[highwayman_ne]

I am looking to wall mount a tv in a newbuild extension and have a query about hiding cables behind plasterboard (dot and dab).

I am thinking of running 2 x HDMI (DVD & Sky) and 1 x component AV (xbox) using brush plates for enter and exit.

Do brush plates require a back box similar to an electric socket and would you put the cables in trunking or not?

Cheers

[chrisjr]

Yes and yes.

I suppose you could screw the plates to the plaster board but a proper backing box would be better.

Run the cables in trunking to protect them properly. Use a size or two bigger than you think you need because you WILL want to run more cables or rip one out and try again some time in the future. And using trunking does make it a tad easier to do so.

Another trick. While you have the opportunity to get at the cables easily before you plaster it all in, leave a length of string in the trunking with a bit of slack coiled up in the backing boxes each end. If you ever need to run a new cable in you use the string to pull it through. Believe me you will appreciate that if you've ever tried pushing a bit of wire up a length of trunking!

[soulboy77]

Yes the plates do require a back box. You don't need trunking behind the plaster board but it's up to you.

[highwayman_ne]

Cheers!

[Deacon1972]

You have mentioned cables for external equipment, what about the aerial cable for the TV, or are you just going to view TV via Sky?

I have just done a new install and was in two minds whether to install one, decided it was good idea, the next TV will properly have Freeview HD, in addition to that freeview comes in handy sometimes when recording two programmes on Sky.

[ProDave]

Is this a new build you are doing and installing the cables now? or does the wall exist already and you want to thread cables behind it?

If existing, it can be very hard or even impossible to thread cables behind dot and dab. Usually there's only a minimal space between the brickwork and the plasterboard. Add in the usually random nature of the dabs, and it's nigh on impossible to find a straight line to pull a cable through even if there's enough gap. Last time I did one, I had to cut a lot of access holes in the plasterboard to pull it through in short sections, which of course all need replacing and filling again.

If this is a new build under construction then firstly don't use dot and dab, batten the wall with at least 25mm by 50mm battens and fix the plasterboard to that, much more room for cables.

If you must dot and dab, then chase out the wall first and install some trunking to feed your cables through.

Don't forget power. A double 13A socket hidden behind the tv as a minimum.

[highwayman_ne]

[quote=Deacon1972;55965213]You have mentioned cables for external equipment, what about the aerial cable for the TV, or are you just going to view TV via Sky?
QUOTE]

I am not bothering with a TV aerial as it is a 2nd tv and both TVs will have sky+ (the main tv has an aerial). The tv will be mounted on an external wall so if I ever change my mind I could run a cable from the roof aerial into the lower brush plate - this is what I intend doing with the Sky feed.

[highwayman_ne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProDave

If this is a new build under construction then firstly don't use dot and dab, batten the wall with at least 25mm by 50mm battens and fix the plasterboard to that, much more room for cables.

If you must dot and dab, then chase out the wall first and install some trunking to feed your cables through.

Don't forget power. A double 13A socket hidden behind the tv as a minimum.

It's a newbuild - a conservatory with one solid brick wall.

Getting my own electrician but I am intending doing the tv cables myself. I am having a hidden socket installed behind the tv but was only going for a single as I can't think of any other equipment which would be plugged in at that height (obviously getting normal height sockets underneath for Sky / DVD / Xbox)

I hadn't though of using battens - I will give it some consideration though would probably only do it on the tv wall and dot and dab the rest.

Does anyone have any tips on where to position the brush plates around a tv bracket? I dont have the bracket or tv yet (the conservatory is in the early stages of being built but I like to be prepared) but would think I would go for something like this http://http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duron...=1LZ6XE8GI4M5D
Would you go for the bottom edge or inside the centre of the frame?

Cheers

[ProDave]

So it's a new build, still being built.

Positioning of things behind the tv is critical, particularly if you have chosen an ultra slim tv and ultra slim bracket for it. You need to look at the tv, fixed to the bracket, and work out where there is enough depth for a 13A socket with a plug plugged into it, mark out on the wall the outline of the tv and then mark on where the 13A socket will fit. Then get the electrician to fit it.

A double socket costs only about 50p more than a single and is a good insurance if you want something else plugged in.

[grahamlthompson]

What about network cable there isn't much these days that doesnt have a lan connector.

[spiney2]

..... covered in uk law by IEE wiring regulations. Check them, before starting!

[Boselecta]

ASDA do a 3m TV mains cable (about £6ish if my memory serves me right) - has the standard "kettle" plug that most AV uses today. Possibly useful if you don't wanna put a mains socket up there.
Generally, do allow for room in your trunking for more than just a couple of HDMIs.... networking, mains, optical out, USB for camera(s).

[Nigel Goodwin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boselecta

ASDA do a 3m TV mains cable (about £6ish if my memory serves me right) - has the standard "kettle" plug that most AV uses today. Possibly useful if you don't wanna put a mains socket up there.

Put a socket up there! - even assuming the TV uses such an IEC socket (many don't now), the next one probably won't.

For the OP - get the TV and bracket NOW - fit the bracket on the TV so you get determine exactly where the mounting points on the wall need to be, and where the socket and outlets need to be.

Fit battens on the wall where the brackets need to go, then it's a simply wood screw job to mount it

I fit a LOT of TV's on walls - and almost invariably you get there to find sockets fitted in exactly the wrong place - compromising where the TV can go.

[chrisjr]

One other thing to check when you get the TV and bracket is to see where the wall frame is relative to the socketry on the back of the TV. I've used similar brackets to the one you linked to and if you just bang the frame up on the wall without checking you can bet your life that when you hang the telly on the frame you end up covering half the sockets on the back!

So worth laying the telly down and checking where the various bits of the bracket need to be to clear the sockets. And that will also indicate where the top brush plate needs to be relative to the wall frame.

[highwayman_ne]

Thanks for everyone's advice.

Looks like I'd better get on with the tv shopping

[ProDave]

If you really can't wait, then speak to the electrician, explain you don't know the exact location of the socket behind the tv and it will be determined a bit later.

He should be able to first fix the cable, and leave a longer bit of cable for that socket, and not fit the back box.

That way you wouldn't need to finalise the position of the tv socket until the electrician comes back to second fix. That will buy you a little more time to get organised.