Wall Mounted T.V. Electric Socket

[DIYBrit]

I've had a wall mounted T.V. for years now. But after re-decorating, I'd like to hide the cables.

I'm wondering what things to consider when getting an electric socket installed just above the T.V. wall mount bracket.

I reckon the socket should be placed around where I've marked a small red square on the attached image. Does this seem okay?

I've had my Sony Bravia 42" T.V. for about 7 years now. I browse new T.V.s in stores or upgrade very infrequently. My T.V. is thick at the bottom and thin at the top, which is compatible with my setup. Could I have problems when I upgrade my T.V. in future? Could I have problems with the socket and plug extending too much from the wall? If so, could the two plastic spacers for each of the three wall bracket screws, be used to extend the T.V. bracket away from the wall to alleviate that issue? I don't know what those spacers are for, really. Are there special, slimline electric sockets and plugs designed for this purpose which I should consider?

I'm probobly worrying about nothing, but thought I'd check before proceeding.

 

[FrodoOne]

OMG!

With such small "anchors" (as appear to be shown in your photos), it is a wonder that the existing TV has not already fallen off the wall !
(Fortunately, TVs are becoming less heavy.)

Also unfortunately, there do not seem to be "Recessed" sockets for BS1363 Socket-Outlets,
as there are for the Socket-Outlets and TV connections in other OECD counties !
(I suggest that you "look them up".)

(Hopefully, someone will come along,
tell me that I am wrong
and
where to obtain the necessary recessed equipment.)

Also, one hopes that you are not using that "fireplace".
TVs do not like to be "overheated" - above "fireplaces" - and the InfraRed radiation from a fire is not "healthy" for Human Eyes, when watching anything!

In addition,
unless you can "lay back",
watching a TV above eye level will induce "neck problems".

Some of this was "discussed" in 2012.

Are recessed power sockets available in the UK

I recently saw recessed wall sockets on a US website: http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Electrical/Electrical-Improvement/install-a-wall-hugger-receptacle. Do they exist in the UK? I would love to install on behind our bed as it has to stick our an inch or two because of the plugs!

www.diynot.com

 

[foxhole]

I've had a wall mounted T.V. for years now. But after re-decorating, I'd like to hide the cables.

I'm wondering what things to consider when getting an electric socket installed just above the T.V. wall mount bracket.

I reckon the socket should be placed around where I've marked a small red square on the attached image. Does this seem okay?

I've had my Sony Bravia 42" T.V. for about 7 years now. I browse new T.V.s in stores or upgrade very infrequently. My T.V. is thick at the bottom and thin at the top, which is compatible with my setup. Could I have problems when I upgrade my T.V. in future? Could I have problems with the socket and plug extending too much from the wall? If so, could the two plastic spacers for each of the three wall bracket screws, be used to extend the T.V. bracket away from the wall to alleviate that issue? I don't know what those spacers are for, really. Are there special, slimline electric sockets and plugs designed for this purpose which I should consider?

I'm probobly worrying about nothing, but thought I'd check before proceeding.

Looks fine , as you mention you can increase spacing in future to clear plug,( tv’s are getting thinner ).
At a loss to see what Frodo is so concerned about .
I have a 4 socket extension lead and Sat box tucked behind my TV.

 

[Rodders53]

Also unfortunately, there do not seem to be "Recessed" sockets for BS1363 Socket-Outlets,

(Hopefully, someone will come along, tell me that I am wrong and where to obtain the necessary recessed equipment.)

Your wish is my command:

Syncbox SB-Power

Syncbox SB-Power offers a recessed double socket with two 13 amp power sockets, perfect for hiding TV cables. Configure it for TV, media, audio, or power.

www.electrical4less.co.uk

Not that it has much to recommend it imho.

OP Note that mains input to TVs aren't always on the same side. Nor are other ins and outs for PVRs, BluRay players etc.,. located in the same place as that Sony set.

 

[Murdochcat]

How do you plan to run the cable to the "red" area?

 

[nero44]

If you are sure you will always only need a TV there, you can also consider to just run the supply there through a brush face plate. That takes very minimal space and you can also run more hdmi,cat etc. for future use. This is what I have done with mine, which is also above the fire place. Any devices (wifi router, dvd, gaming) would just go in a cabinet in the alcove and would connect via hdmi accordingly.

 

[FrodoOne]

Note that mains input to TVs aren't always on the same side. Nor are other ins and outs for PVRs, BluRay players etc.,. located in the same place as that Sony set.

If the "leads" are at least 1.8 m in length (which is "usual") the position of any outlet or "access port" should not matter -
as long as it is not in the "way" of anything else !

 

[nero44]

Another point to add, if you just run a power supply lead through a brushed plate w/out a socket, then the power cable of your TV set needs to be cut so I can be connected to that lead. You can use something like a greenbrook lightning connector, so it can be disconnected easily if you need remove the TV to decorate or something. BUT more importantly, cutting the tv cable will likely invalidate any warranty, which is probably not an issue for your old set, but something to consider if you upgrade at some point. I went for a Samsung TV, where you can open the cover at the back where the power lead be removed. They have some special connector, which they sell separately. So if I need to claim warranty, I first need to purchase a new OEM Samsung power lead and connect it before sending in... in all honesty, I only found out about this AFTER I completed the TV mount...

But with some cable ties it looks quite neat

 

[Sureitsoff?]

I don't think cutting a plug off will invalidate a warranty.

 

[Rodders53]

as long as it is not in the "way" of anything else !

which is what I was hinting at

I don't think cutting a plug off will invalidate a warranty.

Nor I and it's been repeatedly debated on this very forum.

 

[nero44]

I don't think cutting a plug off will invalidate a warranty.

Maybe, maybe not. But just highlighting to the OP for completeness. I've read it on another forum, where someone claimed to have called their hotline and confirmed it does. Either way with Samsungs they are fully replaceable, so best to check.

 

[DIYBrit]

Thank you all for your replies.

I'm inclined to go with installing a single electric socket above the fireplace. I currently use a Playstation 4 for all my TV-related media (BluRay DVD, Gaming, Netflix, etc.) and run this through a hdmi switcher 4 in 1 out into the TV.

On a recent visit to John Lewis I did notice TVs nowadays are a lot thinner (like the set @nero44 shared in the picture above). My TV is probably 10 years old, so I might upgrade soon. If there are space issues with the electric plug, I could always try using those plastic spacers on my TV bracket or replace it with a tilt bracket or tilt/swivel bracket (similar to the one in the picture @nero44 shared.

 

[DIYBrit]

How do you plan to run the cable to the "red" area?

I'm glad you asked!

There are double electric sockets just above the skirting, to the left and right of the chimney breast. I got a quote from an electrician (not an specialist media installer - if they exist) to track an electric cable up from one of those sockets, vertically along the wall, till level with the desired location. Then, using a long drill bit, drill diagonally through the chimney breast brick, creating a hole through which an electric cable can be passed through. Then, of course, installing the socket.

I'm nervous about drilling through the chimney breast. But he said I'd use a device to check for things like gas pipes (I have no idea where these will be located).

Does this sound like a standard approach with such tasks?