Ok, I have been reading several threads on this site, current and past. I've noticed a number of folks are mounting their flat screen TV's on the wall and asking about how and what cables to run.
Well, many of the posts also have questions and replies regarding the power cord. I read many post that some thought or could make it work with running the cord in the wall. I'm concerned when I read those with the danger in doing that is actually high. The number 1 cause for most household fires is old or faulty extension cords that dry out over time and short out.
The reason for this thread is to alert others of the danger in doing so, be safe not cheap and stupid.

For the record, the NEC National Electric Code does not allow flexible cords that carry electricity to be in or through a wall.

Here's the CODE:
NEC ARTICLE 400 Flexible Cords and Cables
I. General 400.1 Scope.
This article covers general requirements, applications, and construction specifications for flexible cords and flexible cables.
400.8 Uses Not Permitted.
Flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

(1)As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

(2)Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

(3)Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings

(4)Where attached to building surfaces
Exception: Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.8.

(5)Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings

(6)Where installed in raceways, outside of the wall, floor, ceiling except as otherwise permitted in this Code

So, I'm posting this to hopefully keep you and others safe.
There are two products on the market designed specifically for in-wall electrical wiring and outlets to meet NEC CODE.

One is made by Panamax it's $299.95
www.panamax.com/products.cfm?group=22&sec=detail&id=221&ly=h

The other is PowerBridge it's $49.00
www.powerbridgesolution.com

They both provide the solution needed to meet CODE. I have the PowerBridge myself and they offer different wall plate colors and cheaper.

Look at these products, they are the only way to meet CODE and protect your TV and your home from potential damage.

FYI note, if you do decide to run your power cord or an extension cord in the wall and it causes a fire, your home/renter insurance will probably NOT pay any damage claim as their investigators will determine a code violation.

Before you all hit me with the question regarding your A/V cables... They are LOW voltage and not under the NEC code. However, I will stress that some areas local building codes may require CL2/3 rated inwall low voltage cables, especially if you are building new and the home is due for an inspection.

Ok all that said, the other point to all this is to have your expensive TV protected by a real surge protector/conditioner, and both of these products will allow that too, so, extra bonus!

Very good information. I just ran a branch circuit to a clock receptical behind my display. Works well, but the powerbridge solution would give me the ability to add some surge protection.

I have thought about accomplishing the same thing by hooking my clock receptical to another wall outlet near a surge suppressor... then make a patch cord between the surge supressor and the outlet with two male ends. Not as pretty, but it should work. I guess having a cord pluged in to the wall that has hot prongs vs. a hot receptical could confuse someone that didn't know what I had done... certainly not kid friendly.

Heath

Are there any laws against running the coax cable line through the wall?

Are there any laws against running the coax cable line through the wall?

NO, not against any laws to have any cables inside of a wall or ceiling, HOWEVER, some areas may require certain types of rated cables for low voltage cables like, coax, A/V, speaker wire. Rated cables designed for inwall use are usually rated as a CL2 or CL3 type cable. Commercial buildings usually require PLENUM rated coax/cables in certain areas if run in the walls or ceilings if they are routed in a plenum area.

The best answers are, in MOST cases, for residential homes, there is no requirement for LOW VOLTAGE wiring inside of a wall.
Always best to check if you're not sure with an electrician or ask the local building inspector in your area for specific requirements.

NEVER, run A/C power cords inside of a wall anywhere, that is national code violation for safety.
Be safe!

Here's a link to the male receptacle if anyone (like me) already has the clock outlet behind the display. Looks like a hole saw and a nylon plate are all you need to make this work...

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3D209

http://images.grainger.com/images/products/3D189.JPG

Heath