I'm guessing the answer is yes, but would running electrical extension cords inside my walls/ceiling be against any residential building codes or anything? I have a projector I want to ceiling mount and I want to hide any and all cabling. I surmise running an electrical cord up through the ceiling and down inside the opposite wall would be the best way to do this. But I seem to remember a friend a while ago telling me that running electrical cable inside walls would be a no-no.

Nevermind guys. I discovered PowerBridge along with ajamesp51's tutorial on how to install it. Cool stuff!

I'm guessing the answer is yes, but would running electrical extension cords inside my walls/ceiling be against any residential building codes or anything? I have a projector I want to ceiling mount and I want to hide any and all cabling. I surmise running an electrical cord up through the ceiling and down inside the opposite wall would be the best way to do this. But I seem to remember a friend a while ago telling me that running electrical cable inside walls would be a no-no.

Well, I know around here you can get a $5000 fine in an office for using an extension cord period. I’m 100% sure that putting it in the wall is illegal but check with a certified electrician first :)

In New York that is a code violation. You could also call your local building department, just don't give them your name or address.;)

as far as i know, running an extension cord in wall or ceiling is a code violation everywhere. standard fire safety stuff. later.

When you see how easy it really is to tap into an existing outlet, you will be better off running a fresh Romex line.

Don't think about code, think about the safety of your own house.

Nevermind guys. I discovered PowerBridge along with ajamesp51's tutorial on how to install it. Cool stuff!
The power bridge is only good when using some type of surge protector or power conditioner. In all other instances, you can just run a new receptacle with simple and inexpensive parts from Home Depot.

This is absolutely a NEC violation and unsafe.

Romex might be a violation also. Someone told me that in Manhattan you can only use BX. I just mention it because it was mentioned. I just rewired my house and ran BX everywhere. The cost difference was not really much, relatively speaking.

Romex might be a violation also. Someone told me that in Manhattan you can only use BX. I just mention it because it was mentioned. I just rewired my house and ran BX everywhere. The cost difference was not really much, relatively speaking.
What truck did you get the BX off the back of?



As an electrician who likes to go the extra mile when doing work on my own home, I can't see any benefit from using BX, none. If the cable is pulled correctly, there will be no damage during installation. If it's installed correctly, there won't be any damage after installation. BX is just too expensive to use in a residential home.

If I wanted to spend so much more money, I would just install EMT to every box, this way I could change anything in the future :D:p

I think if you wanted to go the extra mile, you'd run an isolated ground type of system for at least the home theater components. But you'd have to install metal boxes and the entire runs of metal tubing, or else it really wouldn't make a difference. As a person who does a lot of wiring on my own house, I think BX is a pain and would only run it if I had to. I would never choose to run it.

I think if you wanted to go the extra mile, you'd run an isolated ground type of system for at least the home theater components. But you'd have to install metal boxes and the entire runs of metal tubing, or else it really wouldn't make a difference. As a person who does a lot of wiring on my own house, I think BX is a pain and would only run it if I had to. I would never choose to run it.

I've worked in many hospitals where isolated grounds were speced, but still to this day the benefit of it has not been proven to me and many others.

As far as a home theater system, I question how good an isolated ground would be considering the fact that one of the biggest sources, cable television, will not have an isolated ground. And we all know that the cable service ground should be bonded to the same ground as the A/V components to prevent ground loop problem. So I wonder if an isolated ground for home theater would be worse?

Hi Guys,

I have the same question. Ive already run outdoor extension cord, but I just did this, and I need to reconsider. QUESTION: Im using all Chief mounts, which includes an internal ceiling joist, which mates to a 24" pole that comes down through the ceiling. Is it possible to install a receptacle inside the ceiling, and run the power cord from the projector through the pipe so that it is not visible? The PJ would then plug up INSIDE the ceiling, and out of sight. Or should I just install the receptacle on the ceiling, and run the cord on the outside of the pipe.

Im not worried about code, Im concerned about safety. How bad is it to run extension cord through ceiling, and an outside wall containing insulation? I want to be safe, but look good as well.

Thanks!

Mark

1. You cannot, under any circumstances, run an extension cord in a wall or ceiling. If the wiring is to be in a wall or ceiling, it must be designed to be used for that purpose...typically Romex is used. Never an electrical cord.

2. You cannot, any place that I know of, have a receptacle or ANY electrical connection concealed within a wall or ceiling. All electrical connections must take place within a box and be accessible....be that behind a receptacle, light housing, or access panel.

There is only ONE correct, safe, and legal way to do this. Make the appropriate electrical connection in an existing receptacle. Run Romex (or whatever the required wiring is in your locale) in the wall/ceiling to the desired location. Terminate the Romex in the appropriate type/sized box and connect to a proper receptacle on the ceiling. Plug in the projector with the wire and plug visible. No one will notice.

Kroooooooog,

Thanks for the reply. After taking a look at PowerBridge, Ive decided to do that. not sure that fits your ONE way, but I know its better than what I have. Thanks again for your knowledge.

mark