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Where To Run The Plug For Ceiling Mount

1091 Views 19 Replies 11 Participants Last post by thegeek, Apr 9, 2003

TJC

Discussion Starter · Apr 6, 2003

was thinking of this today. is there an extra long cord that runs through the ceiling or do i need to run an extension to the projector?

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1 - 20 of 20 Posts

Jw_Wood

· #2 · Apr 6, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by TJC
was thinking of this today. is there an extra long cord that runs through the ceiling or do i need to run an extension to the projector?

TJC, not sure what you mean buy long cord thru the ceiling, if you have access you can run a cord from an outlet to your projector through the ceiling, that's what I plan to do. Just make sure you use a heavy enough Gauge cord.

thegeek

· #3 · Apr 6, 2003

http://carlucci.net/avsforum/mount.jpg

I've got the cables running down inside the pole, but I have the power cord running outside the pole and spiraled so as to have no interference. Its kind of tough to run the power cord down the pole but not have it perpendicular to the video cables, so it isn't exactly the prettiest thing out there, but it isn't so bad otherwise.

The power cable runs inside of the ceiling down to the UPS that powers the entire setup.

greggz

· #4 · Apr 6, 2003

Electrical code does not allow you to run extension cords inside walls. If its in the wall, its gotta be "Romex."

What I did was install an outlet in the ceiling and run Romex from the outlet to a junction box back over by my equipment rack. In the junction box, using wire nuts, I attached a regular power cord (minus the female end) to the Romex and plugged the male end into my power conditioner.

The outlet I used in the ceiling was a Leviton outlet with built in surge protection.

http://www.leviton.com/sections/prod.../8280_8380.htm

EricT43

· #5 · Apr 6, 2003

I used Panduit raceway to run my cables along the ceiling, since I couldn't get them inside - there's a room above, and the joists run perpendicular to the cable run. It would have cost me probably about $1k to have an electrician do it. Instead, I bought $200 worth of T45 raceway and painted it to match the ceiling and wall. On the projector end I put a double-gang box with an outlet on one side and a blank plate on the other side for the signal cables to exit from. The raceway has a divider to keep the power and signal cables separated. I made what is basically a long extension cord out of Romex, plugged it into my surge protector where the rest of my gear is, and hooked the other end to the outlet by the projector.

jacksonian

· #6 · Apr 7, 2003

I have an outlet in the attic and I ran a heavy duty extension cord over to the pj. I have the power cable from the pj going up through a hole in the ceiling. Don't know if I'm violating electrical code or not.

TJC

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 7, 2003

ok, i will probably run a heavy duty extension through the ceiling to the projector and wrap it in electical tape? sound like a good idea.

probably the only idea i can think of.

DenisT

· #8 · Apr 7, 2003

TJC That is not code. If it causes a fire, you may have a big problem with insurance. Best to rum romex from a wall outlet up and under the ceiling and install an outlet in the ceiling. This is not difficult. I did my whole house with no experience. As mentioned above you could run an extension though plastic raceway up the wall and across the ceiling. You would need to check whether this is code or not. An electrician at Home Depot could tell you.

JDecleri

· #9 · Apr 7, 2003

I installed an outlet in the attic directly above the projector and ran the cable to the outlet through the center of the home made mounting tube that the projector is attaced to. No extension cord is needed. No wires to upset the WAF.

jacksonian

· #10 · Apr 7, 2003

TJC. when you say "through the ceiling" do you mean exposed in the attic like mine, or between floors. I wouldn't recommend it for the latter since it would be hidden and you wouldn't know if it was cut or damaged in any way while running it.

monkeyphant

· #11 · Apr 8, 2003

I'm using a 25' Blue 14/3 AWG Commercial Grade Extreme Temperature Outdoor Extension Cord which I ran in a space between the drywall ceiling and the floor above. I have it plugged into a TRIPPLITE Isobar Ultra Surge Protector which is plugged into an outlet. I don't know how a cord like this could cause a fire.

TJC

Discussion Starter · #12 · Apr 8, 2003

it would run over the acoustic tiles which are fire retardant and between the floor trusses. there is 20" between the top and bottom of the floor truss.

monkey - where did you get that ext cord, i think that sounds like what i will use. tks

Dennis Gardner

· #13 · Apr 8, 2003

Mice chewing through extension cords hidden in walls is a major source of fires on cords that are always plugged in as yours may be. Romex holds the leads apart better to avoid this. Solid core wire.

Run any cord, anyway you want to. But realize that you can't sell your house if it won't pass inspection, and bringing attention to poor electrical that doesn't meet code tend to make inspectors look harder at all other areas.

Insurance companies routinely deny claims when they found DIY wiring that doesn't meet electrical codes.

The cost of tying a circuit into a breaker box with romex is nearly as cheap as a good extension cord. Read up on code then DIY. Then brag about how hard it was to do the job. If they have never done it, they will be impressed.

You didn't cut corners when you chose a front pj, don't stop now!

DG

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mdmaclean

· #14 · Apr 8, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by TJC
was thinking of this today. is there an extra long cord that runs through the ceiling or do i need to run an extension to the projector?

I have run mine through a wiremold channel to the projector, and put a regular orange extension cord in it. Since it is not inside the wall, I believe that this is within the code.

http://www.avsforum.com/photopost/sh...t=1&thecat=500

monkeyphant

· #15 · Apr 8, 2003

TJC

Home Depot. It's made by Electricord, Model: #C3314025BU12D SKU: #257965. It sells for $9.15. I don't keep my PTL300U or my audio rack plugged in all the time, for that matter. I don't know of any surge protection that will protect against power surges when electricity is restored after a storm or some other temporary disruption in electric power.

Quote:

Insurance companies routinely deny claims when they found DIY wiring that doesn't meet electrical codes.

The cost of tying a circuit into a breaker box with romex is nearly as cheap as a good extension cord. Read up on code then DIY. Then brag about how hard it was to do the job. If they have never done it, they will be impressed.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you DIY and add a circuit to a breaker box, shouldn't that be inspected? My breaker box has a Final Approval sticker from the Department of Inspections Licenses and Permits attached to the door.

Dennis Gardner

· #16 · Apr 8, 2003

You can tie into a junction box in your attic that you find has power to it all the time, without having to go into the breaker box. Many homes have junction boxes fastened to ceiling joists that are not switched. You might find one very close to your pj location, that has a small load on it. Just avoid fans and motors that might affect the picture quality.

If you have a 2nd story, you may have to run on the outside of the wall.

I just ran my full basement into existing boxes and passed inspection on all the work prior to covering it up. Just read about it and jumped in!

Dennis

monkeyphant

· #17 · Apr 8, 2003

So you're saying, I could replace the extension cord with Romex and tap

into the outlet where I plug the surge protector in by using wire nuts.

What guage Romex did you use?. I have a PS Audio recepticle I could use for the pj outlet...hmmm.

Dennis Gardner

· #18 · Apr 8, 2003

Depending on the size of the box that houses your outlet, (limit to how many wires you can have in small boxes) many times you can hook right onto the receptacle if it has open screws not being used.

14 gauge is the smallest you can use in a home. 12ga. is better and still pretty easy to work with.

greggz

· #19 · Apr 8, 2003

Quote:

14 gauge is the smallest you can use in a home. 12ga. is better and still pretty easy to work with.

Current code is: 14ga Romex on 15 amp circuits and 12ga Romex on 20 amp circuits.

Depending on the age of your house, you may find that your 15 amp circuits have 12ga wire. The use of 14ga wire is relatively new (last 10 years or so I believe.)

thegeek

· #20 · Apr 9, 2003

I had an electrician (Father-in-law) do the install. He used Romex.

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