Worried Noobie - Tv

[andyc209]

Please bear with me as this may have been asked before but i really need some advice on my TV installation

I have put my TV flat on the wall with the power, HDMI and Cat 5 running straight down inside the wall and coming out at the bottom where the old flue was (used to have a gas fire there). I will eventually be replacing the floor and skirting to help cover the hole at the bottom. What i wanted to do was run a single extension cable behind the skirting from the socket nearest the TV and put it inside the old flue with the TV power lead plugged into it. The HDMI and Cat 5 are both 5m long so will both run behind the skirting to the Virgin box.

My worry is two fold - is it legal to be able to run the power and HDMI and CAT5 cables behind the plasterboard (there is insulation material back there as well and do not want it catching fire)?

Is it legal to put an extension lead into the flue, also behind the plasterboard?

I have had conflicting advice from DIY enthusiasts but wanted an electricians view as you guys are the pros and know the laws.

tried to do an image below to explain better but as a noobie i can't

please help

 

 

[M107]

Behind skirting board:

HDMI = cant see any issues apart from the obvious of it'll be a pain if the cable goes wrong or somebody knocking a nail/screw through skirting.

Cat5 = as above.

Power cable = Not a good idea in my view (even if it is an extension lead).

You'd be better off lifting the floor boards if you have them to run cables across the room & extending the socket circuit to include a socket behind the TV.

Putting a socket/plug behind plaster board in the flue................the fuse in the plug blows?

Diyers you gotta love em.

 

[Doc Hudson]

Welcome to the forum, to answer your legality question, wiring regulations are only guidance, they are not a statutory requirement. So if you really wanted to do what you plan, legally you can. However as M107 points out there are practicality issues and good practice and good workmanship. Accessibility for maintenance should be considered, as should the risk of damage to your cables. e.g. the old tucking wires under carpet behind gripper rod leaves cables susceptible to damage when floor coverings are replaced. Either below floor, chased and sunk into the walls, of run in surface trunking are far more sensible than anything behind skirting board. 

Doc H.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Theres a current thread  running here about running video/data cables adjacent to power and possible interference. Apart from that, to meet the regulations you are meant to leave a gap between   mains cables and these.