We understand that installing an electrical outlet for your wall mount TV may seem difficult. Not just this, hiring an expert only adds to the cost.
However, you can always do it yourself and it doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow the right steps.
So, for your assistance, we have compiled this detailed guide on how to install your electrical outlet for your wall mount TV.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make the process quick and easy for you.
Quick Summary
In this complete guide, we have included everything you need to know to safely install an electrical outlet for your TV wall mount.
We have also added:
- A complete checklist for the tools you will need
- A complete checklist for the type of hardware you will need
- Safety tips, guide, and professional advice
- A step-by-step guide on how to install your electrical outlet for your wall mount TV
- An extensive FAQ section
Things You Will Need to Install An Outlet for Your Wall Mount TV
Before we dive straight into how to install an electrical outlet, let’s take a quick look at the tools and materials you will need.
Checklist of Tools You Will Need:
- A circuit tester
- Drywall jab saw
- Voltage Tester
- Stud finder
- Wire stripping tool
- Utility knife
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Cable Ripper
- Needle Nose Plier
Checklist of Hardware You Will Need:
- An outlet cover plate
- Wire connectors
- A duplex outlet
- An old workbook
- 14-2 or 12-2 cables. These should be non-metallic and plastic-sheathed
Always remember to wear adequate safety gear to avoid any sort of accident.
How to Install An Electrical Outlet for Your Wall Mount TV - Step-by-step Guide
Before we explain the procedure, you should know that this process is viable for different types of electrical outlets.
1. Safety First
The very first thing you need to do is to make sure that there is power and the electrical wiring is free of any static charge.
To make sure of it, turn the switch on the existing outlet and then switch off the wall outlet power from the main electrical box.
How can I double-check that there is no power?
Insert any electrical switch inside the power outlet. If it doesn’t power up, it means there is no current.
The best to check is by using a mobile phone charger because it works even on low voltage and has a low risk of short-circuiting.
2. Remove the Existing Box
If you are installing a new outlet, it is highly likely that you already have an existing electrical outlet.
So what you need to do is take your needle nose pliers and try to carefully remove the front jacket of the outlet location.
Can I use any other tool?
Anything sharp can work but in most cases, the wall outlet will have a pair of screws that you can simply remove with a screwdriver.
After you remove the plastic jacket, carefully pull it forward so you don’t pull on the wires.
3. Remove the Wires
The next step is to carefully remove the electrical wires from the existing outlet. You can do it in two ways.
First, you can remove the screws from the outlet box and remove the electrical wiring. This is preferred if you don’t have pliers to cut the ends of existing wires.
Second, just simply cut the bare wires and install them with new copper ends.
Which method should I use?
If your existing outlet has not been touched in quite some time, it is better to use the second method.
Copper wires can develop particles if they are not covered properly. This ultimately hinders the passage of voltage and can cause short circuits.
4. Prepare the Electrical Wiring
If you choose any of the aforementioned methods, you need to clean your electrical wiring first. This only includes the bare wire ends.
You will notice that there are three different wires inside your wall outlet. Each of these wires is essential and serve a different purpose
What do different wire colors represent?
The black wire is the load/hot wire. The red wire is your key to 3/4-way switches. The green wire (bare copper) is your ground wire.
Apart from the black wires, you might find white wires. This new wire is a neutral wire. It is preferred to not mess around with it.
If you use wire strippers. Make sure that you remove at least 4 inches of the new wires.
5. Connect your Electrical Box
Now take your new outlet box and carefully place it on the new outlet location. If it fits correctly, you can connect the electrical wiring.
To do so, you need to loosen up the screws behind the new outlet. Each screw will have a color mark on it.
What do these screw colors represent?
The green grounding screw is for ground wires. The black screw is for load wires and the red screw is for the type of switch you are using.
Once you insert wires in their respect socket, make a hook shape and tighten the screws.
Do not tighten the screws too much. It can break the ends of your electrical wiring. Keep turning the screw until you have to apply extra force.
6. Attach the New Outlet
The next step is to simply attach the outlet to the same wall. When you purchase an outlet for a wall, you might notice two things.
The electrical outlets can either be mounted using screws or with a little hook. It is better to get an outlet for a wall with screws because it is easier to remove.
How to make sure my new outlets are in place?
If you are using a wall-mounted outlet with hooks, you can just give it a little push to check if it shows any movement.
If it doesn’t move, your existing outlet is placed correctly.
Why You Should Change Your Own Socket ?
It is quite important to know how light switches work for your wall-mounted TV. You never know when you will need a quick fix without any professional help around you.
However, you should learn and practice your skills first. If you try to do it blindly, you will only damage your own wall-mounted TV.
How do I learn about outlets and wire management?
There are numerous tutorials you can find on YouTube that explain everything in detail. These tutorials will help you with socket types and the purpose of each wire behind the outlet box.
Important Tips to Keep in Mind
Following are some things you should always keep in mind when working with electrical wiring.
- Always wear shock-resistant gloves to keep yourself safe from any electrical surge. It is also preferred by professionals to wear insulated footgear.
- Before you work on any sort of electrical wiring, notify your local building department.
- Keep your voltage tester with you at all times when working on electrical wiring. Your existing outlet might have some static current and your voltage tester can detect it.
- Never turn the power source on until you have correctly followed every step to place your outlets.
- Never insert your HDMI cables through the wall-mounted outlets. They are not designed for such purposes.
- Always read the new box of your outlets. Use the same stud for your outlet that comes with the box.
- If you are using a new TV, make sure to read the power requirements for it. The requirements for your new TV might not fit the socket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install an electric outlet for my mounted TV?
Well, the short answer is, yes. However, it will require a lot of skill and precautionary measures that you will have to take into consideration.
If you have basic knowledge about your house’s wiring, and general knowledge about electrical work, you could be able to do it yourself.
Do I need an electrician to install an outlet behind my TV?
If you’re absolutely confident that you can do it yourself, then you might be able to. However, it’s best to get an electrical outlet installed by a licensed electrician near me.
An electrician can help you understand the requirements of the project and install the outlet according to the code.
How much will it cost to install an outlet behind my TV?
If you don’t already have an outlet for your television, a new one will cost you anywhere between $120 to $200.
Ensure that you have an electrical outlet near your TV otherwise, it could cost you an additional amount.
How do I hide the wires of my mounted TV?
There are a number of options you could choose from. Here is a list you can choose from:
- Install an electrical outlet behind your TV so all your wires are hidden behind the television.
- Use cord zips to hide the wires behind the TV stand.
- Use a cable management box to hide all the wires.
- You can use a fabric cord concealer to hide the wires.
- Use a wall cord raceway kit to conceal all your wires.
Conclusion
With this, we come to the finish line of our guide on the installation of a new electrical outlet.
You can use this step-by-step explanation to change almost every outlet box in your house. However, you need to follow the safety steps to keep yourself and your appliances safe from any damage.
We hope this article proves to be informational for you.
Do let us know which type of socket you prefer for wall-mounted TVs.
Adam F.
A/V and Home Theater Expert that focuses on providing clear as well as concise reviews for anything and everything Audio Visual. From TV's, TV Mounts, Soundbars, and Wiring, my focus is to provide expertise in everything Audio Visual focused.
