By Bob Gatton
Most flat panel televisions sit on table stands, but if you want to mount yours on the wall you'll need a wall bracket, a way to get power to the set and a way to get the signal from the cable/satellite box, DVD player, game systems or what-have-you to the TV.
To accomplish this you could:
- Hire an electrician and have him install an outlet and run your a/v cables in the wall;
- Run the power and a/v cables outside the wall where they're visible for all to see; or
- Get yourself a PowerBridge.
Running an extension cord or the television power cord inside the wall is not an option. It's not compliant with electrical codes, so please don't do this! Instead, consider the PowerBridge.
Installation
The PowerBridge kit contains the following:
- two in-wall junction boxes
- a recessed power inlet plate
- a recessed power outlet plate
- a power cord
- templates
- instructions
In addition to what comes in the kit, to install the PowerBridge yourself you'll need:
- stud finder
- drywall saw
- wire stripper
- two screwdrivers (a slotted and a small Philips-head)
- outlet tester
- electrical wire (12-2 or 14-2)
- level
- pencil
The kit comes with installation instructions, but here are the basic steps.
- Decide where you want to mount the television. Next use a stud finder check where the studs are located and pick a spot for the PowerBridge between them. You can install the inlet and outlet either horizontally or vertically.
- Using the cardboard template, cut a hole behind where the TV will be and another hole below it at about the same height as wall outlets. Now snake the electrical wire and AV cables between the two holes, install the junction boxes and run the wire into the boxes.
- Strip and attach the wire to the connections on the back of the inlet and outlets plates. They are color coded to insure correct installation.
- Thread the AV cables through the opening on the plates. Fasten the inlet and outlet plate to the boxes.
- Plug the power cable into the inlet plate and the other end into an outlet or surge protector.
- Check the outlet with a tester to insure that everything has been connected properly.
It took me longer to find my tools than to complete the job.
Now you're ready to mount the television to the wall without unsightly wires running down the wall or hiring an electrician. This system meets code and does not require an electrician because you're not modifying or altering the home's wiring system. All you're really doing is plugging into an existing wall outlet.
A few things to consider:
- The junction boxes are plastic, not metallic. According to PowerBridge's instructions, some local code requirements require the use of metal junction boxes for certain installations.
- There is still an exposed power cord that goes from the wall outlet to the inlet of the PowerBridge, but this is close to the floor – much less objectionable than a cord(s) exposed below a television,
- The PowerBridge is not a surge protector. I recommend using a quality surge protector for all of you’re a/v gear.
PowerBridge has a several different products for different installations, and all are available in white, beige, almond or black. I installed the Total Solution ($99.95).
This is a very clever product that lets you quickly and safely get electrical power to a wall mounted television. Highly recommended.
PowerBridge Solution.com
Bob Gatton is a consultant and designer for home theaters and home automation systems. Check out his blog: Bob Gatton's Tech Talk.
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