I need to run VGA cable inside my ceiling and back down into a wall. To be able to do this, I'll need to drill a 1 1/2" hole through the top frame of the wall. See diagram below:

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/TicKsPics/wall.gif

The wall is the shared wall between my townhouse and my neighbor's townhouse. Actually, that's not true. Right behind this wall is the cement wall that separates my townhouse from my neighbor's. So I guess the cement wall is the actual shared wall. This wall runs perpendicular to the ceiling joists, so my first guess is that this a load bearing wall. But since this wall merely covers the cement wall separating my house from my neighbor's, maybe it's not really load bearing at all; the cement wall right behind it is whats carrying all the load.

Anyway, my question is would a 1 1/2" hole be too big of a hole to drill into the top frame? I measured, and the hole would take up about 50% of the surface area. Of course, I would drill the hole centered but 50% sounds like a lot to me. I'm no structural engineer though, so I need some advice. Thanks.

I suspect that the load is being carried by the cement and that the "studs" are strictly there for insulation and/or attaching drywall. If you aren't sure, I suggest you hire a contractor or licensed home inspector to come out and provide you with guidance. Not fun to spend money on something like this that could go for new toys, but better than making an assumption and ending up wrong!

You should be fine with that hole size but I would seal the penetration after you run your cable with fire rated caulking as it potentially becomes a fire blocking issue. Small price to pay for safety. Even if it is a load bearing wall you are more concerned with penetrations sideways through the load bearing stud more so than the top plate. A single hole between the studs is unlikely to cause any issues, unless of course there is a ceiling joist right between those 2 studs.

On a load bearing wall, the Studs may not be drilled larger than 60%. Topplates may not be SPLIT (100% cut) but may be drilled out to 70% i belive. However when that is done in my houses i nail a structural metal plate up there to span the hole. In a conjoined home with a cinderblock wall(or poured/formed concreate), it is taking the roof load and the studs are the loadpoint for the cealing joists above, a 1.5" hole in the topplate isn't a problem at all (2" is the max before re-enforcement is required). the concreate also provides the "Firewall" required by code. you can get some white DAP foam sealant from lowes (blue and black can) to fill the hole to cut down on critter/draft entry points. You will probably notice sheetrock in the roof area, thats your firewall up there. Don't break it.

If you are really paranoid about the size of the hole you might want to consider rapid run cables where the plug ends are pig tales and snap onto the end of a cable. The hole only needs to be big enough for the cable.

http://sacramentoelectronics.com/quiktron/rapidrun/rapidrun.html

I agree with Nova5 on everything. If, however, you are really worried, you can use a stud shoe, like from Simpson Strong Tie. I have attached a pict of one for you.

I agree with Nova5 on everything. If, however, you are really worried, you can use a stud shoe, like from Simpson Strong Tie. I have attached a pict of one for you.

Hard to install on a completed wall ;)