Can the TV power cord or an extension cord be run inside the wall?
No.
A) Extension cords should never be used as a substitute for permanent wiring. National Electrical Code, local building and fire codes restrict the use of extension cords as permanent use.
The National Electrical Code® NEC® states:
NEC ARTICLE 400 Flexible Cords and Cables General 400.1 Scope.
This article covers general requirements, applications, and construction specifications for flexible cords and flexible cables.
400.8 Uses Not Permitted
(ref. Extension Cord) Flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:
(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
(4) Where attached to building surfaces
(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
B) Extension cords need ventilation to prevent heat buildup, if inside a wall or enclose space, heat will cause the outer jacket to dry out over time, crack, exposing bare wires, creating a point of electrical shorting of the wires, causing a spark, resulting in a possible dangerous fire.
Misuse of extension cords is the #1 cause of household fires in the US according to the NFPA.
Test this possibility yourself. Plug in your vacuum, run it for 20 minutes, touch the power cord, it will be warm to hot to the touch. The power draw of a 42" Plasma TV is about the same. Inside a wall, imagine the cord jacket drying out and cracking.
C) INSURANCE POLICY UPDATE: If a fire would result, due to improper use of an extension cord as outlined in the NEC, most home/renters insurance companies may not cover damages. We recommend checking with your agent or local fire department before installing an extension cord inside your wall.
OTHER REFERENCES:
Professional Building Inspectors discussion regarding Extension Cords Click Here
Safety Guidelines for Flexible Electrical Cords Click Here
Where can I find power/extension cords made to run inside the wall?
You won't.
Extension cords are not designed or made for use inside a wall or ceiling, due to National Code restrictions, as listed above. Power/extension cords sold in retail stores in North America, have labeling specifically warning not for use inside of walls or ceilings.
In-wall rated power cords/extension cords do not exist, never have and are not available in North America.
What makes the PowerBridge In-Wall Power Extension System different than an extension cord?
PowerBridge is installed using specific types of UL-listed in-wall rated building electrical wire.
The wire makes a direct "extension" by connecting the upper PowerOUT wall plate to the lower PowerIN wall plate together, making a code compliant in-wall power extension.
Depending on your local code requirement, several rated types of in-wall rated power wire are used. The most commonly used type in the US is best known as ROMEX®, made specifically to use inside wall and ceilings to connect all of your electrical outlets, switches and lights fixtures.
Flexible extension cords are not made with materials fire rated to use inside a wall to connect in-wall mounted electrical devises, as referenced in the National Electrical Code as Not Permitted Use.
Why do I need a PowerBridge Solution?
If you've already installed your TV with the cord in the wall or left it hanging down, or preparing to install a new flat screen HDTV on the wall, or a Projector, you need a power-outlet to plug it into.
Designed to be safe and easy to install and allows for external power surge protection and AV cable pass-through all in one wall plate.
Other power installation options:
Hire an electrician to retro-install a regular outlet branched from the backside of a nearby circuit can cost $175-$400 in most areas of the country. No method to plug into external power surge protection.
Do it yourself by "branch wire" connection to the existing nearby power-outlet and unless you are skilled with the safety and knowledge to do this. In many areas, you may need a permit and building-code inspection, since you will be changing, modifying the existing intended circuit. You still won't have the ability to plug into a power surge protector.
If I install a regular outlet behind my TV, isn't that the same as having the PowerBridge?
No.
Having a regular A/C outlet/receptacle installed behind your expensive wall mounted HDTV, will provide A/C power. However, one of the primary benefits of installing PowerBridge In-Wall Power Solution, is the ability to connect an external Power Surge Protector | Power Conditioner | UPS device to provide a complete safe protected Power Solution to the HDTV, Home Theater equipment.
Unless you have a whole-house, main panel protection system installed, your outlets in your home are un-protected from surge power and "dirty", noisy power which can reduce the life of electronics and power supplies.
How does PowerBridge help protect my HDTV from power-surge?
Protect that expensive HDTV mounted on the wall...
It's important to know, power surge and power spikes can destroy expensive electronics.
PowerBridge recommends always practicing "safe-power protection".
Power protection is important, but how to get power-protection to a wall mounted TV.
PowerBridge is designed to be the in-wall protected power extension portion of an external A/C Protection and Power Filtering System we recommend protecting your source equipment.
PowerBridge design allows power out from the protection device through the supplied 6' power cord plugged into the PowerBridge POWER-INLET, delivering protected power up the wall to the TV.
PowerBridge does not have built-in power protection, requires an optional external device, not sold through PowerBridge.
Will running audio video cables close to electrical wires cause interference and affect the picture on the TV?
Not with standard 120v wiring, as used with a PowerBridge.
We have not seen or heard of any documentation showing interference issues with 120v and AV wiring.
Today, most audio video cables of better quality are "shielded", with a foil shield around the wires within the PVC jacket, designed to minimize EMI type interference.
HDMI, Component, Composite, S-Video and audio cables have not been found suspect with visible or audible electrical interference when running in close proximity of 120v power wires.
Some speaker wire, cat5/6 wires or "cheap-low-end" AV cables may not have shielding and could receive some EMI type interference.
Note: Low-voltage (AV wiring) should not pass through the same openings/holes or point-of-entry through framing or junction boxes unless separated by an approved device. The PowerBridge Total Solution has separate junction and pass-through for power and low-voltage.
I've never installed anything "electrical", can I safely install a PowerBridge myself?
PowerBridge is engineered to be a simple DIY product for those who have never or are afraid to touch anything electrical.
If you have basic DIY skills and basic tools, you should not have any problems installing a PowerBridge Solution Kit.
PowerBridge, easy and safe to install, no direct wiring connection to the electrical panel or circuit or directly hardwired from the back of another existing outlet.
You will never be in contact with "live" electricity at any time during the installation.
Easy to follow installation instructions with pictures. Wall cut-out template for the in-wall junction boxes come with each kit. We've made it easy with color-coded wiring connections and labeled everything to assist for a safe and successful installation.
We recommended professional installation if you are not comfortable cutting holes and running wiring within the walls.
Check with local building jurisdiction officials regarding possible unique requirements for running building electrical wire within a wall/ceiling in your specific area.
Can I purchase some of the parts and make my own version of PowerBridge?
No.
PowerBridge does not resell the parts separately. Our product certification listing with ETL to the UL Classification prohibits such. The Power Plug-INLET is not available as a retail part individually due to it's classification type. It's intended use by itself is not recognized as an electrical component to be installed in-wall unless sold as a system/kit meeting agency compliance, as the PowerBridge is listed.
PowerBridge SS and TS products are tested to meet agency compliance as a complete system installed together, not as individual parts. Careful purchase decision should be considered when comparing other similar products that claim to accomplish what a genuine PowerBridge kit provides. PowerBridge is the only ready to install, fully listed kit on the market. Not all "kits" available on the market are tested or certified agency compliant and could affect overall product safety.
SAFETY NOTE: Home-made versions as seen on web sites comparing themselves as a "PowerBridge", suggest using a compilation of electrical parts which are drilled, screwed, glued, riveted to wall plates with holes cut-in, will not pass electrical safety inspections. These "home-made" versions should be considered hazardous if applied without using the UL classification methods of intended use and installation. Do-it-yourself methods may appear a cost savings idea, not considered safe or code compliant and could be potentially dangerous and should never be used.
It is strongly advised to check with local building code authorities and insurance company inspectors before attempting using non-compliant parts constructing a home-made version.
Where can I purchase a PowerBridge Kit?
Southern California: Howards Appliance and Home Theater
Northern California: RC Willey
Nevada: RC Willey
Utah: RC Willey
Nebraska: Nebraska Furniture
Colorado: Ultimate Electronics
Available directly on this website. Click Here
Personal Use: Available from Authorized On-Line Retailers. Click Here
Professional Installation: Available from Authorized AV Distributors. Click Here
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