FAQ

What are WireTracks?
WireTracks is a wiring channel system that enables you to install low-voltage wiring (for example: speaker wire, stereo cables, telephone wiring, network wiring, alarm wiring, and more) behind standard baseboard molding. As a result, you will be able to easily upgrade to new technologies as they become available.

What kind of molding can I choose from?
Anything, so long as it is taller than 2 1/2". You can use the finest hardwoods from your local specialty molding store or inexpensive MDFs from your local home improvement center.

Note: If you are going around doorframes, the molding must be wide enough to cover the doorframe and the WireTracks.

How do you install WireTracks?
For complete information on installing WireTracks, click here.

What are the specifications of a WireTracks channel?
WireTracks are 2 1/2 inches tall, have an adjustable depth from 1/2" to 3/4", and come in 5' and 8' sections. For complete specifications, download the PDF of our brochure.

How do you run wires between floors?
There are several ways. Some of these include:

• Running WireTracks behind stairwell molding.
• Installing a WireTracks channel vertically on the downstairs wall of a shared wall. Make sure to install it in an inconspicuous place.
• Cutting an outlet-sized hole on the upstairs and downstairs walls of a shared wall. Then, running fish lines between the two locations.
The outlet-sized holes can then be covered using a telephone, cable, or network cover.

Eventually, we will have a complete set of instructions on installing WireTracks between floors.

How do you hold the wiring in place?
Each WireTracks channel comes with a set of clips that will hold the wiring in place.

How do you remove a WireTracks channel cover when it is locked in place between two corners?
If the WireTracks channel is installed on a wall that has two inside corners, you must first remove one of the adjacent channel covers.

How do you maintain a proper bend radius around corners?
For outside corners, simply notch the studs (check local codes before doing this).
For inside corners, notch the molding that is attached to the WireTracks channel.
Another method for inside corners involves using two small pulley wheels. Install one spool at the top of the channel and the other spool at the bottom of the other channel. Run the wire over the top of the first spool, straight down in the corner, and under the other spool.

What if my walls are slightly irregular?
Most walls are slightly irregular and there will be slight gaps between the molding and the wall. Depending on often you plan to upgrade or make changes to home, you can either accept the gaps if they do not bother you or caulk them.

When you caulk them, you will need to cut the caulk seal with a utility knife each time you remove the molding to add new wiring. This is a little less convenient than not using caulk, but is a minor issue, especially if you only upgrade every few years.

Another way to solve this problem is to use a compressible foam tape. It adheres to the top of the molding and provides a caulk-like finish that is attractive and allows the molding to remain completely removable.

I want to put WireTracks in my new home, but it will have rounded drywall corners. What do I do?
Rounded drywall corners are very attractive and are found in most new high-end homes. WireTracks work very well with rounded drywall corners, especially since they eliminate bend radius issues.

When installing WireTracks for use with drywall corners, the carpenter will need to make each corner a fixed channel through which the wiring can be run. To see how this works, click here.

What if my wires are too big for WireTracks?
WireTracks provide a clean, effective, and invisible way to reach the inside of your walls. Many professional installers use WireTracks to provide access that was previously unavailable without damaging walls.
To provide space for wires that are too big for the WireTracks channels, simply cut out the space along the bottom of the wall as you normally would. Then, use a drill to make a hole in each stud and run the oversized wiring or wiring bundle behind the WireTracks. After this is complete, you can use WireTracks for normal-sized wiring or future upgrades.

How do I mount speakers or a projector on the ceiling?
WireTracks are generally used for baseboard molding. However, they can also be used for other types of molding.
This tip came from a professional installer: To run wiring from WireTracks installed behind baseboard molding to ceiling-mounted speakers or a projector, you can use crown molding. Simply install an outlet box where you will mount the speaker jacks or projector connectors, and drill or cut out an opening in the ceiling and at the top of the wall. Then, run any wiring from the speaker of projector through the holes and down the wall into the WireTracks channel. After installing crown molding, it will be completely invisible.
To see an example, click here.

I purchased WireTracks, but am having difficulty attaching the channel cover to the channel.
During installation, it is important to make sure that the channel and channel cover are installed straight. Otherwise, they can become out of alignment with each other. To make sure the channel cover is straight, visually check it against the baseboard. To make sure the channel is straight, place a solid object under it during installation such as a piece of baseboard molding.