electricalwiring
Check out the wires running
I tried to add an extra wire so my powder room light and fan would be on separate switches but even after removing the staples so the existing wires could move about a bit, I just can't fit an extra wire.
Removing it all and expanding the hole doesn't seem efficient. I don't have access to where they run to. (Not without removing cables / having to re-run them)
Instead, can I drill a new hole parallel to it like this? It' the only thing I can think to do:
Sealing around wires and cables is usually a job for Duct Seal.
I'm not sure of the availability of this outside the United States, but I imagine it or a similar product is available in most places.
Duct seal never hardens, so it can be removed, move, reshaped, and reused. It also will not react with the wire/cable in any way, which often a requirement in building and electrical codes.
Doesn't look good.
National Electrical Code 2011
ARTICLE 300 Wiring Methods
300.3 Conductors.
(B) Conductors of the Same Circuit. All conductors of the same circuit and, where used, the grounded conductor and all equipment grounding conductors and bonding conductors shall be contained within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, cable tray, cablebus assembly, trench, cable, or cord, unless otherwise permitted in accordance with 300.3(B)(1) through (B)(4).
This is done to ensure that all the wires are kept close together, so that the magnetic fields involved act the way they're supposed to. And also so that the next guy can figure out what's going on, and doesn't have to search a bunch of raceways to locate all the circuit conductors.
If it was a control/signal wire; and was not supplying power for the operation of the fan, that would be a different story.
Best Answer
Sure you can drill extra holes just make sure you don't nick the existing wires.