Hiding TV wires in the wall, safely
A mounted TV with no visible cords looks like it was built into the house. Getting there is easy — but the most common DIY method is also the one that breaks electrical code.
The one thing not to do
Don't cut two holes and push the TV's power cord (or an extension cord) through the wall. The National Electrical Code, section 400.12, doesn't allow flexible cords to run through or be concealed behind walls. Cords aren't built for it: there's no airflow, no protection from a nail or screw, and if one overheats nobody sees it.
HDMI, optical, coax and other low-voltage cables are a different story — those can run inside the wall, ideally ones rated for in-wall use (look for CL2 or CL3 on the jacket).
The right way: an in-wall power kit
A recessed power kit has two parts joined by in-wall-rated cable:
- A recessed outlet behind the TV, which the TV plugs into.
- A recessed inlet near the floor, connected to your existing outlet with a short power cord.
Low-voltage cables pass through brush or grommet plates in the same openings. No new circuit, no splicing into house wiring — just a code-friendly path for power.
What can stop an in-wall run
- Fire blocking: horizontal boards between studs, common halfway up exterior walls and in newer homes. It can be drilled, but it adds time.
- Insulation in exterior walls slows the pull.
- Masonry: you can't run cable inside solid brick or block.
- Rentals: cutting drywall may not be allowed.
When in-wall isn't possible
- A paintable cord cover (raceway) running straight down to the outlet — painted the wall color, it nearly disappears.
- Mount the TV directly above a console or cabinet so the cords drop straight behind it.
- Use a shorter route: a TV placed near an existing outlet needs less cover.
Prices with us
In-wall kit: $119. Cord cover: $39. Both are done in the same visit as your mounting, and we patch the cut-outs we make.