Electrical outlets for bedroom shelves

Kodi Crescent

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Joined
Aug 6, 2010
Messages
791
Hi,

I am working on some electrical in a bedroom.  I'm considering installing some outlet boxes higher up on the wall so that family members can plug in items like radios, digital picture frames, i-devices, etc. without the cords hanging down the wall.

I've been looking on the internet to see if there is any advice on doing anything like this, but I'm not seeing any examples.  Has anyone done something similar?  If so, what height did you put the outlets, and do you have any pictures of the finished installation (e.g. finished, furnished room.).

I've been considering doing something like this for a long time, but now I may have to do to me cutting a wire drop that I shouldn't have...

Thanks!
 
Is there something permanent mounted where the devices are going to sit on?

Peter
 
I did this frequently for A/V equipment, like big screen TV's. There are no NEC rules as to where they can be placed, AFAIK. I generally put them in the center behind the piece of gear being plugged in.

In my shop I have them at 48" off the floor to the bottom of the box. I did this partly because I am tall enough that it 'feels' better to me, and partly because I only had to cut one sheet of sheetrock to fit around them. OK, I'm lazy...

 
Peter Halle said:
Is there something permanent mounted where the devices are going to sit on?

Peter
Not yet, but there will be.  I assume a shelf is permanent.  I think the last time I sold a house the realtor told me that this sort of stuff "conveys".

Another option is for me to mount a box on the wall in the adjacent room.  My long term plan is to put some sort of built in bookcase there or something.  I could integrate the electrical outlet into the shelving.
 

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If your state has adopted the ADA or something like it, there are defined heights and locations for receptacles.

The USB receptacles are well worth the cost. I've installed many in kitchens, none in a bedroom---yet.

Tom
 
Man I love this forum.  Thanks for posting this receptacle.  I'm thinking of places to place this outlet.  Next to the bed, next to my TV viewing chair, in the workshop, next to the toilet (j/k).

Jeff
 
I think I may place an outlet at 60" or so, and when I install shelves they will "convey" whenever I sell the house.  This may make a nice radio shelf. 

Aside from that, I hopefully learned to never cut the wire outside the box, and to feel around inside the box and wall cavity to see if other alternatives are present.

Ironically, I was looking at some past orders on Amazon, and came across a circuit sniffer I ordered years ago and returned.  Using it, along with not cutting and feeling, would have prevented this.
 
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