella lights???? Does this make it any clearer???
brickeyee
19 years ago
"Drywall being "removeable" because it's screwed to the wall? "

You said drywall, not me.
The rule is that you may not damage the finished surface of the building to gain access.
A plywood panel fastened with screws will allow access, or even a loose panel inside a frame (think plumbing).
The access does not even have to be in the same room, but could be in the wall off the adjacent room.
It could even be behind bookcases as long as THEY are not permanently fastened in place - scerws but not nails and no dmage to remove them (pulling off trim, etc).
If you just want a limitied amount of light some low voltage LED lighting might be just the trick.
Use threee color (RGB) and you could even vary the color.

Whatever you do, any lighting must remain accessable without damaging the finished surface of the building.
It does not have to be convenient.
bigbird_1
19 years ago
"You said drywall, not me.

No, the OP said drywall. "are there any hazards in running a strand of lights behins drywall "

I guess you missed that part.
brickeyee
19 years ago
I was offering a way around the obvious problem that drywall is part of the finished surface.
Add an access panel to get to the wiring and you can get away with more.
dickross
19 years ago
Probably not practical to do it the way you're thinking. Try searching for fiber optics and tile. I saw some pretty awsome lighted tile floors a while back, I just don't remember the web site.
The lights will be decorative only. You won't get enough light thru the fiber optic to light a room.