Mounting your projector on the ceiling is a good idea.
This will keep the projector out of the way and closer to the screen for better brightness.
However, there’s one BIG problem.
You’ll have a hard time accessing outlets to power up the projector.
Even if the power cable can reach an outlet, it’ll look ugly just dangling there. Not to mention, dangerous when people walk past.
We’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll explain to you how to run power to a ceiling-mounted projector. To do that, we’ll give you the 2 solutions.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what you need to do to provide power and avoid dangling cables.
So are you ready? Let’s begin!
2 Solutions For You
The first solution is for those who have an attic, while the other one is for those who don’t.
So let’s take a look at each solution.
Solution 1: With an Attic
If you have an attic above the ceiling, it’s a lot easier to power the projector.
And, if there’s already an accessible outlet in your attic, it becomes even easier for you.
All you need to do is follow these simple steps:
- Use a stud finder to avoid drilling into the studs and joists.
- Drill a hole in the ceiling. Make sure it’s big enough for the cable to go through it.
- Stick the power cable through.
- Go to the attic and plug the cable into the outlet.
- Turn on your projector and see if it works.
As easy as that!
Now, what if there’s no accessible outlet in the attic?
You’ll have to install one then.
To do that, follow these steps:
- Use a stud finder to avoid drilling into studs and joists.
- Drill a hole in the ceiling. Again, make sure the cable can go through it.
- Stick a glow rod through the hole. This isn’t necessary but it’ll help you find the exact location of the hole when you get to the attic.
- Go to the attic and look for the perfect spot to install the outlet. Remember, the projector cable should be able to reach it without an extension cable.
- Important! Never forget to turn off the electric breakers.
- You can now install the outlet. If you’re a handyman, you can do this yourself. However, we suggest that you let an electrician do it for the best results and less danger.
Check out this video showing you how to install an outlet (remember this is only for people that are comfortable doing it themselves):
Recommendations
Before we move on to solution 2, we’d like to give you a few recommendations to help you out.
The first one is an outlet box.
An outlet box allows you to install an outlet even without a wall nearby. You can always place it on the side of a horizontal two-by-four.
Looking for a good one? Go for Carlon B114R-UPC Outlet Box.
- Carlon B114R-UPC Lamson Home Products Number-1G Old Work Box Pack of 3
- 3-3/4" x 2-3/8" rectangular Hole needed
- Overall outside dimensions: 4.25" tall, 2.25" wide, 2.75" deep
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
For other outlet boxes, click here.
Another recommendation is a brush plate.
To be sure, you don’t want an exposed hole in your ceiling.
Well, a brush plate can cover that up for you.
Simply screw the plate over the hole. The cables will be able to go through in the bristly area.
If you’re interested, check out Monoprice Hole Saw Plate.
- Package Dimensions: 3.7 L x 1.9 H x 2.6 W (inches)
- Package Weight : 0.06 pounds
- Country of Origin : China
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
For more brush plates, click here.
With these 2 recommendations, you’ll get the best out of your ceiling-mounted projector and attic.
Solution 2: Without an Attic
What if you don’t have an attic?
Don’t worry.
This 2nd solution is for you.
It’ll require a lot more planning and working, though, as you don’t have open space. You’ll have to fish the cable around.
If you have an outlet nearby, follow these steps:
- Plan the cable’s route. It should go up the ceiling, down the wall cavity, and out to the nearest outlet.
- Use a stud finder to avoid the cable getting stuck in studs and joists while fishing it. It’s best if you make a map where all the studs and joists are.
- To be extra careful in these next steps, turn off the electric breakers.
- Drill a hole in the ceiling and near the outlet.
- If you want, place brush plates to cover up the holes.
- Put the cable through the ceiling hole and fish it until you can reach it from the outlet hole.
- Plug it in and turn on your projector.
If you don’t have an outlet nearby, the same steps are required, except you need to install an outlet. (Remember that it’s always best to hire an electrician for this.)
If you’re not willing to do all that, again, you can hire an electrician to do it for you.
So these are the best 2 solutions on how to run power to a ceiling-mounted projector.
Conclusion
Yes, ceiling-mounted projectors are somewhat inconvenient to run power since it’s high up.
But with these 2 solutions, you won’t have a problem with that! Plus, there’s no sore eye with dangling wires.
To summarize, if you have an attic:
- Drill a hole in the ceiling.
- Make the cable go through the hole and plug it into the nearest outlet.
- Install an outlet if you don’t have one in the attic. (Electrician required)
While if you don’t have an attic:
- Plan the cable’s route. To make it easier for you, draw a map where all the studs and joists are located.
- Drill a hole in the ceiling. Drill another hole beside the nearest outlet.
- Put the projector’s cable through the ceiling hole and fish it out of the outlet hole.
- Install an outlet if you don’t have one nearby. (Electrician required)
There you have it!
We hope this article has been a great help to you!
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.