Here are the 4 Best Ways To Run HDMI Cable Through Wall. I didn’t even realize that this was a hot topic until the Christmas season. Several family members purchased new flat-screen televisions and were looking for the best way to achieve the “clean appearance” that a wall-mount display with no cables visible.
Because the majority of us with new flat screens do not have homes built recently to be able to run the TV’s electricity, HDMI, RCA, and other cables on the wall.
They are tools you can use to stay ahead of the game:
- Wire Fish Tape (or: Fish Tape, Wire Snake, Wall Snake, whatever you want to call these times).
- Drywall Hand Saw
- Sharpie Marker
- Electrical Tape
Let’s discuss the equipment you’ll require:
- Two (2) Wall Plates
- Two (2) Existing Construction Gang Boxes
- Cables [in my instance: two 15-feet. HDMI (1 for DirecTV another for HTPC), One RCA cable (goes from the TV to a surround-sound receiver), and One television power cable (of course, it is included along with the television).
Contents
What is a cable running?
Cable running refers to the process of installing cables throughout a building. These cables often contain electrical wiring, Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, and telephone wiring. Cable running is a tricky process that requires a lot of care. Whether in a building’s walls or inside a wall, you’ll want to be sure that your cables are installed safely and efficiently so that your building stays safe and functional.
Cable running can be done in various ways, from running wires directly in the walls to installing a drop ceiling and running wires above. No matter your method, you’ll need to be careful to avoid damaging the cables and wiring and causing sparks and other hazards.
What does it take to run cable through your walls?
The amount of preparation you do will depend greatly on your original intention and your strategy for the task.
When you’ve cables scattered throughout the house to keep on, or you’re looking to change the HDMI wiring in multiple rooms, you might require an appointment with a technician before you begin. To complete this project, you’ll also require the blueprints of your home and the wiring of walls.
It is not a good idea to disconnect the power or A/C cables that run through your walls before you begin drilling. It’s helpful when you know which studs are on the walls.
For instance, if you need to conceal the HDMI cable from your television in your living space, you can prepare to work more quickly. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make things to do, such as finding the power cables and studs on the wall you’ll put in the cable.
The purchase of the right materials and having the proper tools in your arsenal are key elements of each job. Always keep a few extra tools ready if an unexpected issue occurs.
If you are running cables through your walls, you’ll want to make sure you have the following tools on hand: Utility knife, Electrical tape, Stud finder, Hammer, Cable ripper, Fish tape, Cable jointer, Cable stapler, Measuring tape, Scissors, Power drill.
How To Run Cable Through Your Walls
1. Find the path for your cables
Once you’ve determined the path your cables will take, you’ll need to choose the best way to make that happen. Depending on the layout of your house, you may be able to run your cables along the surface of your walls. However, if your walls are too thin or you have too much distance to cover, you may need to run your cables through the wall. If you are running the cables through the wall, there are a few things you’ll want to consider first:
- Determine the best way to cut holes in your walls.
- Mark the path for your cables.
- Protect your cables while running them through the wall.
2. Finding and marking the studs on your wall
Now that you know the best route for your cables, you’ll need to find their path through your walls. First, start by finding the studs on your wall. For the best results, use an electronic stud finder to locate the drywall studs. Electronic stud finders use electromagnetic fields to detect the presence of metal. Since nails and screws create tiny sparks when hammered into drywall, stud finders are designed to see these little sparks.
Make sure you hold the stud finder vertically against the wall, about 3-4 inches from the surface. If you put the device too close, you’ll get false positives. You won’t get an accurate reading if you put it too far away. Make sure you hold the stud finder in place for at least two seconds to get a precise reading. Once you’ve found the studs on your wall, mark their location. You can do this with a simple piece of tape or a small amount of painter’s tape.
3. Installing hangers for the cables, you’ll be running
Before you start running cables through your walls, you’ll want to make sure you have the appropriate hangers installed on your walls. Fortunately, installing hangers for your lines is a relatively straightforward job. If you run cables through drywall, you’ll need to install T-shaped hangers. First, mark the location where you’ll be installing your hangers. Make sure you leave ample room between each hanger, as well as between each hanger and the studs on your wall. Next, use a hammer to drive a nail through the wall.
Ensure to stick the pin out enough so you can hammer in your T-shaped hanger. When beating in the hanger, make sure you leave the prongs of the hanger facing out towards you. You can then use a flathead screwdriver to tighten the screw at the top of the hanger.
4. Installing your cables
Once you’ve installed the hangers in your walls, you’re ready to run your cables through the walls. Make sure you start with a line that’s the least important, such as speaker wire. You’ll want to make sure you don’t damage your more important cables in the process. You may need fish tape to pull your threads through the wall.
A fish tape is a long, flexible metal piece with a hook at the end. Make sure you’re wearing appropriate gloves and eye protection before you start fishing. Start by passing the turn of the fish tape through the hanger nearest to the wall you’ll be installing your cables. Once the hook has passed through the hanger, thread the line through the clip.
How To Run HDMI Wires Through Walls
If you already have a wall-mounted TV, things might be a little easier for you. You will be able to run the cable behind the wall and then out again behind the TV. When you are running HDMI cable through a wall, the first thing you need to do is select the best location for the cable terminations. This is where you will be plugging the cable into the devices. It’s a good idea to leave a little bit of extra cable length so that you can cut it to the perfect length after everything is installed. If you’re using wall-mounted TVs, you will have a little more freedom with where to place them, because you will have easy access to the back of the TV.
However, if you are installing freestanding TVs, you will need to plan the placement of the terminations based on where the cables can enter and exit the wall. When you are running an HDMI cable through a wall there are 4 ways to do it.
1. Using a fishing cable
A fishing cable is the best option if you don’t have any existing cabling inside the wall. Fishing cable is a method of running cable through a wall without any additional equipment inside the wall. A fishing cable is a single length of cable with one end already connected. You feed the other end through the wall and then connect it to the devices on the other side. When you are running an HDMI cable through a wall with a fishing cable, the first thing you need to do is prepare the cable. Run the cable on the outside of the wall where you will be feeding it.
Leave enough cable to reach the termination points and then some extra to account for any mistakes and cutting to the right length. After you have fed the cable through the wall, you will need to connect it to the devices. There are two popular methods for doing this. The first is to use a wall plate, which is a small box with a hole in it that allows you to feed the cable through it. The second option is to use a coupler, which is a device that allows you to join the two ends of the cable together.
2. Using an HDMI Extension Cable
An HDMI extension cable can be used when you don’t have enough cable to run from the devices to the wall. However, you should only use this as a last resort because it will degrade the quality of your signal. Regardless of which method you use, make sure that you are using a high-quality cable. Cheap cables are not only a fire hazard, but they can also damage the devices you are trying to connect. The best cables have special markings on them so that you can tell that they are certified for in-wall installation.
3. Using a wall plate
Wall plates are a good option if the wall you are running the cable through already has existing cabling and equipment installed. Using a wall plate will allow you to run the HDMI cable inside the wall alongside the existing cabling. Wall plates come in two forms – one that is designed to be mounted inside the wall and one that can be mounted outside the wall.
The difference is that the inside wall plate will have a larger hole on the outside side so that you can feed the cable through. The inside wall plate has a smaller hole so that the cable is completely inside the wall, which also helps protect it from damage if there is any other equipment in the wall.
4. Wrapping the cable
If you have run the cable through a wall using one of the above methods but you think that it is not as secure as it could be, you can also wrap the cable in a special covering. This can be used to secure the cable inside the wall and protect it from damage. You can buy premade cable wraps that fit with most types of cabling. Or, you can make your own by wrapping the cable with electrical tape or a special cover made of aluminum foil. The latter two options are more suitable if you are working with an existing wall and you don’t want to cut the wall open.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Run An HDMI Cable Through The Wall?
One method in which you can extend HDMI is to use Ethernet cables. The same Ethernet Cat5 5, 5e, 6, and Cat7 cables that link devices and routers to the internet or home office network also allow for the transfer of video and audio signals utilized to power a theater in your home system.
Can I Run HDMI Cable Behind Wall?
These steps finish the job of concealing wires within walls.
- Install the TV on those wall brackets. The TV should fill the hole at the entry point.
- Slightly place the wires in the lower hole for exit to hide the wires.
- Connect the TV cable through the lower exit hole to the power source.
- Connect additional cables as required.
Why Do I Need To Run Cable Through My Walls?
Following the steps outlined above, you’ll have everything you need to know about running cables through walls. You’ll be able to install new smart devices in any room of your house while keeping your lines out of sight. Running cables through walls is essential to installing new devices in your home. You can either install your threads in the walls or along the surface of your walls, but either way, you’ll need to run your cables through the barriers to install new devices.
What is the corded cable?
A corded cable is a type of cable that uses a cord to connect one device to another. These cables often use telephone wires, but you can also use them for audio, video, and data. Corded cables are most commonly used for landline telephones because they provide a reliable connection, even when the power goes out. Although most people are accustomed to corded phones, cordless phones are more common today. Cordless phones are similar to corded phones but operate on a different frequency — usually in the 2.4GHz or 5GHz range.
What is speaker wire?
A Speaker wire is designed to carry an audio signal to speakers. Speaker wire comes in a few different types and gauges. The most common types of speaker wire are bare copper, alloy, and twisted pair. A bare copper speaker wire is a single wire insulated in rubber or vinyl. Alloy speaker wire is similar but includes a layer of copper or silver to enhance sound quality. A twisted pair of speaker wires are two wires twisted together.
Final Verdict: Best Way To Run HDMI Cable Through Wall
We must ensure that your home is comfortable and warm for our children and us. Hiding the cable behind the walls is among the most fundamental things we can work on.
Naturally, difficulties will occur, even in the most basic of circumstances. But, with more patience, persistence, and assistance, anyone can overcome the situation. If anyone does not have these attributes, Professional assistance is always at hand.
