How to Install a Metal Raceway

Identify where the​ ​​metal raceway will be fixed in the room. Decide which route provides the shortest distance between the power source and devices. Look for obstructions such as beams and ducts.

Use stud finders and construction plans to locate the positions of the wood and metal studs. Raceways are installed more easily on straight vertical and horizontal runs only. However, right-angle fittings make turn capability possible.

Identify where devices and pull boxes should be placed. ​The raceway must be cut in order to create some openings. For this purpose, aviation snips may be used. It is recommended to adhere to the manufacturer's hole size specifications to ensure that the outlets and boxes are appropriately fitted. Make sure that you position the joints in areas where they won’t interfere with the devices or the covers.

Use a measuring tape to measure the length of the raceway required.

• If you need a shorter length, mark the required dimension on the raceway with a pencil. Use a cutting block and junior hacksaw to make the cut.  
• For a longer length, you can screw the raceways together. Most raceways can be joined using screws of 2 inches width base. The screws are also used to connect heavier cables.

Remember that in certain places, you might need to bend the cable or curve it around the corner of a wall. To do so, the metal raceway will need to be cut at the bending point. Since you cannot bend the metal raceway itself, the cable will be exposed on the bending point.  

You can cover these exposed wires later with the help of clip-over accessories. Buy clip-over accessories in different styles depending on your needs. For instance, internal or external wall corner bends, round flat bends, tee-bends and more.

Next, use a drywall saw and start scribing a line​ ​​from the nearest starter box. Make sure the cuts are ¾ inches deep. Next, mount the track for the metal raceway. ​For mounting the track, it is recommended to use flat head screws where the track is joined every 12 to 16 inches.

You should begin by drilling pilot holes to avoid the situation where the screws cause thin drywall to crack. Then, place the raceway tracks into the channel. Keep the click-lock at the top and hinge at the base for easier installation.

For ceiling fi​​xtures where raceways go over open ceilings or walls, use adjustable bridge hangers. Secure the hangers to the ceiling joists or wall studs over the course. The raceway tracks are then snapped into the hangers. ​Hook the space hangers about 12 to 16 inches apart from each other.

​Using a measuring tape, pencil and ruler, mark vertical lines ​where you plan to install the metal raceway. Make a channel along a stud, if possible, to have a strong and well-built structure. Cut ​1/2” to 5/8” wide channels along studs to provide additional support. Place the raceway track into the channel and tighten at every 16 to 24-inch interval as well. This will ensure that the head of the screw is countersunk so as to allow the cover plate to sit flat on the surface.

If two sections join at corners, use a miter saw to cut the ends at 45 degrees. Place the tracks together and use ​springs to achieve close contact. Join straight and angled fittings with screws or rivets if necessary to provide increased stability.

Now secure all outlets, junctions and pull boxes by using screws or rivets appropriately. Ensure you put the box covers on their base and attach all the faceplates.

The cables should be threaded through the installed raceways before connecting the devices. Start with the biggest and strongest wires first. If cables catch, use a lubricant like wire pull gel. There should be additional slack at outlets, corners and pull boxes.

Place snap cover plate sections over wires after pulling the wires. Place plates side by side across joints, applying force to bend plates if required to achieve tight contact between them.  

Fit cover plates o​​nto the tracks. If the plate cannot fit over the outlets or screws, then make notches. Use a rubber mallet to make sure the tap covers are seated correctly. You can also use screw plates at every ​12 to 16 inches. This will ensure the tap covers stay​ aligned and do not shift.

If the metal raceway is cut at bending points, cover the exposed wires at these joints with clip-over accessories.

Tighten any protruding screws, connections and fixtures. Make sure wires do not chafe or rub against plates. Label wires at access point locations such as the pull boxes. You should also test the circuit after installing the wall plates and devices.

Use paints and fillers to ensure that the raceways blend with the building's surrounding surfaces. For a neater finish, use caulk on mounted tracks. 

Always adhere to the recommended bend radius the manufacturer indicates for smooth installation to prevent raceway tracks from cracking. Decide on the raceway paths to avoid sharp corners since they present complications when pulling cables.  

Lastly, take vertical raceways a few inches above the suspended ceiling to be accessed if necessary. Cover the surrounding area with masking tape to remove dust, dirt and paint chips during cutting and mounting. By following this process, you can install your metal raceway in a ​few steps.