If you’re planning where to install an electrical outlet before mounting a TV, getting the height and position right the first time saves you from cutting into drywall twice. This guide covers the ideal outlet height, where to position it laterally, who’s legally allowed to do the work in Ontario, and the most common mistake homeowners make with outlet placement.
Best Height to Install an Outlet Behind a Wall-Mounted TV
The ideal height for an electrical outlet behind a wall-mounted TV is about 1 to 2 inches below the top edge of the TV, measured from where the TV will actually be mounted. Placing the outlet this high keeps it clear of the TV wall mount bracket and the mounting plate hardware, so the outlet never interferes with installation.
Where to Position the Outlet Laterally
Side to side, the outlet can go almost anywhere as long as it stays hidden behind the TV once mounted. That said, positioning it near the upper-right or upper-left corner makes it far easier to reach and plug in during installation, without having to work blind behind a mounted panel.
Once your outlet height and position are set, the next question is usually TV height itself. Ideally your TV should sit so eye level lands between the middle and bottom third of the screen. See our full breakdown in Optimal TV Height & Viewing Distance for Your Wall-Mounted TV.
Who Can Legally Perform Electrical Work in Ontario?
In Ontario, only a Licensed Electrical Contractor — not simply “an electrician” — can legally perform electrical work, and the job requires pulling a permit and passing inspection once complete.
Homeowners are also permitted to do electrical work in their own home, provided they understand the current code and can pass inspection. Homeowners take on the same responsibility for pulling the permit before work starts and booking the inspection once it’s done.
That said, most homeowners shouldn’t attempt this themselves unless they have prior hands-on experience with an electrical contractor. Outlet work behind a TV is a poor place to learn — mistakes here can be dangerous.
How to Mark the Wall for Accurate Outlet Placement
The most reliable way to land the outlet in the right spot is to measure your TV’s dimensions and mark the outline directly on the wall with masking tape before any cutting begins. This shows the electrician exactly where the TV’s edges — and the wall mount’s clearance zone — will fall.
Never Put an Outlet in the Center of the TV
The center of the TV is the worst possible spot for an outlet — it will collide with the mounting plate on the majority of TV wall mounts sold today.
Some wall mounts include a large cut-out in the mounting plate that gives just enough clearance to fit around a center-mounted outlet. But relying on that severely limits which TV wall mounts will actually work for your setup — corner or upper-edge placement keeps every mount on the table.
Outlet Placement Options Compared
If a standard outlet position won’t work for your wall — say, the stud layout or an existing outlet forces your hand — here’s how the alternatives stack up:
| Placement Option | Wall Mount Compatibility | Install Complexity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corner / upper-edge outlet | Works with virtually any mount | Low | New construction or open walls |
| Center outlet, standard depth | Limited to mounts with a cut-out | Low | Not recommended |
| Recessed / low-profile outlet | Works with slim and flush mounts | Medium | Homes wanting a fully flush TV |
| Bridge-style power kit | Works with any mount, any outlet location | Medium | Existing outlet in the wrong spot |
If your existing outlet is already in the wrong place and moving it isn’t practical, a bridge-style power kit lets you route power to the correct spot without an electrician cutting a new box. For new installs, pairing your outlet work with proper pre-wiring for HDMI and speaker cable at the same time saves a second wall opening down the road.
Get It Right the First Time
Getting outlet height, position, and wall-mount clearance right before any cutting starts is the difference between a clean, professional-looking install and a TV that’s fighting its own power cord. If you’d rather not measure, mark, and coordinate an electrician yourself, our team handles the full process as part of every TV wall mount installation and home theater design & installation project across the GTA.
Planning a TV Wall Mount Install?
We’ll handle outlet placement, wire concealment, and mounting from start to finish — done right, the first time.
