Does anyone recommend putting a outlet on the ceiling next to where the pj will mount up? Would it be better that way or should I just run a power extension cord up through the ceiling into the attic and then down through the ceiling into my audio closet.

An outlet would be ideal but a cord is fine. During my HT build I installed an outlet for the sake of future proof. I currently don't need it but I feel good that it's there.

An outlet would be ideal but a cord is fine. During my HT build I installed an outlet for the sake of future proof. I currently don't need it but I feel good that it's there.

Are there any benefits of having the outlet up there versus running a cord?

Does anyone recommend putting a outlet on the ceiling next to where the pj will mount up? Would it be better that way or should I just run a power extension cord up through the ceiling into the attic and then down through the ceiling into my audio closet.
If you can get up into the attic, you can put an outlet in pretty easily. It's not much more work than stringing an extension cord through the attic, which is a code violation.

I've added a surge protected outlet to my new construction in the ceiling where the PJ will be mounted. It is more of a convenience and for aesthetics then anything else. If you can do it I would recommend you do for the reasons above.
Cheers

Extension cords are frowned upon and as posted above, are often a code violation. Put the outlet there if you can.

Our smoke detector is near where the projector will be mounted so we just wired a new outlet off the detector's power.

Does anyone have a link to instructions on how I can go up in my attic and put a power outlet in for my projector? Thanks!

I had two outlets installed in my ceiling during build. I have no attic and no access above the ceiling at all in the detached home theater room. Since I have zero access, I installed two, in an attempt to future proof.

I've got one outlet about 10 feet from the screen and another around 15 feet from the screen.
I only ran one set of conduit (to the outlet at feet feet back). If I ever get a projector with a different throw, I'll adjust accordingly and unfortunately may need some wire chases for the cables, but I'll try to stick with projectors that can throw easily from 15 feet.

Does anyone have a link to instructions on how I can go up in my attic and put a power outlet in for my projector? Thanks!

If you have a smoke alarm (that is powered by the house current) near where your projector will be, you can wire off of that.

If you have a smoke alarm (that is powered by the house current) near where your projector will be, you can wire off of that.
How about a ceiling fan? It has 2 switches. One for the fan and one for the light.

An extension cord is a bad idea and is a code violation.

If you don't wish to install an outlet near the PJ, although unorthodox, you can run a separate electrical conduit from the PJ location to the equipment rack. Pull the power cord through the conduit and then terminate with an AC plug. This way, you can use the power cable of your choosing and plug into the AC power conditioner of choice.


DO NOT run low voltage in the same conduit as the power cord.

In the end, an outlet near the PJ may be the simplest route.

If you put an outlet near the PJ (which I plan to do), then what do you do with the excess power cord from the PJ? That is what I am scratching my head about right now...

I wrapped my cord up and tidy'd it on top of the projector.

Although many people buy shorter replacement cords for their projectors. I may try to find a short replacement for mine (panny ax100)

If you put an outlet near the PJ (which I plan to do), then what do you do with the excess power cord from the PJ? That is what I am scratching my head about right now...

Buy a three prong AC plug, cut your cord to the length you want and install the plug.

How about a ceiling fan? It has 2 switches. One for the fan and one for the light.

I'm ready to add an outlet to my ceiling. Can some one help me with this question?

Also my above question about finding instructions on the Internet!

You can browse the electrical books at HD and read about adding a circuit.

Here is one link:

http://www.acehardware.com/sm-adding-new-electrical-wiring--bg-1284868.html

Yes, you want an outlet next to the projector. No doubt about it.

You can browse the electrical books at HD and read about adding a circuit.

Here is one link:

http://www.acehardware.com/sm-adding-new-electrical-wiring--bg-1284868.html

Thanks, this is a beginning. Looks pretty simple. Will head to halfprice books, in search of an electrical book.

I'm ready to add an outlet to my ceiling. Can some one help me with this question?

Also my above question about finding instructions on the Internet!

An easy ready to install solution I found was the powerbridge (http://powerbridgesolution.com/aboutpowerbridge.html), you don't have to mess with any electricity whn installing it.

look at this thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=917968

Looks pretty simple. Will head to halfprice books, in search of an electrical book.

Who said you have to buy? just look at a few pictures and read a few paragraphs and put back on the shelf.

Things to remember.
3 wires, black, white and bare
the bare is the ground
the black is the hot wire
the white is a neutral and always goes to the wide blade slot in the receptacle (W=W, white=wide)


You can buy a simple plug in circuit tester that will double check your work when you are done. $3.50 on amazon. I use one every time I wire an outlet.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412Z%2BJ9E6%2BL._SS500_.jpg

PowerBridge is only a useful solution if you have an outlet or power strip or surge protector or line conditioner within 3 feet. If you have that why bother with the PowerBridge?

Buying a book. Cheap and useful. There is more to adding an outlet than knowing the color of the wires.
Will you install a new branch circuit?

Will you extend an existing circuit from an existing outlet box?
Will that circuit have enough available power? Are there motors, dimmers or other devices on the circuit that can generate interference of cause the voltage to sag or surge?

What are the limits on the numbe of wires in a box?

Should you use #12 or #14 wire?

Can you use NMC or must you use conduit?

If you use NMC how must it be routed, supported and secured?

What are the acceptable means for making splices and fastening wires using screw connectors?

Does your town have any local requirements that you must follow?

None of this is rocket science, but if it is not your trade it pays to have a good well illustrated and current book at hand.

Poorly done and overloaded electrical circuits still cause lots of fires every year. Also remember the cardinal rule --turn off the electricty before you start work. A short across a 120 or 240 volt line makes a very impressive display. A short across your heart makes for an insurance payout.:(