Running cable from ceiling, to wall for picture lights / sconce

[obtc101]

Hello,

Looking for some help and advice based on experience please.

I live in a newbuild with dot and dab walls for solid block walls. Metal c studs for cavity walls.

Two plate wiring, with perm live going to the switches.

I'm going to be fitting some picture lights on the walls in the ground floor. I'll be coming off an existing switched live which powers 6 LED spots in the ground floor ceiling.

I know which way the joists run and they help with cable runs and fitting junction boxes.

In people's experience, if I run cable towards the walls, when I hit the wall will I be able to go up and over the plasterboard into the dot and dab void, or is it more likely (as I suspect) that I'll have to chase out the right angle where ceiling and wall meet and patch back up.

For cavity walls, pretty much certain I will need to open up, as I've previously dropped cables from loft to first floor and need to drill through the c studs.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Taylortwocities]

Dot and dab is what it says in the tin. In ny experience you can be lucky and miss the dots.
I use a flexible rod set, or any flexible thinnish long tool to probe.
I found shoving my tool in (oh Matron) from below is easiest as you often have a pitched roof and 800cm of insulation to deal with in the loft.

If you are lucky you'll find the way but remember that the cable route from ceiling to wall light must be vertical, no diagonals and no dog legs.

Be prepared to do a bit of wall making good, its fun!

 

[Deryck Tintagel]

Tap the wall with your knuckle - you will hear where the solid parts are.

I have been lucky running TV cables where I wanted them, but I had to change plans for the alarm system as there was just a mass of dab just where I want the cable runs to go and I didn;t want to patch a large area