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Question about power cable wiring on new projector install.

1755 Views 16 Replies 9 Participants Last post by DougUSMC, Jul 21, 2021

Kolme

Discussion Starter · Jul 16, 2021

Hello, I hope this is the right place for this post.

I recently installed a plain Optoma Gt1080HDR with a flush mount in my media room (see pic). However I was unsure as to the safest way to wire the power.

I have complete and easy access to my insulated attic where a power outlet already exists (7ft away). I would ideally like to just make a hole in the ceiling dry wall, add a brush gang plate pass through, and plug the AC power cord directly into the preexisting power outlet. However I was unsure as if this were safe and/or up to code (living in Texas). I feel comfortable with making a dedicate ceiling outlet if necessary.

Thanks ahead of time!

Kolme

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Ostrichsak

· #2 · Jul 16, 2021

I'm not sure how code reads in Texas on this but you're existing outlet and light switch themselves may not even be up to code. Some areas won't allow you to bury junction boxes or outlets behind drywall. Being as that attic is not part of the living space there's a chance it may or may not be up to code itself. I would check into that first if code is your concern which it appears to be based on what you said. That aside, what you've described for a solution to power your projector is probably the route I would take even if just temporary until I could run a receptacle box into the ceiling nearby.

Charles Collins

· #3 · Jul 16, 2021

For safety (and most likely the local codes), you need a way to shut off and disconnect the power to your projector that is within sight of a person who is at the projector itself. The outlet in the ceiling is the way I would suggest.

BIGmouthinDC

· #4 · Jul 16, 2021 (Edited)

The best code legal way is to put an outlet in the ceiling near the projector. Your existing attic outlet looks up to code to me. It is not buried behind drywall it is in the open in an accessible attic. How else could you take the picture? I have nearly the same in my attic. Tap off that circuit to power the projector but you may want to plan some form of surge protection.

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Suntan

· #5 · Jul 16, 2021

I can't think running the power cord of the PJ through the ceiling drywall to the attic outlet would be acceptable from a code standpoint (But I wouldn't hesitate to do that myself in the short run.) I would install a new box/outlet on the ceiling, next to the PJ mount, for long term use.

NickTheGreat

· #6 · Jul 16, 2021

Agree with the not-code votes here. Your power cords typically aren't rated for in-wall (or in-ceilng) use either.

It looks like it'd be easy to run an new outlet in your case. Or do the whole power-bridge thing, which is about 95% of the work of a new outlet!

Kolme

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 17, 2021

Thanks to all of you who responded! I get the overwhelming sense that the ceiling outlet solution would be best, both for code and safety. I'll get to it this week and hopefully reply with a finished product picture. Thanks everyone!

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Kolme

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 19, 2021

Replying back with the finished product. Added a ceiling single outlet along adjacent to the projector utilizing the proper junction box. Was a pretty quick job with the easy attic access. Thank you everyone for your advice and help. See below:

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squared80

· #9 · Jul 20, 2021

Not sure exactly what you're looking for, but there are options. Amazon has a few. Here's one...

www.homedepot.com

PowerBridge In-Wall Power Connection Kit with Single Power and Cable Management for Wall Mounted HDTV ONE-CK - The Home Depot

Conceal cables and power for your wall mounted TV Introducing model ONE-CK in-wall power and cable management system. Single-Gang size all-in-one design. Designed to simplify wiring behind wall-mounted

www.homedepot.com

DougUSMC

· #10 · Jul 21, 2021

That's a good looking solution there, It must have been a fairly simple "old-but-new-work box" installation too!

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Kolme

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 21, 2021

DougUSMC said:
That's a good looking solution there, It must have been a fairly simple "old-but-new-work box" installation too!

Spot on!

BIGmouthinDC

· #12 · Jul 21, 2021

curious how you are getting content to the projector? is that a Fire/Roku stick poking out the back in the picture? no HDMI cable connection to an equipment stack?

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ScottAvery

· #13 · Jul 21, 2021

Also curious about the connection because if you had an HDMI run and your receiver and projector are on different circuits you might get a ground loop hum.

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Kolme

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 21, 2021 (Edited)

BIGmouthinDC said:
curious how you are getting content to the projector? is that a Fire/Roku stick poking out the back in the picture? no HDMI cable connection to an equipment stack?

ScottAvery said:
Also curious about the connection because if you had an HDMI run and your receiver and projector are on different circuits you might get a ground loop hum.

Good eyes. Indeed it's just a 4k fire stick. I plan on running an hdmi to the front center wall along a different track through a brush gang pass-through. But for now, the fire stick does well until I can build the projector screen

DougUSMC

· #15 · Jul 21, 2021

Kolme said:
Good eyes. Indeed it's just a 4k fire stick. I plan on running an hdmi to the front center wall along a different track through a brush gang pass-through. But for now, the fire stick does well until I can build the projector screen

Cool, how do you like it? Do you think the Fire Stick keeps up? Are you running the HDMI for "other content", or for better transmission?

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Kolme

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jul 21, 2021

DougUSMC said:
Cool, how do you like it? Do you think the Fire Stick keeps up? Are you running the HDMI for "other content", or for better transmission?

It works very well with a great picture, no transmission issues. Love it over my Roku. The downside is that it's connected to my 5.1 surround sound (Sony STR-DH590) via Bluetooth, only giving stereo sound emulating 5.1. The other reason for a dedicated hdmi cable is for gaming to ensure a refresh rate of 120hz and avoid input latency.

DougUSMC

· #17 · Jul 21, 2021

Kolme said:
It works very well with a great picture, no transmission issues. Love it over my Roku. The downside is that it's connected to my 5.1 surround sound (Sony STR-DH590) via Bluetooth, only giving stereo sound emulating 5.1. The other reason for a dedicated hdmi cable is for gaming to ensure a refresh rate of 120hz and avoid input latency.

Yeah, I dig it. I agree that HDMI is a better route, especially in the long term. I was really interested in hearing if it could keep up, so thanks for the reply!

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