Why shouldn't I run a TV's power cord behind the wall?
#1
10-12-14, 05:58 PM
Why shouldn't I run a TV's power cord behind the wall?
Hi, I just wall-mounted my TV and I used those pass-through wall plates to run the wired behind the wall. I read/understand that it is wrong/against code to run the TV's power cord directly behind the wall. Instead, I should install an outlet behind the TV. My question is this...
Do I really have to worry about this? What is the reason that I shouldn't run the power cord behind the wall? Is it just in case someone was to drill/screw into the wall? I don't see how it is much different/safer than 12/2 instead.
Being that I own the home and this is on an exterior wall, I don't need to worry about someone drilling/screwing there since it would only be me who does that!
Thanks for any insight!
Do I really have to worry about this? What is the reason that I shouldn't run the power cord behind the wall? Is it just in case someone was to drill/screw into the wall? I don't see how it is much different/safer than 12/2 instead.
Being that I own the home and this is on an exterior wall, I don't need to worry about someone drilling/screwing there since it would only be me who does that!
Thanks for any insight!
#2
10-12-14, 06:09 PM
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If you ran the TV cord through the wall, there must be an outlet (receptacle) nearby. If so, you can add a receptacle rather easily behind the TV. This way, you have the best of both worlds. Hiding the cord while remaining within code and not having any future problems.
#4
10-12-14, 06:23 PM
Do I really have to worry about this?
#5
10-12-14, 07:34 PM
I was going to install an outlet there but the outlets are at least two studs away from the spot where the TV is. So it's not as easy as I would have liked and I'd have to tear out some drywall.
I understand why the code is in place, sort of. My question was - is there actually a fire hazard? E.g. is it really any different to have the cord run on the inside of the drywall vs. the drywall?
I've wired up plenty of outlets in my day so I'm find doing that, just didn't want to tear up the walls if it wasn't really necessary.
Thanks!
I understand why the code is in place, sort of. My question was - is there actually a fire hazard? E.g. is it really any different to have the cord run on the inside of the drywall vs. the drywall?
I've wired up plenty of outlets in my day so I'm find doing that, just didn't want to tear up the walls if it wasn't really necessary.
Thanks!
#7
10-12-14, 07:39 PM
The cord itself is not fire resistant enough to be inside the wall. If it overheats it could then burn and give off noxious vapors or act as kindling to get the fire going on something else.
#8
10-12-14, 07:44 PM
I don't follow the fact you can't or don't want to run electric two stud bays over. Where, then, will you get the power for your dangling cord?
#9
10-12-14, 08:23 PM
TV cord plugs into a power strip which (unsight-ily) runs to under the TV but is hidden behind a piece of furniture. So basically the TV is flanked with outlets, each 2 bays away from it.
