Shtrobrovlenie ceiling for wiring

Shtrobing is a method of laying wiring that is not always considered the easiest or safest option, but sometimes it is necessary. This particular type of construction work may be required in various situations:

• If there is a need to upgrade the existing electrical network;
• If the location of switches and sockets is not ideal according to the preferences of the property owners;
• If any of the cables have been damaged, such as due to water leakage from upstairs neighbors.

How to perform ceiling drilling for wiring

Stroba is a unique crevice in the concrete, correspondingly, drilling is the method of crafting it. It is a intricate and physically demanding task that necessitates precise attention to numerous factors and varies depending on the chosen tools.

Selection of tools

The sequence can be listed as follows, going from more labor-intensive to less labor-intensive: hammer and chisel, hammer drill, diamond-disk bolt cutter, and floor saw. When considering the criteria "from cheap to expensive" and "from less work to more work," the order remains unchanged. As a result, the initial tools are typically utilized for making small openings in the ceiling of a single room, while the latter ones are employed by experienced builders for installing internal electrical systems.

Preparation

To summarize, the process can be broken down into three main steps: selecting the cable laying method, creating detailed drawings that indicate all switch nodes and connection points, and acquiring the necessary tools. Safety should always be a top priority.

• Avoid connecting all lighting devices to a single circuit breaker.
• Prioritize installing boxes before laying the wiring.
• Avoid crossing cables.
• Ensure the cable cross-section is appropriate to prevent fire hazards (the maximum load should be considered).
• In areas with high humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms, use moisture-resistant boxes.
• When creating the drawings, calculate the shortest path and ensure all corners are straight.
• Make sure to use rubber gloves, goggles for eye protection, gauze bandages (to shield your lungs from dust), and rubber-based shoes.
• Ensure that the room is properly ventilated.
• Take into account the distances: the groove should be at least 100 mm away from the nearest corner, and at least 400 mm away from the gas pipe.

It is also possible to include leveling the plaster on the ceiling in the preparatory work if the surface is not even enough.

Grouting

Depending on the tool used, the approach to the task will vary.

First, we need to mark the future groove. If we’re using a hammer and chisel, we’ll start by making small holes along the edges. Then we gradually deepen these holes (the ideal depth for the groove is 10 mm). This method is time-consuming and requires a lot of effort, so it’s typically used when there is no access to electricity.

If we’re working with a power drill, we’ll need a wide nozzle. We use a special spatula to remove the excess material between the holes and to smooth out any uneven areas. The main drawback of this method is the difficulty in creating a perfectly straight groove, as well as the risk of damaging the ceiling.

A Bulgarian drill, together with either a chisel or a perforator, is utilized in this process. Initially, it is employed along the side lines, and afterward, the remaining material between them is removed. This procedure results in obtaining even lines; nevertheless, this particular tool tends to heat up quickly, necessitating periodic pauses.

For this particular task, the most convenient tool is the strozobor cutter as it is specifically designed for this purpose. However, it does come with a higher price tag. One additional requirement for using this tool is to connect a vacuum cleaner pipe to draw in any flying dust and debris.

The subsequent steps involve laying the cable, fixing it in place, and then sealing it with plaster.

Important! Prior to filling in the recesses, ensure that the remaining cable outside of the wall is sufficient with a reserve, as it may come in handy later on when installing sockets, switches, and connecting wires in junction boxes.

If this task has not been accomplished previously, it is imperative to eliminate any accumulation of dust within the crevices and around the cable. A mixture of plaster is prepared and skillfully applied throughout the entirety of the groove using a large brush, ensuring that the cable is firmly embedded. The application technique involves making strokes in a "herringbone" or crosswise pattern. Lastly, any surplus plaster is removed using a spatula and the surface is meticulously smoothed out.

In which houses it is not allowed to gut the ceiling

Not every residential building can accommodate such work, and disregarding this fact can lead to the collapse of the ceiling! This can occur during the process or immediately after, or even after several years.

The most vulnerable structures are old apartment buildings like panel houses and "Khrushchevka" buildings. These ceilings are typically made of concrete slabs with internal gaps, making drilling at the junction particularly risky.

By the way! If there is an urgent need to conceal wiring, builders sometimes employ a certain trick. They drill two holes in the ceiling where there are voids and use a wire to pull the wires through. However, this method is not completely safe, especially if attempted without professional assistance.

If the current approach is not appropriate and drilling is required, it is vital to minimize any potential risks. Rather than opting for a method that involves drilling out strips and then extruding the material, it would be better to consider the following alternative: initially, the concrete is carefully cut to the desired depth, and then the grooves are gradually squeezed out at an angle using a perforator blade. It is important to ensure that the depth of such grooves does not exceed 10 mm.