I am curious if SONOS thought about how they expect the Playbar to be wall mounted with the wiring concealed. From the looks of it, and the optional wall bracket, they did not think to hard. :)
Surely they are aware that if you wish to adhere to electrical codes, you cannot simply run the power cord through the wall. It needs to have an outlet behind the speaker. That is the main concern. And it applies to nearly all soundbars that are powered via high voltage.
As a custom installer, I will find a way to do it. I have 2 ideas in mind and will post an update when I have figured it out. But manufacturers need to take some thought about how people are going to use their products and design them accordingly.
Stay tuned for "how to mount your playbar, conceal the wiring, and keep it legal". 🙂
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Userlevel 7
+22
I'd have to agree, no reason Sonos couldn't include a set of spacers and if needed longer screws to get it to work over an embedded outlet box.
The PowerBridge looks interesting but there is one gotcha that is going to make installing it a lot of "fun" in most cases. For sheetrock/drywall construction there are usually short pieces of wall stud placed horizontally at the four foot sheet boundaries, both to help hang the sheets and as a bit of a fire-stop. You will have to drill a hole large enough for the connector to pass through and hold the cable and any other connections between units in that piece of stud. A rental hole-saw with a flex shaft is the usual answer.
Doing your own setup without the custom plugs will let you use smaller, maybe only 1/2 inch, holes that can sometimes be made with just a long drill bit or an extension since you are just passing a single run of Romex AC wire and your cables instead of that bigger plug.
The PowerBridge looks interesting but there is one gotcha that is going to make installing it a lot of "fun" in most cases. For sheetrock/drywall construction there are usually short pieces of wall stud placed horizontally at the four foot sheet boundaries, both to help hang the sheets and as a bit of a fire-stop. You will have to drill a hole large enough for the connector to pass through and hold the cable and any other connections between units in that piece of stud. A rental hole-saw with a flex shaft is the usual answer.
Doing your own setup without the custom plugs will let you use smaller, maybe only 1/2 inch, holes that can sometimes be made with just a long drill bit or an extension since you are just passing a single run of Romex AC wire and your cables instead of that bigger plug.
Yeah, the second link was useless. Just there to show spacers, really. I think the whole kit from powerbridge might do the trick to hide everything. Disappointing that sonos Wall Mount is flush and only offers small opening for wires.
Userlevel 7
+22
waynecram, that first link is interesting but it is going to require you use their other bits to complete the system or possibly start opening the case and cutting wires, not something I'd recommend. The full setup would be great though.
The screw assortment may be overkill, Ace, Home Depot or Lowe's will have a selection of spacers and longer "into the wall" screws which you may want too.
The screw assortment may be overkill, Ace, Home Depot or Lowe's will have a selection of spacers and longer "into the wall" screws which you may want too.
why not just use spacers for the wall mount so that it sits just above the recessed av outlet? i was thinking about using this https://www.amazon.com/PowerBridge-Solutions-SBCK-Powerbridge-PowerConnect/dp/B00HIYACAE to conceal the wiring. thoughts on using these? https://www.amazon.com/Mounting-Dream-Screwdriver-Assortment-MD5756/dp/B0788M3W6K/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1532225965&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=tv+mounting+spacers&psc=1
Lots of useful information here, but ultimately, no solution. What specific product(s) have people used to be able to mount their playbar cable-free?
I am currently thinking about installing this recessed power outlet/media passthrough sideways: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VYDHFQ/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
It's width (5.5") is the same as the playbar's height. I was also thinking of using the suggestion of another post on this thread of taking the playbar mount and cutting a section out of the middle, straddling the recessed power outlet. Next step is to find out the playbar mount's depth, and see if it is thicker than, or the same as, the flange on this power outlet.
Any other bright idea anyone? 😃
I am currently thinking about installing this recessed power outlet/media passthrough sideways: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VYDHFQ/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
It's width (5.5") is the same as the playbar's height. I was also thinking of using the suggestion of another post on this thread of taking the playbar mount and cutting a section out of the middle, straddling the recessed power outlet. Next step is to find out the playbar mount's depth, and see if it is thicker than, or the same as, the flange on this power outlet.
Any other bright idea anyone? 😃
I know this is an old thread but has anyone come up with a clean solution to wall mounting with hidden wires?
Userlevel 2
All,
We will be installing the Playbar for one of our clients and I found this thread while searching for a method to use the mounting plate with a standard outlet cover plate. Well, as you all know, that will just not work.
I found a product that should help everyone with this problem. A company called DesignMod makes flush mount outlets that should fit flat behind the mounting bracket.
I'll post photos of the setup when we are finished in the next few months. In the meantime, here is the link: (edit: since I can not post links in my messages yet, just go to designmod dot com ) or just Google DesignMod.
Edit: After actually unboxing and laying out the Playbar and mounting bracket, even the flush mount electrical plate isn't going to work either. We may just opt to install a floating shelf for the Playbar to sit on and perhaps pass the electrical, optical and ethernet wires through the wall (electrical in conduit for code). Either way, I'll show you photos of our installation after we are finished in a few months.
We will be installing the Playbar for one of our clients and I found this thread while searching for a method to use the mounting plate with a standard outlet cover plate. Well, as you all know, that will just not work.
I found a product that should help everyone with this problem. A company called DesignMod makes flush mount outlets that should fit flat behind the mounting bracket.
I'll post photos of the setup when we are finished in the next few months. In the meantime, here is the link: (edit: since I can not post links in my messages yet, just go to designmod dot com ) or just Google DesignMod.
Edit: After actually unboxing and laying out the Playbar and mounting bracket, even the flush mount electrical plate isn't going to work either. We may just opt to install a floating shelf for the Playbar to sit on and perhaps pass the electrical, optical and ethernet wires through the wall (electrical in conduit for code). Either way, I'll show you photos of our installation after we are finished in a few months.
This is exactly what I was looking for as I have a clean wire-free install of my PlayBar but know I'm not supposed to run the IEC-C7 through the wallboard. Thanks
Question: is there any termination of technique you're supposed to use when the wire comes out of the ENT and through the holes in the wall? One hole is directly behind the playbar and the other is behind the TV. Thanks!
Question: is there any termination of technique you're supposed to use when the wire comes out of the ENT and through the holes in the wall? One hole is directly behind the playbar and the other is behind the TV. Thanks!
For this application, I was thinking more along the lines of flexible Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT) (1" size linked). In some parts, ENT is colloquially known as "Smurf Tube" after its bright blue color. Your electrician may have bulk rolls on hand and might just give you 3 feet of it if you're a customer and you ask nicely 🙂
When you say conduit, is it something as simple as a piece of PVC pipe in the wall? Or is there something more 'official' to allow a power cord to be run through the wall and still be to code?
That's good to know. Thanks. To people asking about installations. Particularly those early in a major project. Would it not be possible to bury conduit in the wall and run the cable down to sockets placed out of sight?
If you do not want to majorly disrupt your decor, a large board stood off the wall with battens with the sockets either hidden behind or bought out to the front of the board at the bottom maybe...
If you do not want to majorly disrupt your decor, a large board stood off the wall with battens with the sockets either hidden behind or bought out to the front of the board at the bottom maybe...
Using conduit should be OK. Running a standard cable directly in the wall is prohibited by code in many jurisdictions. Cable listed for that purpose is required where a raceway is not provided.
Even when using conduit, mixing power and signal is often prohibited unless the signal cable is listed for that use (that doesn't apply to the optical cable, as there's no electrically conductive capability there).
Even when using conduit, mixing power and signal is often prohibited unless the signal cable is listed for that use (that doesn't apply to the optical cable, as there's no electrically conductive capability there).
That flat screen connector kit looks ideal. What is the problem with going straight through the wall though? I have put a bit of 20mm. conduit through the wall and run my cables through that. Is that against regs? I cannot see any practical problem.
I'm wondering if this would work:
http://www.amazon.com/Wiremold-Company-CMK70-Screen-Cable/dp/B006K3CM4S
I've used a similar product for a TV before, but this one looks smaller and simpler. It has a recessed power outlet, and with a shorter power cord for the Playbar (someone previously linked to an example in one of the threads), it might be hidden completely.
Edit: Might not work behind the Playbar wall mount, but you could probably get away with it if you mounted the PB directly to the wall, which I assume is fine as long as it's securely anchored.
http://www.amazon.com/Wiremold-Company-CMK70-Screen-Cable/dp/B006K3CM4S
I've used a similar product for a TV before, but this one looks smaller and simpler. It has a recessed power outlet, and with a shorter power cord for the Playbar (someone previously linked to an example in one of the threads), it might be hidden completely.
Edit: Might not work behind the Playbar wall mount, but you could probably get away with it if you mounted the PB directly to the wall, which I assume is fine as long as it's securely anchored.
Glad I found this thread because I was thinking of running the IEC-C7 power cable through the wall. In all honesty, what other way will allow for the power cable to be concealed completely as shown in the Powerbar advertisements?
I'm sure I'll come up with something, but I did not want to install a channel on the wall to hide the cable.
I'm sure I'll come up with something, but I did not want to install a channel on the wall to hide the cable.
Anyone else have details on how best to wall-mount a PLAYBAR and hide the power cable?
In a previous house I wall-mounted a TV and used a PowerBridge, but I'm not sure if it would work as well for a PLAYBAR since it isn't as large as a TV, so less to hide the wires behind.
In a previous house I wall-mounted a TV and used a PowerBridge, but I'm not sure if it would work as well for a PLAYBAR since it isn't as large as a TV, so less to hide the wires behind.
Userlevel 2
I want to do this right... so I decided not to wall mount the wall mount. Instead I modified the soundbar accessory for my TV mount to accept the wall mount. The house is not finished yet, but I verified that the Playbar mounts directly and neatly below the TV. I already have the TV mount (Sanus XF228-B1) and have modified the soundbar accessory (VMA202) by removing the universal soundbar attachment and replacing it with the appropriately drilled and tapped Sonos wall mount.
Hope this helps someone!
bananaman
I was trying to figure out if I could mount the playbar to an articulating TV mounting bracket. Looks like you have done this with the XF228B. Do you have any picture of the combination ?
thanks
Stay tuned for "how to mount your playbar, conceal the wiring, and keep it legal". :)
Hi,
Any updates on whether or not you were able to get a completely wire-free installation? For my installation it will have to go above the TV so attaching the Playbar to the TV mount isn't an option. It seems your idea of splitting the mount into three and discarding the middle section might be the best bet. That along with a shorter power cord.
Let us know if you found a good way and pictures would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Yes I had to buy both the Sanus soundbar mount and the Sonos wall mount.
Yes there is a small bit of custom work - I had to drill a hole in the Sonos mount for the pivot bolt, and drill and tap two holes for the adjustment bolts.
There's enough room behind the Playbar such that you could probably drill the two holes for the adjustment bolts and use nuts, rather than tapping.
Hope this helps!
Yes there is a small bit of custom work - I had to drill a hole in the Sonos mount for the pivot bolt, and drill and tap two holes for the adjustment bolts.
There's enough room behind the Playbar such that you could probably drill the two holes for the adjustment bolts and use nuts, rather than tapping.
Hope this helps!
Sonos support did say they would be posting exact dimensions soon.
I cannot see a way for the wall mount to both conceal wires and meet building codes. The hole in the middle is small. Since the mount is flat against the wall, standard outlets, which all have faceplates, will not work with it.
I want to do this right... so I decided not to wall mount the wall mount. Instead I modified the soundbar accessory for my TV mount to accept the wall mount. The house is not finished yet, but I verified that the Playbar mounts directly and neatly below the TV. I already have the TV mount (Sanus XF228-B1) and have modified the soundbar accessory (VMA202) by removing the universal soundbar attachment and replacing it with the appropriately drilled and tapped Sonos wall mount.
Hope this helps someone!
This sounds like a great idea and I was looking at the same Sanus mount, I just wasn't aware they had a soundbar attachment as well. Did you have to buy both the Sanus soundbar mount and the Sonos wall mount to make this work? Any custom work required? Thanks!
Userlevel 2
I did it like this. The only thing showing is the canal for the cables. It's a brick wall so nothing showed at all is not possible
[img]http://s21.postimg.org/e3o8pg0wj/image.jpg[/img]
[img]http://s21.postimg.org/e3o8pg0wj/image.jpg[/img]
Yes that's exactly where I went looking first, but they all have faceplates which are not flush, and therefore won't work behind the Sonos wall mount.
Userlevel 2
This is great but it will be covered if you use the wall mount kit. Plus I imagine the wall mount kit will bulge out over this outlet preventing a flush mount. Just not a good design for wall mounting at all.
I cannot see a way for the wall mount to both conceal wires and meet building codes. The hole in the middle is small. Since the mount is flat against the wall, standard outlets, which all have faceplates, will not work with it.!
Recessed power and AV outlets are available for that purpose.
* What are the exact dimensions of the wall mount (including all the holes)?
* How is it designed to help conceal wires?
* Building codes don't allow power cables to be buried in the wall without conduit and electrical boxes - so how does the wall mount work with standard electrical boxes and trim? Is that hole in the middle the size of a standard electrical box?
I have a house under construction (framing) and want to do this right, but Sonos just doesn't provide enough information.
I got my questions answered by buying one!
Sonos support did say they would be posting exact dimensions soon.
I cannot see a way for the wall mount to both conceal wires and meet building codes. The hole in the middle is small. Since the mount is flat against the wall, standard outlets, which all have faceplates, will not work with it.
I want to do this right... so I decided not to wall mount the wall mount. Instead I modified the soundbar accessory for my TV mount to accept the wall mount. The house is not finished yet, but I verified that the Playbar mounts directly and neatly below the TV. I already have the TV mount (Sanus XF228-B1) and have modified the soundbar accessory (VMA202) by removing the universal soundbar attachment and replacing it with the appropriately drilled and tapped Sonos wall mount.
Hope this helps someone!
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