Can I run TV cables inside the wall, or do I need an electrician?

Low-voltage cable, yes; power, no

You can run low-voltage cables inside a wall yourself. You cannot add power to the wall yourself. That is the whole split.

Virginia's building code says an application for a permit is not required for installation of wiring and equipment that operates at less than 50 volts or is for broadband communications systems.^[1] HDMI, coax, network and speaker cables fall in that group. A TV's power cord does not: it carries household voltage.

The exceptions that matter

The permit exemption has limits. It applies except when any such installations are located in a plenum, penetrate fire rated or smoke protected construction, or are a component of a fire alarm system or other listed systems.^[1] For a TV on an ordinary interior wall that is usually not a problem, but it matters if the wall or ceiling your cable would pass through is fire rated or smoke protected. If you are not sure, ask your local building department before you cut.

The code also says that when an owner or an owner's agent requests that a permit be issued for any of the exempt items, a permit shall be issued and any related inspections shall be required.^[1] An exemption is not a ban on permits.

Where an electrician comes in

A new outlet behind the TV is a different job. Installations or alterations involving electric wiring need a permit application.^[1] Virginia defines a tradesman as someone who works for the general public for compensation in the trades of electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and no individual may engage in, or offer to engage in, work as a tradesman unless licensed.^[3][4]

So: a hidden power outlet, a recessed box, an extension of an existing circuit, or any change to the house's wiring, means a licensed electrician. Hiring one for that part and doing the low-voltage run yourself is a sensible split. Many people leave the power cord visible and run only the picture cable inside the wall.

Hiring someone to run the low-voltage wiring

You can also hire it out. The Board for Contractors defines the electronic and communication specialty as covering television and cable TV wiring, computer cabling, sound systems, antenna wiring and other systems that operate at 50 volts or less, and the same text says the electrical classification also provides for this function.^[2]

DPOR says that if the work you are considering is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia Contractor's License is required.^[5] A single wall run is small, but a whole-home install may not be. Ask for the licence number, and check it on DPOR's licence lookup.

Doing the low-voltage run yourself

The steps above give the outline. The main point is to treat the wall as unknown until you have checked it: a stud finder that also detects live wires is cheap, and a hole opened over a hidden cable is not a fix you want to find by accident.

Use cable sold for in-wall use, put a plate at each opening, and keep the TV's power cord out of the wall entirely. Never run through studs, plates or blocking; that is framing work.

Stop and call a pro if

• You want a power outlet, a recessed box or any new wiring behind the TV. That is electric wiring, which needs a permit application and a licensed electrician.^[1][3]
• The wall may be fire rated, or the route goes through a ceiling, floor or attic. The exemption excludes installations that penetrate fire rated or smoke protected construction.^[1]
• Your detector signals a wire, or you find one in the opening. Stop and close up.
• The only route means cutting a stud, a plate or blocking. That is framing, not cable work.
• The cable would join a fire alarm or other listed system. Leave those to the licensed installer.^[1]

Getting help in Virginia

Read how to mount a TV on drywall and how much TV mounting costs in Virginia. Browse more handyman answers or handyman services.

When you are ready, describe your TV mounting and wiring job and local pros will quote it.