Anyone ever used a "power inlet" for an outlet behind a wall mounted TV?

7534 Views 37 Replies 13 Participants Last post by CoconutPete, Dec 7, 2012

CoconutPete

Discussion Starter · Dec 6, 2012

So ... TV Mount is up - time to deal w/ the cables.

There is an outlet underneath where the TV goes, but I've been tossing ideas around about power. The outlet is in the middle of a circuit and I believe it'll get awfully crowded in that box, plus there's the issue of surge protecting. I have a whole house surge, but I like (for peace of mind) having them on my electronics also.

Has anyone used a power inlet/outlet solution for this? Power inlet right next to the outlet that's there and power outlet behind the TV. No visible wires and I still get to plug the TV into the surge protector along w/ the receiver.

1 - 20 of 38 Posts

joecaption

· #2 · Dec 6, 2012

http://www.bing.com/shopping/search...d+outlet+for+flat+screen+tv&FORM=HURE#x0y2567

CoconutPete

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 6, 2012

Joe: By giving me a link to the product are you saying you don't know of any reason why I should not proceed with this plan?

Thanks.

joecaption

· #4 · Dec 6, 2012

I can not even understand your plan.
Just wanted you to be able to see some options avalible for the outlet and the cables.

sgip2000

· #5 · Dec 6, 2012

I'm currently working on this project. I purchased the "Midlite" inlet and recessed outlet and found a dual voltage box at HD.

Old work box http://www.homedepot.com/Carlon/h_d...gId=-1&keyword=lowe+voltage+box&storeId=10051

Midlite Power Solutions http://www.midlite.com/products.aspx?catId=772

rjniles

· #6 · Dec 6, 2012

Your plan will work fine but here is a kit that will do it all (a little pricey but slick).

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...ads-_-pla-_-202548622&ci_gpa=pla#.UMEEQ2cill4

See less See more

CoconutPete

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 6, 2012

joecaption said:
I can not even understand your plan.
Just wanted you to be able to see some options avalible for the outlet and the cables.

"power inlet" (the opposite of a power outlet) Mounted next to existing outlet.

Regular power outlet mounted behind TV.

The two are connected by romex inside the wall.

Power cord from outlet behind TV into TV

Power cord from Power Inlet into surge protector and then into regular outlet.

I looked at the kit but I'm not paying $90 for some wall plates when I can buy the parts for $20 and have plenty of romex in my basement.

sgip2000

· #8 · Dec 6, 2012

CoconutPete said:
"power inlet" (the opposite of a power outlet) Mounted next to existing outlet.

Regular power outlet mounted behind TV.

The two are connected by romex inside the wall.

Power cord from outlet behind TV into TV

Power cord from Power Inlet into surge protector and then into regular outlet.

I looked at the kit but I'm not paying $90 for some wall plates when I can buy the parts for $20 and have plenty of romex in my basement.

I spent about $70 total for 2 TVs

sgip2000

· #9 · Dec 6, 2012

rjniles said:
Your plan will work fine but here is a kit that will do it all (a little pricey but slick).

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...ads-_-pla-_-202548622&ci_gpa=pla#.UMEEQ2cill4

I looked at this kit, but it was ugly and large. My setup fits into a two gang box. Looks better and was easier to install.

CoconutPete

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 6, 2012

I have outlets from when I redid all of mine.

I have scrap romex, definitely have a piece about 6' long, should be plenty.

I have old work boxes.

Then there's this:

http://www.amazon.com/MIDLITE-4642-W-Single-Décor-Recessed/dp/B002XDQAA6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_1

The markup on those "kits" is INSANE and why the hell are the power cords 6' long anyway? Who has an outlet behind the TV that is still 6' from the TV???

sgip2000

· #11 · Dec 6, 2012 (Edited)

CoconutPete said:
I have outlets from when I redid all of mine.

I have scrap romex, definitely have a piece about 6' long, should be plenty.

I have old work boxes.

Then there's this:

http://www.amazon.com/MIDLITE-4642-W-Single-D%C3%A9cor-Recessed/dp/B002XDQAA6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_1

The markup on those "kits" is INSANE and why the hell are the power cords 6' long anyway? Who has an outlet behind the TV that is still 6' from the TV???

Yes, those are expensive for some reason. You can save money on the recessed outlet by purchasing them at Lowes or HD, But, those have the cover plate molded to the outlet so they require their own box with enough clearance around the sides.

Here's the recessed receptacle http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...=-1&keyword=recessed+receptacle&storeId=10051

CoconutPete

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 6, 2012

Well as our discussion goes on I see nobody writing: "Don't wire it this way because xyz" so that's a good sign. I'm moving forward with this.

Thank You.

sgip2000

· #13 · Dec 6, 2012

CoconutPete said:
Well as our discussion goes on I see nobody writing: "Don't wire it this way because xyz" so that's a good sign. I'm moving forward with this.

Thank You.

Just run the power and low voltage as far apart from eachother as possible to minimize interference. If you have to cross the power and LV, do so at a 90* angle.

jbfan

· #14 · Dec 6, 2012

If you are talking about make an "extension cord" with the romex, don't do it, violates code.
You can replace the existing box with a two gang if you feel the box will be too crowded.

Ohno59

· #15 · Dec 6, 2012

As long as you don't mind the color and look. At least if it rains in the house, that connection will be okay. :thumbsup:

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-4937-...&qid=1354834081&sr=8-1&keywords=leviton+inlet

Install it in a box.
Plug a short jumper cord (can be an appliance cord) into inlet>surge protector.

Then, install a box and wire it to an outlet near the TV.

rjniles

· #16 · Dec 6, 2012

If you mount a receptacle (recessed or not) behind the TV and a inlet below next to a receptacle, you are fine. Connect the 2 with cable or conduit based on your local (AHJ) requirements.

But you still have to get the AV cables into the wall also.

mpoulton

· #17 · Dec 6, 2012

Why would you do this instead of just wiring the receptacle behind the TV to power in the existing receptacle box? The inlet and jumper cord is weird, unattractive, and a waste of money. Just wire the new receptacle into the circuit.

TTW

· #18 · Dec 6, 2012

Just use a surge protector outlet.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...e+protector+outlet&storeId=10051#.UMEqP6396bg

rjniles

· #19 · Dec 6, 2012

mpoulton said:
Why would you do this instead of just wiring the receptacle behind the TV to power in the existing receptacle box? The inlet and jumper cord is weird, unattractive, and a waste of money. Just wire the new receptacle into the circuit.

He wants to use a strip surge protector for the TV and his other AV equipment.

sgip2000

· #20 · Dec 6, 2012

mpoulton said:
Why would you do this instead of just wiring the receptacle behind the TV to power in the existing receptacle box? The inlet and jumper cord is weird, unattractive, and a waste of money. Just wire the new receptacle into the circuit.

I agree, the inlet isn't pretty. For my setup, I ran the inlet to my server closet and plugged it into a UPS.

1 - 20 of 38 Posts

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