FlatWire General Installation FAQ
-> Read the Ceiling Installation FAQ for Flat Wire
-> Can I make 90-degree bends?
Of course! Most installations do not go in a straight line without any bends, and FlatWire was designed to give you the flexibility to have a wire run take you anywhere you want to go. Simply bend the FlatWire and crease it onto itself. You can use spray adhesive to adhere the wire to itself as an extra measure. Then simply install as normal. You may make as many bends as you wish - it does not affect performance in any way.
Is professional installation required for FlatWire Ready™ products?
A definite "No." Both contractors and do-it-yourselfers can install the FlatWire Ready wiring and interconnect devices with basic redecorating techniques and a minimal understanding of wiring.
Will DeCorp offer licensed contractors who can perform installations?
Yes. Even though the FlatWire Ready concept offers easy and professional-looking installation for do-it-yourselfers, DeCorp will have a nationwide network of authorized installers who can perform installations. In addition, certified installers will have undergone training to eliminate any on-the-job learning curve, but contractors who are not certified will be able to purchase and install the product fairly quickly and easily.
How are FlatWire Ready products installed?
FlatWire Ready products are extremely easy to install because they attach to the surface of walls and ceilings using adhesives. A professional installation would use standard wall or joint compounds and techniques to blend the minor thickness differential into the wall. Once installed, it is then painted or wallpapered to become virtually invisible. You can read the installation instructions for our wire and interconnects here on the website.
Does it require any drilling or in-wall installation?
Another definite "No." FlatWire Ready products are installed directly on the surface of walls and ceilings using adhesives, so no drilling or in-wall installation is necessary.
How do you attach it to the wall?
FlatWire Ready products attach quickly and easily to the wall with two adhesive options depending upon the installation and the installer preference. One adhesive option is similar to double-sided tape, while the other is a liquid product similar to wallpaper paste. First, you apply the adhesive to the wall then attach the wire to the adhesive. Both adhesives are tacky enough to provide 10 to 20 minutes of readjustment time, if necessary. A professional installation would include standard wall or joint compounds and techniques to blend the minor thickness differential into the wall. Regardless of the type of adhesive used, the product will be virtually invisibly once blended and painted or wallpapered.
Is one type of adhesive superior to the other?
No. The type of adhesive used will depend upon the installation and installer preference.
How can the wiring be "invisible" if installed directly on a surface?
FlatWire Ready wire products are so thin that it is almost impossible to detect by sight and feel if installed properly. The wire is 8/1000 of an inch — thinner than a business card. Once attached to the wall, the product is painted or wallpapered to become virtually invisible. Before painting, DeCorp recommends that installers use a traditional “blending” compound over the wire to blend it into the wall.
Does the wiring cause paint to chip or wallpaper to buckle?
No, if properly installed. Because the adhesive sticks to the wall, it lays flat and does not cause paint or wallpaper to chip or buckle. If installed properly, the wire will blend in with the paint or wallpaper and be virtually invisible.
During installation, can you install one type of wire over another type of wire?
Yes. The FlatWire Ready products are designed to be installed on top of one another for multiple applications and will remain virtually invisible.
Will installing wire over wire cause interference in my system?
No. The patented technology protects the wires from interference, even when installed over one another.
Can you install FlatWire Ready products over a textured surface?
Yes – and they will still be unnoticeable. For example, if installing FlatWire Ready products on a textured ceiling, the first step is to use a special tool to clear a path through the textured surface. Next, attach the wire along the path using one of the two types of adhesive. Finally purchase a textured ceiling repair kit and apply to cover the wire’s path. When complete, the installation will be unnoticeable.
What type of professionals will be able to install the FlatWire Ready products?
While any type of person, either professional or do-it-yourselfer, will be able to complete a successful installation, it will provide incremental business opportunities to professionals such as electricians, painters, wallpaper hangers and contractors, who will be able to offer FlatWire Ready installation easily and inexpensively at the time of service.
Does FlatWire Ready installation require rewiring?
No, it does not require rewiring. DeCorp’s products work with existing wiring and outlets.
Are DeCorp’s interconnect devices invisible?
Somewhat. Unlike DeCorp’s wire, the interconnect devices have by necessity more thickness to them. DeCorp interconnect device designs are optimized to be paperable and paintable whenever possible, to help the human eye occlude them to the surface of the wall or ceiling for the best aesthetic presence possible. For example, DeCorp’s plug are designed with receptacles located on each side of the plate, so the surface can be painted or papered and so furniture can, if desired, be placed close to the wall without worries of damaging electrical cords.
If the product is invisible, how do I know where it is installed?
DeCorp has designed two ways to identify where its wire is installed on a surface. The first hint is to look at the module faceplate, which will have indicator marks to show where the product is installed. In addition, DeCorp has engineered a tool, similar to a stud finder, which can detect the exact path of the wire. The detector can even identify fiber optic lines.
Can the wire detector be used to identify wires that are installed on top of one another?
Yes. The detector can distinguish between single-wire and multiple-wire installations.
If DeCorp’s wire is installed under wallpaper, can the wallpaper be removed without taking off the wire?
Yes. If the installer follows the recommended steps, DeCorp’s wire will remain on the wall. Typically, a proper installation will involve installing the wire, covering it with wallpaper sizing and then hanging the wallpaper over the sizing. If the wallpaper is hung directly on top of the wire without the sizing, there is a chance that the wiring will pull off when removing the wallpaper.
How do my existing products plug into this wire?
It’s as easy as connecting a lamp to an existing plug; the user does nothing different. The plug or interconnect, which makes the transition from standard round wire to FlatWire Ready possible, can be either mounted on the wall or plugged into a standard outlet. Once the module is plugged into or connects to the existing outlet or wiring, simply plug DeCorp’s wire into the module. Next, run the wire to the destination, which could be another FlatWire Ready plug or interconnect that adapts to an appliance. For instance, you could connect DeCorp flat speaker wire to a FlatWire ready banana plug, which can then be plugged into a standard speaker.
How do you know how much of DeCorp’s wire to purchase?
Measuring for FlatWire Ready installation is similar to determining lengths for traditional wiring. The trick is to measure the installation path. Calculate the total distance the wire has to cover, remembering to add extra length for interconnects.
Are there instructional aids that demonstrate the proper installation techniques?
Various Instructional aids, tips and other materials are expected to be offered soon by DeCorp, www.DeCorp.com, and OEMs.