How To Hide TV Power Cord And Cables | Easy Way To Move An Outlet

Summary

In this tutorial, Scott from Everyday Home Repairs demonstrates how to neatly hide the power cable of a wall-mounted smart TV by relocating the electrical outlet behind it. He covers the process without requiring drywall repair or painting, using a Zenith trim puller for minimal damage, a stud finder, and easy guards for safe Romex routing. The video guides viewers through removing trim, cutting drywall, installing an old work electrical box, and connecting wires with Wago 221 lever nuts for a clean finish that maintains the room's aesthetics.

Takeaways

• 📺 The video is a tutorial on how to hide the power cable of a wall-mounted smart TV to achieve a cleaner look.
• 🔩 Scott demonstrates how to move an electrical outlet behind the TV without needing to do any drywall repair or painting.
• 🛠️ The process involves removing the TV from its mount, scoring the trim, and using a Zenith trim puller to minimize wall and trim damage.
• 🔍 A stud finder is used to locate the studs, which helps determine the cutting line for the drywall and the path for the Romex cable.
• ⚡️ An oscillating tool with a wood blade is used to cut the drywall to the desired line, ensuring the cut is hidden by the trim.
• 🔩 The old work electrical box is installed in the new location, ensuring it's level and fits the cut-out perfectly.
• 🔌 The Romex cable is run through the wall cavity to the new outlet location, using 'Easy Guards' for protection around the cable.
• 🛑 Safety is emphasized by ensuring the power is off before working with the electrical components.
• 🔧 The new outlet is wired using Wago 221 lever nuts for secure connections, and a utility knife is used for precise cutting.
• 🏠 The drywall and trim are reinstalled, with attention to detail to ensure a seamless finish.
• 👍 The final result is a clean, professional-looking installation that hides the TV's power cable and provides a better aesthetic.

Q & A

What is the main issue Scott wants to address in this video?

Scott wants to address the issue of a dangling power cable for a smart TV mounted on the wall, and how to hide the power cable by moving an outlet behind the TV without drywall repair or painting.

Why does Scott remove the flat screen TV from the wall at the beginning of the video?

Scott removes the flat screen TV to ensure it doesn't get damaged during the process of moving the outlet and working on the wall.

What tool does Scott use to remove the trim without causing much damage?

Scott uses a Zenith trim puller to remove the trim, which helps minimize damage to both the wall and the trim.

How does Scott determine the cut line for the drywall?

Scott determines the cut line by measuring the height of the trim, which is three and a half inches, and deciding to cut at three and a quarter inches to hide the cut line behind the trim.

What is a 'stud buddy' and how does Scott use it in the video?

A 'stud buddy' is a magnetic stud finder that finds the fasteners holding the drywall to the studs. Scott uses it to locate the studs and plan where to drill through for the Romex cable.

Why does Scott use an oscillating tool with a standard wood blade to cut the drywall?

Scott uses an oscillating tool with a standard wood blade because it's sufficient for cutting drywall. He also uses a grout trowel as a guide to ensure a consistent and accurate cut.

What is the purpose of the 'easy guards' that Scott installs in the holes drilled through the studs?

The 'easy guards' provide 360-degree protection around the Romex cable, preventing it from being punctured by nails or screws when secured behind the drywall.

How does Scott ensure the old work electrical box is installed correctly?

Scott uses a torpedo level to ensure the box is level, traces the outside, and cuts out the drywall piece. He does a dry fit to confirm the box fits before securing it in place.

What type of Romex cable does Scott use and why?

Scott uses 12-2 Romex cable, which is suitable for the project because it contains two conductors and a ground, providing the necessary wiring for the new outlet.

How does Scott address the issue of the outlet being sunken in the wall?

Scott uses spacers on the screws between the junction box and the outlet's yoke to push the outlet out from the wall, ensuring the faceplate sits flush.

What final step does Scott suggest to complete the project?

Scott suggests applying a small bead of caulk at the top of the trim and possibly at the brad nail holes to cover them up and finish the project neatly.