How To Hang a Flat-Panel TV With Concealed Wiring

*Cost information in this article sourced from Angi.

Mounting a flat-panel TV on the wall can transform your living space, creating a sleek and modern look while freeing up valuable floor space. However, visible wires can detract from the clean aesthetic you’re aiming for.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of hanging a flat-panel TV with concealed wiring. This Old House electrician, Scott Caron, demonstrates the installation process, showcasing how to achieve a seamless look with hidden cables and wires.

Preparing for Flat-Panel TV Installation

Before you begin the installation, you’ll need the right tools and prep.

Tools and Materials Needed

To successfully hang your flat-panel TV with concealed wiring, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Audio-visual cables
• Drill/driver
• Fish tape
• Hammer
• Infrared (IR) repeater and emitter
• Low-voltage ring
• Needle-nose pliers
• Nonmetallic electrical cable
• Recessed electrical outlet
• Screwdriver
• TV wall-mounting bracket
• Utility knife
• Wire stripper

Choosing the Right Location

Selecting the best spot for your TV affects the aesthetics and functionality of your room. Consider these factors when deciding where to mount your flat-panel TV:

• Glare reduction: Avoid placing the TV opposite windows or bright light sources.
• Room layout: Ensure the TV is visible from all desired seating areas.
• Viewing angle: The TV should be mounted at a comfortable eye level when seated.
• Wall structure: Choose a wall with adequate support, preferably with studs for secure mounting.

Installing the Electrical Components for the Flat Panel TV

Proper electrical installation is crucial for both safety and function when hanging your flat-panel TV.

Adding a Recessed Electrical Outlet

To create a seamless look, you’ll need to install a recessed electrical outlet above your existing outlet. Here’s how:

1. Hold an old-work electrical box against the wall directly above the existing outlet.
2. Trace the outline of the box onto the wall.
3. Use a utility knife or drywall saw to cut a hole through the drywall.
4. Turn off the electrical power to the wall outlet.
5. Remove the cover plate from the existing outlet and unscrew it from the box.
6. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the tab from the upper corner of the existing outlet box.
7. Push a length of nonmetallic electrical cable into the outlet box and up the wall to the newly cut hole.
8. Connect one end of the cable to the recessed electrical outlet and the other end to the existing outlet.

Installing a Low-Voltage Ring

For your audio-visual cables, you’ll need to install a low-voltage ring. We recommend taking these steps:

1. Cut a hole for the low-voltage ring near the recessed electrical outlet.
2. Install the low-voltage ring in the hole.
3. Use fish tape to pull audio-visual cables up from the basement through the low-voltage ring.
4. Pull the ends of the audio-visual cables through a cover plate, then screw the plate to the low-voltage ring.

Mounting the TV and Concealing Wires

With the electrical components in place, you can now focus on mounting the TV and hiding all visible wires.

Attaching the Wall-Mounting Bracket

To properly install your TV’s mounting bracket, follow these steps:

1. Locate the wall studs using a stud finder.
2. Mark the position for the wall-mounting bracket, ensuring it’s level.
3. Drill pilot holes into the studs.
4. Secure the wall-mounting bracket to the wall using lag screws.

Connecting and Concealing Cables

To achieve a clean look, you’ll need to manage and conceal all cables properly:

1. Connect the power cable to the recessed electrical outlet.
2. Run audio-visual cables through the low-voltage ring.
3. Use cable ties or cable management solutions to neatly bundle wires behind the TV.
4. If necessary, use cord covers or in-wall cable management systems for any remaining visible wires.

Hanging the TV

With all preparations complete, you can now hang your TV:

1. Attach the mounting plate to the back of the TV using the provided screws.
2. Carefully lift the TV and hook it onto the wall-mounting bracket.
3. Secure any safety locks or screws on the mounting system.
4. Connect all necessary cables to the TV.

Setting Up Additional Components

To complete your home entertainment system, you may need to set up additional components so everything works seamlessly together.

Installing Surround Sound Speakers

Enhancing your audio experience can elevate your entire home entertainment system. If you’re adding surround sound, follow these steps:

1. Choose the locations for your speakers based on the room layout. Typically, front speakers sit on either side of the TV, while rear speakers sit behind the main seating area.
2. Run speaker wire through the walls to each speaker location. To keep everything concealed, you may need to drill holes and use wire fishing techniques.
3. Install speaker mounts or stands as needed. Ensure they are secure and positioned at the right height for optimal sound experience.
4. Connect the speakers to your audio receiver or soundbar. Double-check and test your electronic connections to ensure clear and consistent sound quality.

Hiding Cable Boxes and Other Devices

A clean, wire-free look extends beyond just the TV. It includes hiding all devices connected to your home entertainment system:

1. Choose a nearby cabinet or shelf to house your cable box, DVD/Blu-ray player, or gaming consoles. Ensure the location is accessible yet discreet. In the video, Caron installs an older DVD player, but you can install modern streaming devices and consoles in much the same manner.
2. Run necessary cables from the TV location to the device location. Use wire management solutions such as adhesive cable clips or cable raceways to keep them organized.
3. Use an infrared (IR) repeater system to control devices that are out of sight. This setup lets you use your remote control without having a direct line of sight to the devices. Keep in mind that depending on the device, this step may not be necessary—older devices require IR repeaters, but most modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices do not. 

Troubleshooting Common Flat-Panel TV Issues

Even with careful planning and installation, you may encounter some challenges. Here are solutions to common problems:

• Overheating devices: Devices can overheat if enclosed without proper ventilation. To ensure adequate airflow around your devices, leave space or use cooling fans.
• Poor signal strength: If you experience weak cable or internet signals, consider installing a signal amplifier to boost the strength and ensure clear reception.
• Remote control issues: Double-check the placement and connections of your IR repeater system. The receiver should be in a location that effectively captures the remote’s signal.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

Safety is paramount when dealing with electrical installations and mounting heavy objects. When working with electrical outlets, always shut off the power at the circuit breaker before you begin tinkering.

Use a stud finder to prevent your TV from coming out of the wall—an issue that can cause injury to you or others at worst and damage your TV at best. It’s critically important that you mount to a wall stud that is capable of supporting its weight in perpetuity.

Lastly, we strongly advise you to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions when mounting TVs and any other heavy electronic equipment to avoid accidents.

Enhancing Your Setup

After successfully mounting your flat-panel TV and hiding wires, consider additional enhancements for a superior viewing experience:

• Ambient lighting: Add LED lighting strips behind the TV to create a cozy ambiance and reduce eye strain.
• Cable management: Invest in high-quality cable sleeves or raceways to keep cords organized and hidden.
• Smart home integration: Connect your TV and other devices to a smart home system for seamless control from a single interface.

Our Conclusion

Hanging a flat-panel TV with concealed wiring is a rewarding project that can significantly enhance your living space. With the right tools, careful planning, and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking installation that keeps all wires and cables hidden from view.

Remember to prioritize safety and consult a professional if you’re unsure about performing any electrical work.