Okay to run power cords through a wall?

[Adam]

I'm looking at running cables through an interior wall, from one side to the other (so, what, 6"?). This will be from the side of the wall that my TV is on to the other side where there is a closet. I'd like to place one or two amps in the closet, along with my PS3. Most are low voltage cables (speaker wires, RCA interconnects, and HDMI cable), but I want to run three power cords through there, too.

Is there any reason why I should spend the money (~$50) to get something like this (shown below) versus just running the power cords through the wall? I've read that this might be an issue with insurance because of fire codes, so I'll check into that, but I'm wondering if this actually represents a real risk. To me, it seems perfectly safe to run the power cables through an open cavity between two sheets of drywall. There's no insulation in there, and I could place them inside of conduit. Honestly, I think that it's safer for me versus connecting up and running the Romex. I wanted to ask before doing something stupid, though. I'd be using wall plates, something like what's shown below at the bottom, so it wouldn't be permanent.

Thanks!

 

[ImcLoud]

I would just run the wire bundle plate, the ones I use have a drop away bottom and are very convenient {amazon sells them}...
Your circuit is still protected by the origins breaker so no real danger, although if you have mice or rodents you may want to wrap a couple dryer sheets with the wires to keep them away...

 

[slipperybidness]

I don't see any real risk.

Fire codes / city codes on the other hand will almost certainly tell you not to do it. Of course, it may depend on your location and local codes. It's one of those CYA type situations.

I suppose the real question is, are you comfortable with the "risk"?

 

[slipperybidness]

I would just run the wire bundle plate, the ones I use have a drop away bottom and are very convenient {amazon sells them}...
Your circuit is still protected by the origins breaker so no real danger, although if you have mice or rodents you may want to wrap a couple dryer sheets with the wires to keep them away...

Good suggestion. I would use conduit to be safe. But the point is, rodents love chewing on plastics and insulation.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

No real risk but very likely against code and if you burn down your house and a couple of neighbor's then it going to be on your dime.

I would just spend the money, get an electrician out there and put electrical outlets where you need them.

It doesn't seem like it would cost much but since my brother in law is an electrician, I have never actually paid for any of my work.

 

[adk highlander]

I agree with Greg. Have his brother in law come by. I would ask Rick's opinion as well. Wiring outlets on both ends should not cost you much and you would have inwall rated wiring on both ends. They also make speaker wire, hdmi and rca cables that are CL rated as well. For the few bucks extra it is better to be safe than sorry.

 

[panteragstk]

Running anything with power other than in-wall rated power wire (romex) in the wall is against code and will void your home owner's insurance (IIRC) if a fire were to occur. Even low voltage (speaker wire) that isn't in-wall rated is a no-no. Might be safe as can be, but I wouldn't do it. Codes are different in different areas, but in TX you can't do that legally. The picture you posted is what I used for my projector and it worked great. It's compliant with code since you are not splicing wires.

As others have said, pay an electrician that is licensed and get permits. It will save you hassle if you ever try to sell your house, because an inspector will not pass it if it isn't wired correctly.

 

[macddmac]

At the very least, make sure the power cord is cl-2 (in-wall rated)
Cheers, Mac

 

[Adam]

Sure, sure. Alex tears the s**t out of his wall and runs cables all over, and everyone's like, "cool - aren't you done, yet?" I mention running a cord six inches, and people are like, "dude, hire somebody."

Just kidding! I certainly appreciate all of the advice.

 

[slipperybidness]

Sure, sure. Alex tears the s**t out of his wall and runs cables all over, and everyone's like, "cool - aren't you done, yet?" I mention running a cord six inches, and people are like, "dude, hire somebody."

Just kidding! I certainly appreciate all of the advice.

Yup.

I'm not sure that Alex asked for anybodies opinions either.....like I said, it all depends on what you are comfortable with and what risk you are willing to take.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Sure, sure. Alex tears the s**t out of his wall and runs cables all over, and everyone's like, "cool - aren't you done, yet?" I mention running a cord six inches, and people are like, "dude, hire somebody."

Just kidding! I certainly appreciate all of the advice.

I was trying to "do away" with Alex....

 

[Adam]

I was trying to "do away" with Alex....

I'm thanking you, but only because I've been drinking.

Speaking of which, I certainly won't be cutting any holes in the drywall today...

 

[brianedm]

I was trying to "do away" with Alex....

And I'm thanking you, but only cuz I lol'd.

 

[Hobbit]

Personally, I would just wire up an outlet in the closet using a remodel box and romex. It's not hard to do and you can easily do it to code.

 

[macddmac]

Furthermore, if you have an existing outlet below, I would wire up an outlet to to the tv. It's fairly straight forward and I could give you the details in a pm if you're interested.
Cheers, Mac

 

[Adam]

Thanks, Mac. I appreciate that.

My TV isn't on the wall, so I don't need to run an outlet to it. My system thread shows the current setup. I was just contemplating running cables from the living room to a closet that is on the other side of the wall so that I could acoustically isolate my humming amps and my PS3 from where I sit. I thought about it a couple of weeks ago, blew it off, then got inspired today, and now have partially lost the drive. I did order the double-gang wall brackets, though, so we'll see.

 

[wingnutty1]

I may have a similar set up and appreciate all the good advice

 

[ImcLoud]

If you are worried about code and financial responsibility, you can run a 2" plastic pipe in the wall from one side to the other and run what ever you want in it then put the cable bundle covers over each side, you just have to be inline though the wall... no code problems no insurance or safety issues, get plastic conduit and call it a day...