There are cables that are exposed that can be unattractive.Running cables under the carpet is an effective way to stay connected in your home.The process of setting up your cables can be done with a few tools, including a fish tape or a measuring tape.
Step 1: Plan the route for the cable.
Decide whether to run the cable directly across the room from wall to wall, around the edge for longer cables, or in a pattern that will help avoid major foot traffic.To avoid creating a trip hazard, it is a good idea to make a careful decision about where you want to run your cable.You might want to make a sketch of the room before you start to place the cable.You don't want to step on the cables when you're walking.It will be easy to tuck the cable out of sight if there is a hollow space there.Try to minimize the distance that your cable has to travel if you place it under heavy furniture.
Step 2: Take the cable out.
To find the length of your cable, use a measuring tape or ruler, and compare it to the path you want the cable to take.This is important because you don't want to lose the cable underneath the carpet, or make a mess of your carpet.
Step 3: You need to make sure the cables you are using are safe to thread.
The Cables should be non-flammable and small so as not to cause a trip hazard.Before installing cables, be sure to check your building's safety and fire codes.If the jacket or the outer layer of the cable is intact and there is no exposed wire, it's safe.If you're in the attic of an older home, it's a good idea to check under the carpet for old electrical wiring before you start cable installation.
Step 4: Remove all furniture from the area.
You will need to lift up the carpet along the path of the cable, so be sure to move any furniture that sits on it for your safety and ease.It is possible to get a friend's help in safely moving your furniture.
Step 5: Plug the cable into the outlet you want to use.
It is important to remove the cable from the appliances before running it under the carpet.If one end of your cable is permanently attached to an appliance, use extra care when pulling the cable under the carpet and make sure the device is off.
Step 6: The carpet liner should be loosened.
If you are running your cable along the edge of a carpet that is held in place by a liner, use a flathead screwdriver to lift up the liner and pull the carpet up to make room for the cable.If you loosen the liner enough, you can pull up the carpet underneath.
Step 7: Pull up the carpet to begin threading the cable.
Lift a small section of carpet.It is possible to use pliers to lift the carpet.Pull up the carpet on the opposite side of the path from where the cable is located if it's already permanently attached to the appliance.This will make it easier to pull the cable back through during the installation process.
Step 8: Pull the reel of fish tape out of the carpet.
Fish tape is used for wires.The nylon or steel wire should be pushed out when you use the reel.If you want the cable to come from the carpet, you need to unhook the wire before it reaches the other side of the room.If you want to place your cable there, the wire from the fish tape should follow the same path.Lift the carpet with your hand at the same time as you guide the wire under it.Asking a friend to help lift the carpet may be helpful.If you don't have fish tape, you can use a measuring tape.Pull the measuring tape out and push it underneath the carpet along the path you want the cable to take.
Step 9: The fish tape can be removed from beneath the carpet.
You can use pliers to lift up the carpeting if you pull the wire out near a wall.If you want to pull the wire through the carpet, you can use a screwdriver or scissors to make a small cut.If you are using a tape measure, make sure to switch it to the "locked" position so that the tape doesn't get pulled back through the carpet.
Step 10: Attach the cable to fish tape.
You can attach your cable to the hook on the end of the fish tape you just pulled out.The cable should be secured with a bit of tape at the end of the fish tape.If you want to attach your cable to the end of the measuring tape, use duct tape.The cable should be securely attached to the measuring tape or fish tape so that you don't lose it underneath the carpet and need to start over.
Step 11: You can pull the tape back through the carpet.
The fish tape should pull the cable under the carpet.Don't stop until you pull the cable all the way through the path.If you're using a tape measure, apply the same method.
Step 12: The cable needs to be removed from the fish tape.
Your cable should now run underneath your carpet.You can hook the cable up as you please.
Step 13: If necessary, attach the carpet liner.
Retighten the carpet by hitting it gently with a mallet or hammer if you had to loosen it.You may have loosened the nails on the floor when you pulled the carpet out.To ensure that the nails are set back in place, use the hammer or mallet to gently tap on the carpeted area.