Electrical Chase

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Electrical Chase

What is Electrical Chase?

An electrical chase is a concealed pathway used to route and protect electrical wiring within walls, floors, or ceilings.

Description

An electrical chase is a designated vertical or horizontal space within a building used to route electrical wiring and related services. It allows cables, conduits, and raceways to run through walls, floors, or ceilings while remaining concealed and protected from damage.

In construction, electrical chases are commonly planned during the design and framing stages, especially in multi-story buildings, commercial spaces, and residential projects with complex electrical systems. Chases help organize wiring, simplify future upgrades, and reduce the need for exposed conduit runs or excessive wall penetrations.

From a code and coordination standpoint, electrical chases must maintain required clearances, fire-stopping, and separation from other building systems such as plumbing or HVAC. Properly designed electrical chases improve safety, accessibility, and long-term flexibility while supporting efficient installation and maintenance.

FAQs

  • What is an electrical chase used for?

    It provides a concealed pathway for routing electrical wiring through a building.

  • Where are electrical chases typically located?

    They are commonly located within walls, shafts, floors, or ceilings.

  • Are electrical chases required by code?

    They are not required, but when used, they must meet electrical and fire code requirements.

  • Can other systems run in an electrical chase?

    Sometimes, but separation and clearance requirements must be followed.

  • Do electrical chases need fire-stopping?

    Yes, chases that penetrate floors or fire-rated assemblies typically require fire-stopping.

Fun Fact

Well-designed electrical chases can make future renovations much easier by allowing new wiring to be added without opening finished walls.

CSI Code

26 05 33

NAHB Code

2610