Proper Way to Run wire through studs on the slim side?

[Poolshark314]

I just cut through some drywall that has a closet behind it and noticed the wall cavity is only 1.5", so it looks like the studs are using the 1.5" face instead of the 3.5". Drilling through the 1.5" face doesn't seem logical. Trying to run a new outlet on an adjacent wall. Only thing I can think of is running some conduit on the closet side.

 

[Zeke]

Shallow notch and protection plates.

 

[Norcal]

Shallow notch and protection plates.

No way around safety plates, not the plumbing ones either as they are thinner steel. One of the PITA parts w/ using 2X2 studs.

 

[whateg01]

Shallow notch and protection plates.

I would still drill through them but yes on the plates. Reason for drilling instead of notching is to retain a little bit of strength in an already weak member. I'm sure it's not the least bit rigid now, but cut away half of it and it's gonna flop around like a wet noodle when you try to drive a nail in it to hang a picture.

 

[Dig Doug]

Do you have attic access space
Or
a crawl space below ?

you can go up & over then drop down into the stud bay you want to have the outlet in.

 

[Innovate1]

Up and over or down into floor and over would be my first choices. Notching a 1.5" piece doesn't leave much.

 

[Zeke]

I would still drill through them but yes on the plates. Reason for drilling instead of notching is to retain a little bit of strength in an already weak member. I'm sure it's not the least bit rigid now, but cut away half of it and it's gonna flop around like a wet noodle when you try to drive a nail in it to hang a picture.

Who said the notch was to be 3/4' deep? NM cable is 1/4" thick on the flat.

 

[sparky 1971]

I've done it. Once. Notch one side about 3/8" deep. Cover both sides if possible using blank plates for 4"X4" boxes.

 

[Poolshark314]

Thanks for all the replies so far. No this wall is on the main level so no access from above

 

[gahrajmahal]

I like your original idea of conduit. That way it is obvious there is a wire there so no mistake to be made poking the wire with a screw.

 

[AntonLargiader]

Notch as close to the bottom or the top as possible, to preserve the stiffness of the wall.

 

[Zeke]

Notch as close to the bottom or the top as possible, to preserve the stiffness of the wall.

That's a very good idea. In many instances the run could be run at the bottom plate and covered by a baseboard.