Written by AJ Electrician Near Me | Published on July 2025
Yes, you can absolutely install a power point behind a wall-mounted TV, and it is one of the most popular requests our team receives across Sydney and all of NSW. Done correctly, it gives your setup a clean, cable-free look while keeping everything safe and compliant.
This article covers the different installation options, what the work involves, typical costs in NSW, the rules you need to follow, and how to get the best result for your home.
Understand What Installing a Power Point Behind a TV Actually Involves
A standard TV wall mount leaves your power cable dangling down the wall unless you plan the power supply properly. Installing a dedicated power point directly behind the TV bracket solves this in a tidy way.
There are two main approaches electricians use in NSW homes and apartments:
- New power point in the wall cavity: A licensed electrician runs cable through the wall cavity from your existing circuit and installs a flush-mounted power point directly behind where the TV sits.
- In-wall cable management with a recessed outlet kit: A recessed outlet plate is installed flush in the wall, with the power point positioned so the TV covers it completely.
- Surface-mounted conduit run: Where cavity access is limited, cabling is run in surface conduit to a new power point. Less common for TV installs but sometimes necessary in brick or concrete walls.
- Relocating an existing nearby power point: If a power point is close but not quite behind the TV, an electrician can shift its position to align perfectly.
All of these options require a licensed electrician in NSW. You cannot legally do this work yourself, no matter how straightforward it looks.
Know the NSW Regulations Before You Start
In New South Wales, all electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician under the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000). This applies to every power point installation, including behind a TV.
Key rules that apply to this type of job in NSW include:
- Only a licensed electrician can install, alter, or add to any fixed wiring or power point.
- The work must be compliant with AS/NZS 3000:2018, the current wiring standard in Australia.
- In apartments and strata buildings across Sydney, you may need body corporate approval before any in-wall work is done.
- A Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) must be issued by the electrician on completion.
- Power points installed in areas near water sources (such as an entertainment unit near a laundry) have additional clearance requirements.
The team at AJ Electrician Near Me handles all certification and compliance paperwork as part of every job, so you are fully covered after the work is done.
Compare Your Options for Hiding TV Power and Cables
Not every wall or room layout suits the same solution. Here is a comparison of the most common approaches used across Sydney and NSW homes.
| Option | Best For | Appearance | Approx. Cost (NSW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New in-wall power point (cavity) | Timber-framed walls with cavity access | Flush, completely hidden | $200 to $400 |
| Recessed outlet kit with in-wall cable | Plasterboard walls, new builds | Very clean, TV covers outlet | $250 to $450 |
| Surface conduit run | Brick, concrete, or double-brick walls | Visible conduit, painted to match | $150 to $350 |
| Relocate existing power point | Power point already nearby | Flush, tidy | $180 to $380 |
| HDMI and power in-wall kit (with electrician) | Home theatre setups | Excellent, hides all cables | $300 to $600 |
Prices above are indicative ranges for the Sydney metro area and greater NSW. Your exact cost depends on wall construction, cable run length, and whether the circuit needs upgrading.
Understand What Happens During the Installation
Knowing the steps involved helps you prepare and set realistic expectations for the job.
First, the electrician assesses the wall. They check for existing cables, pipes, and structural elements using a stud finder and cable detector. This step is critical before any cutting or drilling starts.
Next, they determine the cable route from the nearest suitable circuit. In most Sydney homes, this is an existing power point on the same wall or in an adjacent room.
The electrician then cuts the opening for the new power point, threads the cable through the wall cavity or conduit, and connects everything at both ends. The power point is secured, the circuit is tested, and the job is signed off with a CCEW.
For a straightforward in-wall power point behind a TV, most jobs take between one and two hours. More complex runs or older homes with limited cavity access can take longer.
Consider the Wall Type in Your Sydney or NSW Home
Wall construction varies significantly across NSW, and it directly affects how the job is done and what it costs.
| Wall Type | Common In | In-Wall Cable Run | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber-framed plasterboard | Most Sydney suburban homes post-1970 | Yes, straightforward | Easiest and most affordable |
| Double-brick | Older Sydney homes, inner suburbs | Not possible in cavity | Surface conduit or chase required |
| Brick veneer | Wide range of NSW homes | Possible on internal plasterboard side | Depends on internal wall type |
| Concrete or rendered block | Apartments, units, commercial | Requires chasing or conduit | More labour, higher cost |
| Lightweight steel frame | Newer builds, NSW growth corridors | Yes, with care around sharp edges | Standard job, minor extra precaution |
If you are in an older inner-city Sydney suburb like Newtown, Leichhardt, or Surry Hills, double-brick walls are common. AJ Electrician Near Me works across all wall types and will advise you on the best approach before any work begins.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Planning Your TV Power Setup
A lot of homeowners make avoidable mistakes when planning this kind of job. Here are the most frequent ones we see across NSW.
- Not planning before mounting the TV: It is much easier to install the power point before you mount the bracket. Once the TV is up, access becomes harder.
- Using extension cords as a permanent solution: Running a power board or extension cord up behind a wall panel is not compliant and is a fire risk. It is not a substitute for a proper power point.
- Ignoring the HDMI and data cables: While you are having the power point installed, ask your electrician about running HDMI or data cables through the wall at the same time. Doing both in one visit saves money.
- Assuming any handyman can do it: In NSW, electrical work requires a licensed electrician. A handyman completing this job is illegal, uninsured, and potentially dangerous.
- Not checking the circuit load: If your entertainment setup includes a TV, soundbar, gaming console, and streaming device, make sure the circuit can handle the combined load.
- Forgetting strata approval: Sydney apartment owners sometimes book the job first and ask questions later. Check with your body corporate before booking if you are in a strata building.
FAQs on Installing a Power Point Behind a Wall-Mounted TV
Is it legal to install a power point behind a TV in NSW yourself?
No. In NSW, all electrical work including installing, moving, or adding power points must be done by a licensed electrician. Doing it yourself is illegal under NSW law and voids your home insurance. Always hire a licensed professional and request a CCEW on completion.
How much does it cost to install a power point behind a TV in Sydney?
Most in-wall power point installations behind a TV cost between $200 and $450 in the Sydney area, depending on wall type, cable run distance, and the number of outlets installed. Getting a quote beforehand is the best way to know your exact cost. AJ Electrician Near Me provides upfront quotes with no hidden charges.
Can an electrician also run HDMI cables through the wall at the same time?
Yes, and we recommend combining both jobs into one visit. Electricians can run low-voltage HDMI, antenna, or data cables through the wall cavity while they are already doing the power point installation. This saves time, reduces patching, and gives you a completely clean result behind your TV.
How long does the job take?
A straightforward in-wall power point installation behind a TV typically takes one to two hours. Older homes, brick walls, or longer cable runs may add time. Your electrician will give you a time estimate during the quote or on arrival.
Do I need a double power point or a single?
A double power point is almost always the better choice. Even if you only power the TV today, you may add a soundbar, streaming stick, or gaming device later. Installing a double outlet costs only slightly more and avoids the need for a power board behind the TV.
Will the wall need to be repainted after the power point is installed?
For in-wall installations, a small section of plasterboard may need cutting. A skilled electrician minimises the opening size, and most installations leave only a clean flush-mounted plate visible. Some minor touch-up painting around the plate may be needed, but this depends on the wall condition and finish.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
Installing a power point behind a wall-mounted TV is a practical, affordable upgrade that any licensed electrician can complete in a couple of hours. It keeps your setup safe, tidy, and fully compliant with NSW electrical regulations.
If you are planning a TV wall mount in Sydney or anywhere in NSW, get the power point sorted at the same time. It is always easier before the TV goes up.
Call AJ Electrician Near Me on 1300 617 337 to get a fast, upfront quote. Our licensed electricians work across Sydney and all of NSW, and we can often get to you quickly. Book your power point installation today.
