How to run wire and install outlet boxes in ICF block walls!

Episode 32: John demonstrates how to run electrical romex wire and outlet boxes in ICF block walls. Using a small chainsaw he cuts channels in the Styrofoam and works in the electrical wire. A quick tour of the master suite and the wiring to and from the panel is included. John provides also provides a demonstration of how to cut out the Styrofoam for the outlet boxes.
Channel overview: John and Leslie take you step by step on the journey of building their new home on Table Rock Lake. The house is an ICF (insulated concrete form) home with suspended garage floor and concrete decks. This all takes place on a sloped lot, where the fun never ends. From septic to backfill headaches, join them on their journey to build a home on their dream lake lot on Table Rock Lake!
John and Leslie have remodeled three homes and provided construction on many more, but this is their first build from the ground up. John worked as an engineer for several years and as an owner’s representative for several multimillion-dollar homes, so he will serve as the general contractor on this project.
Contractors and Supplies in this Episode:
Fox Blocks
Worx Chainsaw
Romex Wire

[@bakaariiim]

Hi Sir, Good days good work. Thank You very much.

[@KaiHarth]

I found the INEXO ICF electrical boxes really useful. And using the hot wire cutter to make the channels and the cut-outs for the boxes. I tried the chainsaw as well, but couldn't deal with all the electrically charged EPS foam dust that would cling to everything :)
And our inspector wasn't satisfied with just pushing the cable down in the channel.... we had to hold it in place with little pieces of foam wedged in, at distances similar to what the stapling requirements were for framed construction

[@LakeLotBuild]

Wow! I am so glad we don't have inspections in the county. That sounds pretty nitpicky.

[@adam-eg2jw]

Do you have what type of hot wire cutter you used?

[@jackl9922]

I would recommend running low voltage (cat6, etc) in separate channels. Helps signal integrity and safety. Also, probably required by code. May want to check with your inspector. I’m not familiar with ICF. Great work! Gonna be nice.

[@LakeLotBuild]

We don't have inspections but we do want to do everything to code, so we are going back to run the Cat6 separately.

[@tomallen8527]

I do appreciate you taking the time to show us your work. I am an electrician in California. Our inspectors will not approve of your methods. We can’t have a screw inside of the plastic boxes, must have staple supports at each of the boxes. Many times we have multiple romex wires going into boxes. I really want to be able to use this product for our cabin build in the Sierras but I’m wondering if it’s possible.

[@LakeLotBuild]

Here is an article about ICF in California www.icfmag.com/2022/01/design-perspectives-why-doesnt-california-encourage-residential-icfs/

[@treyrogerson7592]

Yes you will need to run the cat-6 separate from your power, its code and as well you will get interference from power in the cat 6

[@LakeLotBuild]

Yes, we are going back to do this now

[@TheLittleBlueOwl]

I would try to use heat gun (or heat knife it called) to make groves for wires. Clean and fast.

[@concretehomestead5742]

I would put the lights under the deck.

[@LakeLotBuild]

Agree! We are looking at lights and conduit now.

[@roderashe]

Hi, John! Really love your series. Not sure if you're spoke about this but: How did you gain your knowledge about all this stuff? Thanks!

[@LakeLotBuild]

Thank you for watching! John has worked in the construction industry for several years and in the trades. His father was an architect and he has been employed as a draftsman, project manager, estimator, and engineer tech. He has also remodeled three homes. He has picked up building techniques and trades along the way.

[@JohnSmith-dz9zl]

Nice job, you should make a fence for the chainsaw so it won’t hit the concrete.

[@davidm1006]

how do you go about building that fence?

[@bruceessig3350]

@@davidm1006 take a small L bracket and bolt it to your chainsaw bar, for a depth gauge

[@djdg131]

Running Power and data cables together will run interference with your internet

[@LakeLotBuild]

Yep! Now we know! Lol. Thanks for watching. We are going back to run is separate from the electric.

[@jameshorrocks2939]

Don't use cat 6 in the same channel as ac wiring. You'll get interference.

[@rustybeaveracres8464]

Gross