Answer: Running the electric in log homes is much easier than most people think. All interior wall switches and outlets are done just like a conventional home in the framed walls. To put outlets on the exterior walls, a small amount of planning needs to take place before your builder starts putting up the logs.  We recommend you talk with your electrician about location and local codes. When you receive your preliminary log home plans, go over where the outlets and switches will go with your builder, and mark the decisions right on the plan.

During construction, your builder will put up the first two courses of logs and then mark and drill down through both rows into the basement area.
Before putting on the third row, the log needs to be notched out to receive a standard metal electrical box. The log is then placed and building continues. When the “G” row is put up, the builder will notch any logs for switches to be placed next to doorways. The log at this point will be drilled from the side for the wire to be run up the door casing before the trim goes on.

Switches and outlets in the kitchen area are typically in the “G” row as well. The wires will be recessed into the logs behind the cabinets, so the builder will just drill down two rows and then straight out.

Light fixtures can be placed in most any position if thought is taken to get a wire to it ahead of time. Light fixtures in the ceiling of the first floor may need to be recessed into a beam. If you plan to have ceiling fans or lights hanging from the ceiling upstairs, your wires will need  
to be run before the roof is finished.



In short, with a little forethought, you can do most anything you want with your electrical that you can do in a conventional home.

For more Frequently asked questions Visit our Log Home FAQ's.