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- Yes, it is possible to run a TV power cable behind the wall. This can be done by either hiding it behind the drywall or by running a cable through the walls. If you plan to hide the cable behind the drywall, you should use an appropriate rated conduit and then feed the cable through the conduit.
www.remodelormove.com/can-you-run-a-tv-power-cable-behind-the-wall/Can you run a TV power cable behind the wall? - Remodel or Move
Aug 27, 2021 · I am clear that the NEC codes say not to run power cables (e.g. to a TV) inside the wall. And I also know that romex cable is allowed and perfectly safe inside a wall.
Feb 26, 2020 · It's against code to run the TV power cord through the wall (NEC 400.8). It's a definite fire hazard. You'll want to install a new outlet behind the TV or buy something like a Powerbridge, which is a very convenient alternative if you don't want to wire a new outlet.
- Before You Get Started, a Word About Codes
- The Kits We Recommend
- The Best Tech Newsletter Around
If you have a jumble of cables laying haphazardly behind your entertainment unit, it'll be an ugly mess (and maybe a fire hazard), but ultimately, no one's going to come yell at you for it. That stops being the case once you run cables behind your walls. At that point, you're making modifications to the structure of the house itself and can run afoul of electrical and fire codes. At best, this could mean trouble the next time you get an inspection (like when you sell your home). At worst, it could mean problems with your insurance if there's a fire or harm to you and your family.
For this reason, if you're going to run cables behind the wall, we advise getting a kit that's going to properly adhere to all relevant codes. We have more detailed recommendations below, but generally, a good kit comes with the following, to make sure you're code-compliant:
•A power outlet extension with building-safe wire: Under no circumstances should you be running the power cables to your TV behind the wall. These aren't up to code and they're fire hazards to boot. Instead, a wall kit will put a power outlet directly behind your TV and run a cable-safe wire down to a plug where you'll attach an extension cable. The only power cable you should run behind your wall are ones that come in a code-friendly kit.
•An extension cable to run to an existing outlet. The included extension cable, connected to the lower port behind your entertainment unit, runs outside the wall to an existing power outlet in your home. This way, you don't have to cut into existing wiring or do comparatively riskier electrical work just to add an outlet behind your TV.
•A cable passthrough port. This is basically a big hole in the wall plate that lets you stick cables of any size and shape through. This can include HDMI, audio, or any other cables you might need. It's important that these cables be rated for use in walls since it will be very hard to remove them once the whole kit is installed.
•Wall-safe HDMI cables (included or buy your own): Some kits will include properly shielded HDMI cables that are safe to run behind your wall. If your kit doesn't include them, you can always buy your own. Amazon sells CL3-rated HDMI cables for comparable prices to their non-wall-rated counterparts. If your kit doesn't have any wall-rated HDMI cables, be sure to get your own.
DataComm Flat Panel Kit
DataComm This is the kit I used in my own home (largely because we had our own tools already). For $60, it features two power outlets and a passthrough port that's plenty big enough for the four HDMI cables and the optical cable I needed to push through it. The power outlets are in a strange horizontal orientation that isn't very friendly to power blocks, but as long as the cable from your TV doesn't have a big block attached to it, you should be fine. If you have a cable that runs to a large power brick, I found some heavy-duty velcro was perfect for strapping that big lug to the back of the TV. At $60, it's about as inexpensive as this project can get, but it doesn't come with its own HDMI cables. In my setup, I found that the 6-foot cables I normally used (in addition to not being wall-rated) were too short once running through the wall, so I upgraded to the 10-foot AmazonBasics CL3 cables. At just over $8 apiece---plus $9 for a 10-foot CL3 optical audio cable---that added about another $40 to my project's overall total. You'll also need a couple of tools that you might not have sitting around the house. Key among them, a drywall saw is essential to cut out the hole in your wall. You might also want a flexible but rigid fish tape to help you push cables through the wall, though if the wall you're installing the kit in lacks insulation (or if you have a comparable rigid, flexible rod laying around) then you might be able to skip this. Either way, expect to spend a little extra money if you don't already have the tools. DataComm Flat Panel Kit Good if You Already Own Tools $59 $75 Save $16 This kit features a passthrough port and two outlets, and it is easy to use. $59 at Amazon
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Yes, it is possible to run a TV power cable behind the wall. This can be done by either hiding it behind the drywall or by running a cable through the walls. If you plan to hide the cable behind the drywall, you should use an appropriate rated conduit and then feed the cable through the conduit.
Adding an outlet behind a wall mounted TV is a straightforward job you can do on your own with just a few tools. This intermediate-level project will walk you through how to run electrical cable inside your wall, extending the circuit of your current outlet to a new one directly behind your TV.
These steps complete the task of hiding wires in a wall. Replace the TV onto the wall brackets. The TV should completely cover the entrance hole. Slightly insert the wires at the lower exit hole to conceal them. Connect other cables as needed. Plug the TV cord into the power outlet.
Apr 5, 2024 · While it’s against electrical code to run your TV’s power cable behind your wall, you can install an in-wall power extender that allows you to add a new outlet without any complicated wiring. Start by choosing a mount that’s compatible with your TV and attach it to your wall.
