Can electrical wires be covered with wood instead of tracked into brick?

[KarynM]

We are renovatiing an old unit. Need an sconce wall light. To do this wires need to be taken from nearby fitting along wall.

The electrician tried to track  through the brick wall but found it too difficult.

Can the wires be taken across the wall and covered with small strip?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @KarynM,

This is definitely a question best directed to a licensed electrician, as they’ll be familiar with the electrical codes and safety regulations that apply to your specific situation. In general, it’s possible to surface-mount electrical wiring and cover it, but how it’s done—and what materials can be used—depends on several factors, including safety, compliance with Australian Standards, and the type of circuit involved.

Running cable along a brick wall and covering it with a timber strip might seem like a simple solution, but it’s important to ensure the cable remains protected from physical damage and heat buildup. Normally, surface-mounted wiring is run through conduit—either plastic or metal—which provides that protection and is compliant with regulations. Covering the wire with timber may not meet safety standards unless it's done in a way that has been approved, and it could present a fire risk if the cable overheats or is accidentally damaged.

An electrician might suggest alternatives such as using a skirting duct or conduit painted to match the wall, or boxing it in with a compliant enclosure. If concealment is important for aesthetic reasons, it’s best to discuss all available options with your electrician—they’ll be able to recommend a solution that’s both safe and visually discreet. 

I'd also recommend contacting another electrician to see whether they would find it easier to trench out the wall and lay the cables within it. It is a fairly common technique and shouldn't pose too many issues.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[KarynM]

Hi Mitchel,

Thanks for your reply.

when I said covered woth wood it was general. Of course it would need to meet AS.

I have actually had an electrician come do the job and he insisted on tracking through the brick but abandoned it because of dust and difficulty.

I just need to know if it can be surface mounted.Wiring in the foyer of this old building is all surface mounted.

[MitchellMc]

Thanks for the clarification, @KarynM.

Yes, power cable can absolutely be surface mounted, but it must be protected to prevent damage. This is typically done using conduit—either rigid or flexible plastic—but there are also other compliant ducting options that might suit your space, especially if you’re trying to match the look of existing surface-mounted wiring in the foyer.

The key thing is that the wiring is enclosed in a material that’s specifically designed to protect it and comply with Australian Standards. There are low-profile ducting systems that can blend in quite well and still meet the requirements. Your electrician should be able to guide you through those options and help match the existing aesthetic.

Mitchell