We're remodeling our fireplace, to include installing built-in cabinets and shelves on either side of the fireplace, changing the fireplace surround, mantel, and hearth. We're like to run electrical inside the cabinet boxes, right above the cabinet top in the first shelf, inside the fireplace to power the insert, and above the fireplace to power a TV (we may not actually install a TV, but want it wired for one on case).
Running media from inside to atop the cabinets is easy, as is power on the right from inside to atop. But I have three things I'm uncertain about:
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On the left, it would be nice to run the power around the corner so above the cabinet the outlet won't be as noticeable. I couldn't find anything on running electrical around a finished inside corner.
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I'm not sure the best way to run electrical from the left outlet to above the fireplace. I plan to install wood planks over the brick, so I could run the wire in a gap made with furring strips, or there's a gap behind the brick that I could perhaps fish it through.
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Most media outlets I've seen would require 3 or 4 inches of space behind the surface, which would be a pretty big gap. Could I safely remove 3 or 4 bricks to recess the media outlet?
- To run electrical into the fireplace for an insert, there's a gap below the stone surround where I could perhaps run metal conduit, or again there's a gap behind the brick surround that I could fish through.
This is very close to what we want for the final finished product.
Thanks for any help!
UPDATE
A lot of work has been done. One remaining part of this question that hasn't been answered well (in part due to lack of information on my part) is how to wire inside the fireplace for the blower of the wood fireplace insert. Here is the current status:
I'd like to avoid the cord from the insert's blower to be visible. There are a few options I can see. One is to run cable from the receptacle that will go in the middle down the gap between the bricks and the concrete block. The chimney will be fitted with an insulated liner allowing for zero-clearance, so heat should not be a concern. Another option might be to route the cable in conduit around the veneer surround to the side against the cabinet, then under the surround before the hearth is installed.
I imagine one or both of these options might violate code, which is why I am asking here. Thank you!
Best Answer
1) you could use wiremold. They make 90ยบ inside corners. I don't like it but if you have use it then it works. Better off to chop a new box in the wall exactly where you want it.
2) There are several ways to put power wiring behind the planks. EMT, ENT, wiremold...there are others less often used. You will need an extension box on the left power box to run out of.
3) The bricks around should just be a facade but why make it hard on yourself? Just bring the TV mount area out far enough to have the media box behind it.
4) Putting power in the back of the firebox will probably be a major pain. I believe that is firebrick surrounded by other brick. You may need to get a bricklayer in on this. Or at least you should study the construction of fireplaces.
I see other problems here, though. The National Electrical Code requires that no point along the floor line be more than 6' from a receptacle. If you cover the receptacles on left and right will there be other receptacles on the wall line close enough to satisfy that requirement? If not you will have to add them. Also, you can't cover junction boxes they have to be accessible inside the cabinets.