Installing electrical outlet behind plasma tv

[indamixx99]

To all of you that have installed an outlet behind your wall mounted plasma/lcd tv, are you using some kind of surge suppression on it? If so, what kind?

I know they make thin surge protectors for wall mount tvs but the option I was considering is something like this: PowerBridge.

Basically the outlet would terminate by my existing A/V rack, and then I could plug it into my Monster (yes, I know) clean power unit. However, I don't want to spend the $60 or so for this when I know I could possibly make my own. Has anyone seen a Male a/c recepticle like the one shown in the link? I haven't seen anything like this at my local Home Depot, so I'm wondering if a thing exists, or I would have to rig my own outlet, or spend the $60 for the one above.

Thanks :beer:

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

There's also this:

http://www.smarthome.com/865130.html

With your other option you're going to have to run romex anyway. You may as well extend it from an existing circuit and use a dedicated in-wall surge supression solution. It'd be cheaper too. btw, if you decide to go that route, have an electrician check to ensure that the circuit can handle the additional load from the TV.

 

[BigJ]

What a terrible waste of money.

Get a "clock" receptacle from HD (recessed receptacle) and splice into your existing circuit. The wall boxes are maybe $2 a pop. The receptacle shouldn't run you more than $5 bucks. Get a few feet of NM-B (Romex) and you're good to go in terms of wiring.

Now to complicate things a bit, when doing this you'll need what's called Remodel Electrical Boxes (in this case you need single gang). They have little tabs on them that when you turn the screw, the tab will come forward and press against the drywall. This secures it to the wall. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a Deep Remodel Box. since you're using a recessed receptacle.

You will have to make sure that when you tap into the existing circuit, you do not violate the fill rate of the electrical box (basically how much room is in there). On top of that, you need to know the proper wire. With the newer NM-B, it's color coded. White means 14ga, yellow means 12ga. Otherwise, it will be printed on the outer jacket of the wire. Confirm this rating with the circuit breaker's rating. That's what type of NM-B wire you need.

To measure the actual load of what's on the line, you can either add up the load of all devices on the circuit (little more tedious but doesn't require any tools) or you can actually get a device that will measure the amps coming across the line.

As for actual surge protection, consider whole house surge protection. The units range in price, but you can get a decent Intermatic for ~$80. Consult an electrician to have this installed. I know Home Depot offers the service, but I don't know the pricing off hand. If you want, call 1800-79-Depot and they should be able to get you a price.