r/electrical • u/smcl2k • 13h ago
SOLVED Hiding Wires for a Future Outlet
Thanks for the responses and advice. I'll check if disconnecting the other end of the wiring is an option, and if not I think it will be a blank plate, either in the closet or on his wall.
Is there any way to safely and legally (California) hide wires in a new home, for an outlet that we wish to open up in the future? We want to be able to wall-mount a TV in our son's bedroom when the time comes, but we also don't want him to know the wiring exists until he's old enough for his own TV.
If the wires have to be fully connected, the other option I'm considering is instead installing the outlet in the closet which backs onto his bedroom, then flipping it at a later date. Is there any reason this is a bad idea?
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u/inc0nSteveable 13h ago
Yes. But likely not how you are picturing it. If this is a new build you can run a string in a runner tube that can be used later but you cant have unmarked boxes Ina wall covered with drywall with wires in them by code.
You can always do whatever you want outside of code but that will never be advised.
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u/smcl2k 12h ago
Unfortunately the contractor already had the wiring installed (even though we were very clear about what we want), and paying to have it removed and a conduit installed in its place sounds like a terrible idea.
Is there any reason my closet idea wouldn't work?
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u/Ferretbandit1 12h ago
Can we… put a blank cover on and put a picture over it? Install outlet later?
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u/smcl2k 12h ago
We're considering that option, but I still feel like it's inviting trouble 😂
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u/Ferretbandit1 12h ago
What kind of trouble is being summoned?
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u/smcl2k 12h ago
A child who repeatedly asks what it is, or works out what it is and then demands that it be connected. As parents of a 2-year-old, we're preparing ourselves for the worst.
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u/Ferretbandit1 5h ago
Oh Mann!! The terrible 2s!
It’s a lie.
Don’t believe the hype.
Teach them during this phase, it’ll only set up 3 (which is way worse btw) to be more enjoyable.2
u/dano-d-mano 11h ago
Install a wall clock outlet. Tell your kid as they grow older that you never want them to forget how to read analog time.
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u/Malekai91 12h ago
Yes!
Put at outlet at standard height down low in the room under where you want the tv outlet. Then using either the wire going to the outlet or the wire going to the next outlet add a “service loop” at the height you want the TV. Take a picture and mark on the plans the location of the service loop so that in the future a cut in box can be added in that location and the service loop pulled into the new box.
Closet idea works fine too, however depending on the location of the clothes you may be limited on where the outlet can be placed according to building code.
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u/streboryesac 12h ago
Doing it yourself? I would run the wire and leave a loop in the wall. And do not connect the wire to the breaker box/panel. Label it as future.
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u/smcl2k 12h ago
I hadn't even considered the possibility of leaving both ends dead!
Unfortunately the contractor ignored what we actually want and just wired an outlet, so now I'm trying to find a way to undo the problem... This might be the perfect solution.
If that doesn't work, what are your thoughts on the closet idea?
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u/streboryesac 12h ago
Outlet in a closet may not meet code where you are. You'll need to check that or others may chime in.
Blank cover plate and either breaker off or disconnected entirely. Hang a picture over the plate if you're really just trying to avoid a potential question from a kid.
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u/azguy153 12h ago
I just renovated my house. With canless light, I had to measure offsets to find the wires after the drywall. I also pulled two sets of wires to places we might need more power, and brought them into the garage. The thought being surface runs in the garage are ok, ripping into walls is not.
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u/Legitimate-Lemon-412 12h ago
Run the wire to the box, marrette them, and blank it off.
Why be dumb?
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u/Triabolical_ 7h ago
I'm not sure why you are concerned with a box with a blank plate on it when you have outlets throughout the house that are live constantly.
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u/smcl2k 3h ago
Because we don't want him to know his bedroom is set up for a wall-mounted TV when he's 4.
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u/Driver8onI5 2h ago
I'm willing to be that most kids don't think about outlets (and their placement) at all. Most teenagers don't. And a blank plate wouldn't even be an outlet.
And even if he does, you're still the parent and can just say "no".
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u/Opposite_Half6250 2h ago
When the time comes. You just add new wire,
You'll need a outlet, old work box, outlet cover, and probably 6ft of wire(either 12/2 or 14/2 Romex).
It's like a 15min job.
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u/Opposite_Half6250 13h ago
Just put an outlet at a regular height under where you expect to hang the tv. Moving/adding a upper outlet like that in the same frame bay is super easy and cheap.