What Is One Connect Cable Passthrough Safety? (CL2 Fire Codes)
One Connect passthrough safety depends on the exact cable, TV model, wall assembly, and local code. A CL2 marking identifies a Class 2 cable rating; it does not automatically approve every One Connect cable for concealed routing. Check the cable jacket and manufacturer’s manual first. Keep TV power cords out of the wall, protect the route, and firestop rated assemblies with an approved system.
A quick fix is to pause before covering the opening: read the cable’s jacket marking and find the installation instructions for your exact TV and One Connect box. If the cable’s in-wall use is unclear, do not bury it. A surface raceway or manufacturer-approved alternative is safer than guessing.
That distinction matters because “One Connect cable” describes a product connection, not one universal cable construction. Models and cable versions can differ. The rules below help you assess the route, but your locally adopted electrical code, the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), and the product instructions decide what is allowed.
Plan the route: identify the cable, model, wall type, and local rules
Start by matching the physical cable to the exact TV and One Connect model. A cable’s jacket marking and the manufacturer’s instructions are the evidence to use; the product name alone does not establish an in-wall rating. Also identify whether the route is in a standard wall, a rated assembly, or a special space such as a plenum.
CL2 is a cable designation for use in Class 2 circuits under NEC Article 725. It is not a general statement that a cable can go anywhere inside a building. CL2R is riser-rated, while CL2P is plenum-rated. The space and applicable code determine which rating is needed; CL2 alone does not mean plenum-rated.
I use a simple decision rule: if the exact cable is not marked for the intended use, or the manual bars concealed routing, do not conceal it. Ask the manufacturer about an approved in-wall cable or pathway. Do not cut, splice, or substitute a proprietary cable unless the manufacturer explicitly allows that work.
| What to check | What it tells you | Safe next step |
|---|---|---|
| Cable jacket marking | Cable type and any stated rating | Record the full marking; do not infer a rating from appearance |
| TV and One Connect model | Which product instructions apply | Use the manual for that exact model |
| Wall construction | Whether the route crosses a rated assembly | Confirm the required firestop detail |
| Local code and AHJ rules | Which code edition and local rules govern | Confirm requirements before closing the wall |
Key takeaway: A CL2 label is useful evidence, not a blanket permit. Verify the complete cable and route.
Check framing, utilities, ventilation, and fire rating
Before cutting, map the wall and identify studs, existing wiring, pipes, ducts, and barriers. Check both sides of the planned route where possible. A clean-looking wall surface does not show what is behind it, and a cable path that avoids one hazard may still cross another.
NEC 300.4 addresses protection from physical damage. Under the cited framing rule in NEC 300.4(A)(1), concealed wiring generally needs a 1¼-inch setback from the framing-member edge. If that setback is not maintained, a steel protection plate at least 1⁄16 inch thick is generally required, subject to the adopted code edition and local interpretation. Confirm the rule that applies to your installation.
Do not force a cable through a tight hole, crush it behind a bracket, staple it, or bend it more sharply than its manufacturer allows. There is no universal bend-radius figure for every One Connect cable. Follow the cable instructions, use smooth edges or an approved pathway, and keep the cable away from conditions the instructions prohibit.
Also keep the TV and One Connect box ventilation openings clear. Follow the spacing and placement guidance in their manuals. A passive signal cable does not have a universal airflow or CFM requirement, so do not invent one; ventilation concerns apply to the powered devices and their vents.
A fire-resistance-rated wall or floor needs special care. NEC 300.21 requires openings in rated construction to be firestopped so the assembly’s rating is maintained. Ordinary caulk, a plastic grommet, or an unsealed cavity is not a substitute for a compatible, listed firestop system.
Key takeaway: Confirm framing protection and wall rating before drilling. If you cannot identify the assembly or utilities, stop and get a qualified inspection.
Install the approved passthrough: protect, route, and firestop
Once the cable and pathway are approved, make the smallest suitable opening and protect the cable from edges and pressure. Use the manufacturer-approved cable or a listed in-wall cable or raceway arrangement that meets local rules. A neat opening is not enough; the complete path, including both ends and any rated barriers, must be suitable.
A practical sequence is:
- Mark the route and confirm there are no hidden utilities in the drilling area.
- Drill only the openings needed for the approved path.
- Maintain required framing setbacks or fit the required steel protection plate.
- Use a suitable bushing, raceway, or other approved edge protection where required.
- Route the cable without crushing, tight bends, staples, or unapproved splices.
- Seal any opening in rated construction with a compatible listed firestop system.
- Keep the TV power cord outside the wall.
A normal TV power cord does not become suitable for concealed wiring because it runs beside a CL2 cable. NEC 400.12 generally prohibits using flexible cords as a substitute for fixed wiring. For power, use a code-compliant receptacle at the display or a listed power-relocation solution installed as directed. Treat power and signal wiring as separate decisions.
| Situation | Appropriate approach | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cable has an applicable marking and manual permits concealed routing | Use the approved route and protect it | Assuming all One Connect cables share that approval |
| Cable rating or manual guidance is unclear | Keep it outside the wall or ask the manufacturer | Burying it based on a generic CL2 claim |
| Route crosses a rated wall | Use a listed firestop system suitable for that assembly | Open cavities, ordinary caulk, or a grommet alone |
| TV power must move to the display | Use a code-compliant receptacle or listed relocation system | Hiding the factory power cord in the wall |
| Cable passes close to framing edges | Meet setback rules or install required steel protection | Relying on a plastic trim ring as nail protection |
Key takeaway: Use an approved cable path and keep mains power out of the signal-cable passthrough.
Verify the installation: cable condition, device operation, and inspection
Before closing the wall, inspect the full accessible route. Look for cuts, crushed sections, sharp bends, exposed conductors, or pressure points. Confirm the cable marking still matches your notes and that every opening in rated construction has the specified firestop treatment.
Reconnect the TV and One Connect box, then test the functions you use, including picture and sound. A successful test does not prove the route meets code, but it can reveal a damaged or poorly seated connection before the wall is finished. Keep the box and display vents unobstructed as their manuals direct.
For a permit or inspection, keep the product manual, cable details, and firestop documentation available. Ask the AHJ or inspector whether the cable and proposed route meet the locally adopted code. Code editions and local amendments vary, so a general article cannot replace that decision.
Two installation examples
These are representative scenarios, not reports of specific jobs. They show how the same passthrough question can lead to different choices depending on the evidence.
Example 1: Marked cable, standard interior wall. The installer confirms the exact TV model, checks the cable jacket and manual, maps the studs and utilities, and verifies the wall is not a rated assembly. The cable is routed using the approved method, protected from framing damage, and tested before the opening is finished. The key is confirming each condition, not assuming it.
Example 2: Unclear cable or rated wall. The cable has no clear in-wall marking, or the instructions do not approve concealed routing. The wall may also be part of a rated separation. The installer leaves the cable outside the wall or seeks a manufacturer-approved alternative, then confirms any required listed firestop detail with the AHJ. Hiding the cable first and checking later creates avoidable risk.
Key takeaway: Functional testing and code compliance are separate checks. Complete both before considering the job done.
Conclusion
One Connect passthrough safety is not determined by the words “CL2” alone. Check the exact cable marking and product manual, then assess the wall, framing, route, and local requirements. Protect the cable, use a listed firestop system in rated construction, and keep the TV’s flexible power cord out of the wall. If any approval is uncertain, use an exposed route or get guidance before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
Does CL2 mean a One Connect cable is safe to put inside a wall?
CL2 identifies a Class 2 cable designation; it does not approve every cable or every route. Check the exact cable jacket and TV manual, then confirm local requirements. If concealed use is not clearly allowed, do not bury the cable.
Are all Samsung One Connect cables CL2-rated?
Do not assume they are. Cable types and instructions can vary by product. Read the jacket marking and the manual for the exact TV and One Connect model. If either is unavailable or unclear, ask the manufacturer or keep the cable outside the wall.
What is the difference between CL2, CL2R, and CL2P?
CL2 is a Class 2 cable designation. CL2R is riser-rated, and CL2P is plenum-rated. Those ratings address different installation environments. The correct type depends on the space and locally adopted code; CL2 alone does not mean plenum-rated.
Can I pass the TV power cord through the same wall opening?
A regular flexible TV power cord should not be concealed in the wall as a substitute for fixed wiring. NEC 400.12 generally restricts that use. Keep the cord outside the wall, or use a code-compliant receptacle or listed power-relocation solution.
Is a plastic grommet enough to protect a cable in a wall?
A grommet may protect a cable from a sharp edge where suitable, but it does not replace every required protection measure. It is not a firestop and may not provide required nail or screw protection. Follow the code and product instructions for the specific route.
How far from a stud edge should concealed wiring be?
The cited NEC 300.4(A)(1) rule generally requires a 1¼-inch setback from the framing-member edge. Where that setback is not maintained, a steel protection plate at least 1⁄16 inch thick is generally required. Confirm the adopted code edition and local interpretation.
Can ordinary caulk seal a hole in a fire-rated wall?
Not unless the product and installation are part of a compatible listed firestop system suitable for that assembly. NEC 300.21 requires openings in fire-resistance-rated construction to be firestopped to maintain the assembly’s rating. Ordinary caulk alone is not a safe assumption.
Does a One Connect cable have a universal minimum bend radius?
No single bend-radius value applies to every cable. Follow the cable maker’s handling limits and model instructions. Avoid tight bends, crushing, staples, and sharp edges, since damage may affect the cable even when the TV works during an initial test.
Do I need to leave airflow around the cable?
A passive cable does not have a universal airflow or CFM requirement. Keep the TV and One Connect box ventilation openings clear, using the spacing instructions in their manuals. Do not confuse device ventilation needs with the cable’s route requirements.
What should I do if the cable has no readable jacket marking?
Do not treat the cable as approved for concealed routing based on appearance or a general CL2 claim. Check the product documentation or contact the manufacturer with the model and cable details. Until confirmed, keep it outside the wall or use an approved alternative.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Garrett Vance. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
