How Does a Bridge-Style Power Kit Work?
A bridge-style power kit consists of two main parts: a power inlet and a power outlet.
Between the power inlet and power outlet runs an electrical wire — not a power cord — that “bridges” power from the inlet to the outlet inside the wall. Because of this, a bridge-style power kit does not involve tapping into your home’s internal electrical circuit.
Once the kit is installed, the external power cord that comes with it plugs into an existing electrical outlet nearby, then connects to the power inlet. This energizes the power outlet portion of the bridge-style power kit, which you use to plug in your TV.
There are many bridge-style power kits available in various shapes, sizes, and depths. Most kits use Romex wire, though kits with MC (metal clad) wire are also available where local code requires it.
Bridge-Style Power Kit Examples
Why Not Just Put the TV Power Cord in the Wall?
Flexible power cords — like a TV power cord, sound bar power cord, or extension cord — are not low-voltage wires. That means they cannot legally be hidden or buried inside walls or ceilings, since doing so is a fire hazard and violates building code.
Only low-voltage wires, such as HDMI cables, coax cables, speaker wire, or other audio/video cables rated FT4 or FT6 for in-wall use, are approved to run inside walls or ceilings.
In short, the only code-compliant way to hide a TV power cord is to plug it into a power outlet located directly behind the TV, or to route the exposed cord neatly using wire raceway.
Why Use a Bridge-Style Power Kit?
A bridge-style power kit is a great alternative to a new electrical outlet if you don’t already have one positioned where it would land behind your TV.
That’s because installing a new electrical outlet requires a permit from your municipality, must be completed by a licensed electrician in most regions, and requires an inspection once the work is done. Between the electrician, the permit, and the inspection, adding a new outlet can get expensive fast.
Requirements for Installing a New Electrical Outlet
- Obtain a permit from your municipal authority before any electrical work begins
- Have the new electrical outlet installed by a licensed electrical contractor
- Have the new outlet inspected by your city’s electrical inspector
Some regions allow homeowners to install their own outlet, but a permit and inspection are still required regardless of who does the work. Check with your city or township to confirm what’s allowed before attempting it yourself.
Advantages of a Bridge-Style Power Kit Over a New Electrical Outlet
Installing a bridge-style power kit does not involve tapping into your existing electrical wiring or circuit, so an electrician isn’t required — which means less money out of your pocket.
Only the kit’s inlet and outlet are connected by an electrical wire (not a power cord) inside the wall, which keeps the installation compliant with building code while safely hiding your TV’s power cord in a cost-effective way.
A bridge-style power kit also lets you protect your TV by plugging the power inlet into a high-quality UPS (uninterruptible power supply), power conditioner, or surge protector — guarding against power surges, outages, or lightning strikes.
Ideal Situations for a Bridge-Style Power Kit
If you’re planning to place furniture below the TV — like a component stand or entertainment unit — a bridge-style power kit is ideal. The furniture naturally conceals the power inlet and any other cables coming out of the wall.
Situations That Are NOT Ideal for a Bridge-Style Power Kit
If you don’t plan on placing any furniture in front of the power inlet, it will stay exposed and won’t look clean. In this case, you’re better off having an electrical outlet installed directly behind your TV by a licensed electrician.
The most common example of this is a smart TV mounted on the wall with no components connected, meaning there are no HDMI cables to route and no furniture underneath.
Not Sure Which Power Solution Is Right for Your TV?
Whether it’s a bridge-style power kit or a new electrical outlet, our team will recommend the safest, cleanest option for your wall and your setup — then handle the install for you.
