Panamax-Furman MIW-XT Remote Power Review

[admin]

If you want a flat panel to "float" on a wall, you're going to need to run power to it without risking burning down the house. The MIW-XT is an all-in-one solution that might just fit your needs. With a dedicated power run and a space for a Decora-style insert, adaptor for keystone inserts, or a rubber grommet passthrough, the MIW-XT can accommodate your power and cabling needs.


Discuss "Panamax-Furman MIW-XT Remote Power Review" here. Read the article.

[Bryce_H]

I have an older version of one of these for my project (on the ceiling) and installed it when I finished the basement into a dedicated HT. Everything worked great and it allowed me to have my projector plugged into my surge protector in the component closet. Agree a touch on the pricey side, but better than needing to replace a blown projector

[Omega Supreme]

A couple of questions. Is it really dangerous to run a good quality 12ga. extension cord in and interior wall? I have a 12ga. ext. cord that I use for a air compressor, saws, shop lights (and other shop tools) that never even gets warm. I also have a cheap 14ga (I think) ext. cord that I use for my lawn edger and leaf blower that doesn't get hot or even warm. Wouldn't these pull more current than a TV.? My 50" plasma came with a cord that was about 6' long and I have it running thru the wall (about 4' is in the wall). It has been that way for about 5 years. Should I redo it so it isn't running in the wall? I didn't realize the TV’s power cord was not rated to run in-wall. Anyway, if I need to redo this could I just not make an extension cord out of some 12ga romex that I have laying around. That would probably cost about $4 instead of $150.

[Rickster71]

A couple of questions. Is it really dangerous to run a good quality 12ga. extension cord in and interior wall? I have a 12ga. ext. cord that I use for a air compressor, saws, shop lights (and other shop tools) that never even gets warm. I also have a cheap 14ga (I think) ext. cord that I use for my lawn edger and leaf blower that doesn't get hot or even warm. Wouldn't these pull more current than a TV.? My 50" plasma came with a cord that was about 6' long and I have it running thru the wall (about 4' is in the wall). It has been that way for about 5 years. Should I redo it so it isn't running in the wall? I didn't realize the TV’s power cord was not rated to run in-wall. Anyway, if I need to redo this could I just not make an extension cord out of some 12ga romex that I have laying around. That would probably cost about $4 instead of $150.

It's not the size of the wire that's the problem; it's the insulation.
The insulation on the cord is not approved for in-wall use, it against the electrical code.
Romex is the way to go for in-wall.

What it comes down to is; insurance companies are looking for any excuse to not pay a claim.
'If' you ever have an electrical fire, and the insurance adjuster saw the extension cord in the wall. (code violation)
They wouldn't pay the claim.

[Omega Supreme]

I guess I understand why an extension cord is not rated for in-wall use because you could have various appliances plugged into it. The extension cord mfg. can't calculate what load people will put on it to say it is safe for in-wall use. I guess that is why that extension cords are against code. But the TV mfg. knows what load the TV will use thus able to create a power cable that will be safe in your wall. Is the TV power cable not rated for in-wall use? I looked at my manual online and it did not have any info. that said that you could not run it in-wall. I know that the wire size is not the issue (unless you’re trying to run a heavy load on an old 18ga. Cord) but the insulation is. But the insulation on the power cord from my TV is 5 times that of romex.

[Clint DeBoer]

Is the TV power cable not rated for in-wall use?

Nope. Gotta use 12/2 power cable in-wall. It's not going to be code no matter how much you want to break the rules... lol.

[Omega Supreme]

I’m not trying to be hard headed here but what does the code say? Is it really unsafe to run the TV power cord, that is only handling the load of the TV and has a lot more insulation than 12/2 power cable, in the wall? It just doesn't make sense to me.

[Rickster71]

I guess I understand why an extension cord is not rated for in-wall use because you could have various appliances plugged into it. The extension cord mfg. can't calculate what load people will put on it to say it is safe for in-wall use. I guess that is why that extension cords are against code. But the TV mfg. knows what load the TV will use thus able to create a power cable that will be safe in your wall. Is the TV power cable not rated for in-wall use? I looked at my manual online and it did not have any info. that said that you could not run it in-wall. I know that the wire size is not the issue (unless you’re trying to run a heavy load on an old 18ga. Cord) but the insulation is. But the insulation on the power cord from my TV is 5 times that of romex.

It has nothing to do with the ampacity of the wire. A receptacle can be overloaded just as easily as a power cord.
It has to do with flame spread. Romex and / or in-wall rated wire won't support combustion, once the ignition source is removed.
Power cords are considered temporary by the NEC (National Electrical Code) and are not rated for in-wall use.

An extension cord does not have more insulation than Romex wire. It's also the 'type' of insulation that counts.

[highfigh]

A couple of questions. Is it really dangerous to run a good quality 12ga. extension cord in and interior wall? I have a 12ga. ext. cord that I use for a air compressor, saws, shop lights (and other shop tools) that never even gets warm. I also have a cheap 14ga (I think) ext. cord that I use for my lawn edger and leaf blower that doesn't get hot or even warm. Wouldn't these pull more current than a TV.? My 50" plasma came with a cord that was about 6' long and I have it running thru the wall (about 4' is in the wall). It has been that way for about 5 years. Should I redo it so it isn't running in the wall? I didn't realize the TV’s power cord was not rated to run in-wall. Anyway, if I need to redo this could I just not make an extension cord out of some 12ga romex that I have laying around. That would probably cost about $4 instead of $150.

It's not only dangerous but it doesn't meet any electrical code. Use Romex and you'll be fine, even if it's installed where an electrician is required for live circuits, as long as one end requires an extension cord to connect it to some power source. Without the extension cord, the circuit is dead.

The extension cord can't be used inside of walls, over a concealed ceiling or below ground.

This also has some filtering (no, I don't want the flame throwing BS to start again).

[highfigh]

Nope. Gotta use 12/2 power cable in-wall. It's not going to be code no matter how much you want to break the rules... lol.

14/2 would be fine if it's a 15A circuit.