Introduction: Simple Steps to Install Hidden Power Outlet Behind a Wall-mounted TV

By Handyman At Your Service
About: Dan Kogan is the owner of Handyman at your service which is a US based company providing Handyman Services to business owners at an affordable price. Handyman at your service specializing in TV installation NY…

We all love our televisions, and we want them placed at the best location in the house, so that viewing angle is always perfect. If you want to hang the television on the wall, or want to hang any other device up high, you need to call an electrician to install an outlet behind the device so that the cords are not dangling down the wall.

Yes, hiring a professional for most electrical woks at home is the best thing you can do. But using the following steps in the article you can became a small electrician yourself and install an outlet on the wall. Read on for a step by step guide to see how to install an electrical outlet on the wall behind your television set.

Step 1: Things Required

Before we begin with anything in the project, there are a few things that you will need handy in order to execute the project successfully. The important tool that you will be required to have for the job include:

  • A measuring tape
  • A flat head screwdriver
  • Sheet rock saw
  • A pair of 14 gauge wire strippers
  • Pencil
  • A Level

Step 2: Collect Things

There are a few parts that you will need to execute this project to perfection. Make sure you go through them carefully before taking on the project.

First up a single gang retro fit plastic cut in box is required. Any electrician or electrical shop owner would know of these, and so you won’t have a problem purchasing them. When you go out purchasing, ensure you take home a cut in box only, since it features outcroppings to allow you to put the box conveniently on the wall with help of nails.

Step 3: Install the Outlet

Next up, you will require a romex wire (size approximately 6' of 14/2). Ideally, power outlets in a bedroom or living room have 15 amp circuit wires, but if the circuit breaker in the room, where you want to install the outlet is larger, then you will have to buy a romex wire sized accordingly. After this, you must have a 15 amp receptacle and cover plate (which is colored to go with the theme of your house. It will be hiding behind the television set, but you still don’t want something that is a mismatch).

Step 4: Place the Base-board Outlet

Now, depending on the wall, where you want the television installed; place the base-board outlet on the spot. Find the circuit breaker for the area and turn it off. Place the level, and draw line about 2-inches long to mark the spot.

Now, place the box - open end facing the wall - on the wall and draw and an outline around it. With help of a sheet rock saw cut off the marked area in the wall. For this purpose you can call handyman services nearby.

Step 5: Pull Wires to the Socket

The touch task begins. You will have to pull the wires to the new socket. Open the closest socket (to the new one your installing) using a screwdriver, and take out the receptacle. Now using a plier, crimp all the wires. Push the wires up to the new socket opening in the wall, through the wall cavity. And putting your hands through the new socket opening, try and pull the wires up.

Step 6: Final Step

Once you have the wires up to the new socket, take the retro-fit box, place the box into the wall, with open side facing up and draw the wires out through the opening in the box. Now simple screw up the box and attach the wires properly and close the socket lid.

There you go. Your hidden socket is ready. Go to the circuit breaker you had turned off and switch it on. If it doesn’t trip, you’re ready to connect your TV to the concealed socket you just built.