Adding a new socket, moving a switch, running a cable for an air conditioner — all of it begins with chasing the wall. A chase is a groove cut into the wall, where the cable goes and is then covered with plaster. The job is loud and full of dust, but hidden wiring can’t be done without it. In Mokotow and Wola we do wall chasing on a regular basis — during flat refurbishments, when electrical points are moved, and when new circuits are installed.

Chasing cost

Pricing is calculated per running metre and changes with the wall material. Plasterboard is quick and quiet to cut. Brick is straightforward standard work. Concrete takes more time, makes more noise and costs extra. The width and depth depend on how many cables need to fit inside. You can see the current rates in the table below.

How the work is done

1. Marking out: we mark the chase route — only vertical or horizontal, keeping distance from corners, the ceiling and the floor.
2. Wall scan: we check with a detector for existing wires and pipes so we don’t hit anything.
3. Chasing: we cut the wall with a wall chaser or an angle grinder with a diamond disc, then open the channel with an SDS drill.
4. Cleaning: we remove dust and loose debris from the groove.
5. Cable laying: we install the cable in conduit or directly, depending on the requirements.
6. Filling: we fill the chase with gypsum filler. Final surface finishing is a separate job.

Chasing rules

• Chases have to run only vertically and horizontally — diagonal grooves are not allowed.
• In load-bearing walls of panel buildings, horizontal chases are forbidden — vertical only.
• Chase depth must stay within 25 mm in a standard wall.
• The minimum distance from gas pipes is 40 cm.
• Several cables may go in one chase, but the total cross-section must not be more than 40% of the channel area.

Warning: cutting into load-bearing structures without permission can weaken the building. If you are not sure, speak to a professional before you begin.

What to prepare

• Plan the route: where the cable starts and where it needs to end.
• Cover furniture and appliances with sheeting — there will be plenty of dust.
• Make sure there is power available for the tools.
• Let the neighbours know about the noise — chasing carries through walls.
• If you want filling and painting as well, say so beforehand.

A real case from Warsaw

A client in Wola was redoing his kitchen and wanted three sockets moved lower, under the worktop. The old ones were at eye level — inconvenient and not nice to look at. We cut vertical chases down from the junction box, ran fresh cables and installed the sockets at the proper height. We also filled the old openings. The whole job took around three hours for three points, including chasing in brick (compatible with Legrand, Schneider Electric, ABB and similar).

Frequently asked questions

Book wall chasing

We cut chases for wiring all over Warsaw: brick, concrete, plasterboard. We work cleanly, stick to the rules and tidy up after ourselves. Get in touch — we will come out, mark the route and do the job.