Someone who knows a little about building and electrical codes?

Question

We are buying a new house and we are getting loan that gives up extra money to fix the house up. So the house needs to be fixed up to code. The kitchen ceiling is amazing but it's like from like 1900..... it's all hard wood with the exposed beams. The problem is there is not place for wiring and we are not allowed to have the exposed wiring running like it is. They want us to put up sheet rock on it which would cover this amazing ceiling!!! Is there any alternatives? The ceiling is the floor for the upstairs so there is NO space between them. Could we do something like run the wire through copper pipes (to make it look old and like water pipes) but have the wiring in them?

House is in NJ if you need to know.

This is not my house- but an example of what it looks like (without the lights). It's all wood with beams but it's old.

http://kvbennett.com/images/beamsimages/Beam%20Ceiling%20Bay%20Laurel.jpg

Answer 1

Code will allow the use of metal conduit.  Conduit is a galvanized steel or aluminum pipe or square duct.  The wiring can be passed through it to meet code. Plastic conduit is not approved for inside use.  Be advised!  The old wiring may need to be replaced as well.  Some local codes allow old wiring to be used and some do not.  Find out.  Also, make sure your service is up to code.  Sometimes your homeowners insurance will have stricter requirements than your town so check with them as well.  

For the average house, you need around 100amps of service.  Many older homes have 40-60 amps.  A service upgrade usually costs between one and two thousand dollars.

*

Answer 2

You should be able to use EMT pipe and paint it whatever color you want.

http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/EMT_Pipe...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_...

Answer 3

whoever told you that it was necessary to install sheetrock is an idiot!!

Exposed wiring means wires that you can see. What about Raceways?? These are slim square metal channels that we have been useing for at least 60 years!!

find yourself an experienced electrical company