These sets go above the fireplace, on blank walls, etc. I know Larry would just pull out his romex and lineman's cutters and get busy...but how do you handle the power cord?

Sometimes there is an outlet below the set, so you COULD run the cord inside the wall and come out next to the outlet, but I don't think that power cord meets electrical codes inside the wall.

Other than hiring an electrician, how do you guys handle it?

=Tom

I use the new FUJUYama wireless panels. 12v gel cell.


Sorry about that. There is a recessed single outlet made for wall mounted clocks that fits into a 1G box. Usually there is enough room for the cord behind the mount, but may not be enough for the plug. I would say loop the wire in the wall to be pulled later into a retro box with the recessed outlet. The outlet will be in the right place if they change their mind on the plasma brand too.

Another good trick is to get a heavy duty extension cord with a flat head if your plasma is hitting the one supplied by the manufacturer,

That covers retrofitting an outlet behind the panel - are there any other tricks?

We always use the clock recepticles as described above. The Pioneer displays come with a HUGE plug that won't even fit with the clock outlet, so we replace the cord with a smaller ended one. I believe it is so big because is has a noise filter built into it. The person I spoke with @ Pioneer said that he didn't think it would be an issue replacing the plug, and we haven't had any problems to date.

We use a heavy guage 3 foot angle extension that you can get at any hardware store. There is always room behind the plasma to hide it.

If I were installing a plasma of my own, I'd place a recess behind the panel, kinda like the popular washing-machine niche, where a power receptacle and whichever other cables I wanted, RGB, Component, S-vid, Composite, maybe CAT-5e, FireWire, RS-232, etc.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

This works like a charm.
Use a Leviton clock outlet, and a 36" appliance cord.
Plug the appliance cord into the clock outlet, and let it hang. As you hold the plasma up to the wall to make the video connections, plug the plasma power cord into the small extention. Once the display is hung, tie wrap the cords up in place.

We have always used extension cords from Monster Cable. All but 2 of the plasmas have been over fire places and you always seem to have the cabinets right there. This elimiates the need for a licensed electrician and most importantly allows for surge protection with line conditioning.
If I'm doing a prewire and the screen is too far from the gear I'll have the electrician wire (12/2) for an outlet behind the screen (standard outlet) and homerun it to the gear so that it is protected by the surge protector with line conditioning. It's cheaper than another good surge protector and has always worked well. I do the same thing with the subs when it makes sense.
CMack

CMack,
Can you give me a monster part number?

Are you then running the power cord inside the wall (does that meet electrical code?) or are you talking about running a Monster power strip somewhere nearby?

Since we're talking about hiding the cord, please add a little detail.

Thanks!
=Tom

Tom
Part # is MP PLX-12; 12' high current extension cord.
As for code, I'm not sure if it is against code or not. When it comes down to it, if you are careful and use common sense I don't think there is a risk of fire at all. In fact I don't think it even takes much common sense.
I've opened up many fireplaces and seen a plastic Sunkist bottle sitting on top of the fireplace enclosure with no heat damage. Granted, they have all been newer type fireplaces so as I understand it, they are designed in a way so that the housing and flu literally conduct no heat. There is a pipe inside the flu that carries the heat out of the house and an outer pipe that is designed to keep it cool. An installer explained the design to me in more detail but I can't remember the details. I just know it's safe.
As for details on the install, I first mount the plasma and make sure everything is perfect, locate where I'll penetrate so that the wires are hidden the best, then remove the plasma and start fishin. I just plug the PLasma cord into the extension and tape the two together very, very good and then a little overkill. Tape either end to the fishtape that was previously fished to the neighboring cabinet and reel er in. Also be sure and tape on all your necessary video cables and a spare cat5 just in case you need it if not already. I've never had a problem!! Then mount the plasma and make your connections using a mirror, unless you are too close to the mantle then you have to make the connections first. Believe it or not I've hung a 50" plasma by myself. I promise you it wasn't easy, but I simply had to get it done, and I did.
I've done a couple on brick fireplaces and it's pretty much the same except it's more time consuming getting it perfectly level.
Hope this was helpful,
CMack

I'm sort of looking to recap here. For new installations and remodels it's pretty easy to get the electrician to put a clock style outlet in. But I just got a call from the local retailer who would like me to do their plasma installs after they sell them.

I'm not a licensed electrician, although I've done enough to know what's code and definitely what's safe. I wouldn't be willing to take the liability on myself by installing the outlet.

In my position, if you are not an electrician, do you call one in to set the outlet, or do you have the homeowner take care of it?

Thanks for all the input.
=Tom

Let me clear this up: it is not legal to have flexible cord inside walls, even a straight-through-to-the-other-side penetration. You would be better off shortening the plasma's cord using solder and heat-shrink tube. If you stagger the individual conductor splices by an inch or so, and then solder and insulate, and then one over-all larger tube, there should be no risk of short.

larry
www.fineelectricco.com

hey Tom,
I'm knda in the same situation and I've come up with two choices:
1. Find an electrician that will do all my electrical work.
2. Tell the homeowner it is their responsability to have an outlet where the TV will be going.

Haven't came up with an answer yet so hopefully we will get one.
I'm gunna post this question over at PSI and see what they say..