How to Wire HDTV Wall Plates

One type of wall plate.

An HDTV wall plate is the connection point for all the cables that run to a flat screen TV. In this instance, the flat screen TV is wall mounted. Behind the screen are the various cables that connect the TV in a home theater: HDMI for high definition devices, a computer connection and additional cables for future modifications. The wiring of HDTV plates really defines a type of customization in home theaters. Just follow code regulations, and buy any ready-made plates with modular plugs, or make your own plates to front your in-wall box from the selection available in stores.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Reciprocating saw
• Power drill
• Outlet boxes
• Nonmetallic sheathed electrical cable (such as Romex)
• HDMI cables
• RCA cable
• Component video cable
• VGA/DVI cable
• Wall plate frames
• Wall plate modules

Instructions

Installing the TV Wall Plate

1. Turn off the electrical power for the outlet where you will be working.

2. Locate a stud behind between the mounting brackets for a flat screen TV. Cut an opening for a double wide box adjacent to a stud. Cut another opening with the reciprocating saw for a single box for the power outlet.

3. Cut a 2- to 3-inch wide channel with the reciprocating saw on the other side of the stud to the baseboard to run the cables.

4. Mount the box to the stud in the opening.

5. Run all cables into the box.

6. Use nonmetallic sheathed electrical cable to connect a new outlet behind the flat screen TV. Tap any outlet below the TV.

7. Install the outlet and the outlet box cover.

8. Assemble the various connector modules. There can be as many as seven plugs in a faceplate. There will be at least one for HDMI cable, one for computer cable, perhaps 3 for RCA-ended component RGB cables, and any other cables that may be needed in the future (additional HDMI, analog RCA audio).

9. Connect the various cables to their modules and fit the modules in the faceplate.

10. Attach the assembled module faceplate to the box.

11. Repair and refinish the drywall or plaster cutout sections.

12. Turn the power for the work area back on.

Tips & Warnings

• Outlet boxes at each component location allow for modifications later.

• Completely hidden TV and component wiring requires meticulous work.

References

• hdtvmagazine.com: Using Wall Plate Connectors

Resources

• ramelectronics.net: Modular HDTV Wall Plates