Hi there:

I just moved locations and want to wall mount my 32" Sharp Aquos in my new bedroom. I purchased a cable raceway that would match my wall so I could hide the cables in there, but unfortunately I severely underestimated how big the runway needed to be in order to fit all of my cables in.

I originally wanted to have all of the cables behind the dry wall, but I read that a power cable in the wall is a fire hazard. The cable run would be straight down, only about three feet, and then it could come out again because my a/v rack would block the lower hole. Perhaps if I tied up the power cord behind the tv and then used a thick extension cord, that would drastically reduce the chances of anything bad happening. Any thoughts on this issue? I know it can void homeowner's insurance if my house burns to the ground because of it. Has anyone done this regardless? Or has everyone either hired an electrician or used a runway or something?

Don't worry, if you say its not a big concern, I won't sue you if my house burns down :rolleyes:

I did mine that way and have had no problems. I even consulted an electrician who said that it is against code but would not be a problem. The cord will not spontaneously combust or overheat because it is between drywall. The cord isn't in-wall rated but in my opinion isn't any different than it being stuffed into a cramped cabinet. Guys on here will tell you that it is against code, and it is, but how many times has one your electrical cords suddenly caught on fire.

That's what I figured, I just wanted to make sure. Thanks

The problem is that with time, the insulation on some cheap power cords can degrade by splitting or by falling off. Nomex or in-wall rated wiring has met some minimum standard that the typical 99 cent power cord might not meet.

The government is just trying to keep us safe. Problems have occured with bad in-wall wiring and that created the need for the codes. I doubt that it was the electricians union that had the code changes made.

You are really treating this as just a hole in the wall that you have run the wire through. Since you obviously will be using a high quality cord and the cord will not have stress on it, you are probably fine.

I would probably just chop a trough in the wall and cover it with a board. No, its not as ugly as it sounds. That way, your safe and meet code. Otherwise, I would put a stress relief on the cords at the top of the run and wouldnt worry about it any more.

Just don't run a piece of zipcord behind the wall for your display.

I would probably just chop a trough in the wall and cover it with a board. No, its not as ugly as it sounds. That way, your safe and meet code. Otherwise, I would put a stress relief on the cords at the top of the run and wouldnt worry about it any more.

That sounds awful! Do you have any picture examples of this?

One of the points of in-wall rated wire is that it won't spread fire from one room to another. Some cheap wire sheathing burns very well. In-wall rated cable sheathing burns less well.

If you're going in-wall, straight down, for a single room, you'll probably be okay even from a fire spread point of view, but it's still against code. You could, at least, run 2" conduit and thread the power cord through that.

If there is an outlet straight down, why don't you just cut in an old work box, install an outlet behind the screen wired to the one below with Romex. Then get a short power cord.

Everything out of sight, everything to code.

I know it can void homeowner's insurance if my house burns to the ground because of it.
Not likely. At least not that I've seen in my time. I would check your policy to be sure.


As has been stated, nothing is probably going to happen, but you could never be sure (odder things have happened). I would suggest doing it the way you proposed until you get a couple hours of free time and some extra ambition. When that happens you can cut in a new receptacle behind the LCD for a professional (and possibly safer) install.



Then get a short power cord.

From where?!?!? I've been looking for a shorter power cord for my LCD so I don't have to hack up the 6 footer that came with it. Do you know where I could find a 6-12" cord?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022801&p_id=2903&seq=1&format=2&style=

There is one. I imagine Blue jeans cable also has some and probably parts express all used by those on here frequently.

Thanks for looking! However, that one won't work with my TV. This is the type of connector:
http://i17.tinypic.com/504x6w3.jpg

I'm going to check bluejeans and PE, thanks again!

Sorry about that, of course the other option and one my husband used was to cut the cord and make it shorter himself. LOL

Anyway hopefully one of the places I mentioned will have what you need or there are certainly other such sites.

I tried those other 2 sites, neither had it. Searching Google didn't come up with anything either, so I just cut the cord myself and soldered it together. Hopefully I find a shorter cord somewhere before I hang the LCD and have to use this Frankenstein cord.

']Thanks for looking! However, that one won't work with my TV. This is the type of connector:
I'm going to check bluejeans and PE, thanks again!

That's just a two wire cord, not very thick, just coil it up and secure with a twister tie. Hide behind the screen.

OR, just cut to length and put a replacement plug end on the end going into the wall outlet.

http://images.orgill.com/200x200/4559050.jpg

']so I just cut the cord myself and soldered it together.

That is a fire waiting to happen. never cut an extension cord and attempt to repair.

I had a bed catch on fire when a spliced extension cord overheated and started a first a blanket and then the box spring on fire. Luckily I woke up before any real damage was done. But my college roommate and I couldn't put it out and we had to carry the box spring out to the balcony and throw onto the front yard which was covered in snow at the time.

That is a fire waiting to happen. never cut an extension cord and attempt to repair.

I had a bed catch on fire when a spliced extension cord overheated and started a first a blanket and then the box spring on fire. Luckily I woke up before any real damage was done. But my college roommate and I couldn't put it out and we had to carry the box spring out to the balcony and throw onto the front yard which was covered in snow at the time.
Personally, I see my solder joints and heat shrinking as well as Super 88 insulating better than that little replacement plug you recommended above. Just my opinion, I'm only an electrician ;)

I had a bed catch on fire when a spliced extension cord overheated and started a first a blanket and then the box spring on fire.

If the splice was done competantly, and the cord wasn't overloaded, this wouldn't have happened.

If the splice was done competantly

I've never claimed that I was competent. Only that I had a big mouth.

It was just after the summer of love. I had my car plugged in so that it would start in the Minnesota winter. I spent most of my time trying to forget that as soon as I graduated I would be drafted.

If the splice was done competantly, and the cord wasn't overloaded, this wouldn't have happened.

That's exactly why you shouldn't do it.

Because we won't and we will so protecting us from ourselves is a pretty good idea.