What Is Open Floor TV Back Concealment? (Wire Track)
Open-floor TV back concealment is a surface-mounted wire track that covers and protects signal cables running from a wall-mounted TV to nearby equipment or an outlet. It is not an in-wall wiring method. Choose a raceway listed for its use, follow its instructions and local code, and keep power connections accessible.
A surface track can also be a lower-waste choice when you need to change devices or reroute cables: in many cases, you can open or replace the track without cutting into a finished wall. That does not make every route safe or code-compliant. I treat the track as a cable-protection system, not a way to hide prohibited wiring.
Plan the TV, Cable Sources, and Surface Route
A good route starts with the equipment, not with the track. Map the TV, outlet, cable sources, and walking paths before buying parts. Then choose a surface path that protects the wires, leaves connections reachable, and avoids the TV’s vents and places where cables might be struck or pinched.
First, locate the TV’s power outlet and list each signal source, such as a streaming device, game console, or antenna connection. Note where each device will sit and which cable must reach it. Measure the full route, including turns and the distance from the TV’s connection panel to the track entrance.
Check the wall surface and likely mounting points. A track may attach with screws, adhesive, or both, depending on its instructions and the wall finish. Do not assume adhesive will hold on every paint, texture, or dusty surface. For a route near a doorway, furniture edge, or floor, consider whether people, pets, or moving equipment could snag or hit it. NEC 300.4 calls for protection from physical damage where applicable; a track does not remove that concern.
Also identify the TV mount’s structure. Follow the mount maker’s instructions for fasteners and support. Drywall alone is not a safe default for a mount unless those instructions explicitly permit it. Verify the mount’s stated capacity and the TV’s weight and mounting requirements before installation.
| Route condition | Planning check | Practical response |
|---|---|---|
| Track crosses a walking path | Could feet, carts, or a vacuum strike it? | Reroute or use a system and location suited to the exposure |
| TV sits near a corner | Could the track be bumped? | Keep it close to the wall and assess impact risk |
| Devices sit far from the TV | How many cables and connectors are needed? | Measure the bundle and route before choosing track size |
| Outlet is behind the TV | Can plugs be reached without moving the TV? | Preserve access or plan a compliant receptacle location |
My basic rule is to draw the route, measure it, and mark the connection points before attaching anything. That simple check can prevent a track that ends short, forces a tight turn, or blocks access.
Check Raceway Capacity, Access, and TV Ventilation
Raceway capacity is the space the track maker allows for cables and fittings. Check the exact product’s instructions for cable limits, compatible fittings, and bend guidance. There is no universal track size or fill allowance for every product, so a bundle that fits physically may still exceed the documented capacity.
Measure the cables together, including bulky ends and the space needed to close the cover without pressure. Check the manufacturer’s minimum bend radius where one is given. A tight bend can strain a cable or connector, so do not force a cable around a corner just to make a small track work. Use compatible elbows or other fittings where the system provides them.
Keep signal cables separate from line-voltage wiring unless the raceway system is specifically listed for that use and its instructions and local code allow it. Do not treat a low-voltage cable track as a general-purpose power channel. Keep plugs and other connections accessible; the track should not turn a connection into a buried or hard-to-reach point.
The TV also needs room to shed heat. Check the TV maker’s ventilation guidance and leave its intake and exhaust areas clear. Do not run the track over vents or press cables against a vent opening. A neat appearance is not worth restricting airflow.
| Item to check | Where to verify it | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| Raceway capacity | Product listing and instructions | A wider-looking cover has unlimited capacity |
| Cable bends | Cable and raceway guidance | A sharp corner is harmless |
| Fittings | Raceway maker’s compatible parts | Parts from different systems will fit or perform correctly |
| TV clearance | TV maker’s ventilation instructions | One clearance measurement suits every TV |
| Mount load | TV and mount documentation | A mount’s rating alone confirms the wall can support it |
NEC 110.3(B) requires listed or labeled equipment to be installed and used according to its instructions. Surface metal raceways are addressed by NEC Article 386, and surface nonmetallic raceways by Article 388. The applicable code edition and local amendments depend on your location, so confirm requirements with the local authority having jurisdiction when needed.
Install the Mount and Surface Wire Track
Install the TV mount into suitable structure, then route signal cables in a surface raceway listed for the application. Use the raceway’s compatible fittings and attachment method. Keep the TV’s factory power cord out of concealed wall, floor, or ceiling spaces, and use only a permitted, accessible power arrangement.
Before drilling, confirm that the chosen track path will not interfere with the mount, existing wiring, plumbing, or other building parts. Use suitable fasteners for the surface and follow the track instructions for spacing and placement. If you cannot confirm what lies behind a drilling point, stop and investigate before making a hole.
NEC 400.12(5), in the applicable adopted edition, restricts concealing flexible cords and cables by building finishes and routing them through holes in walls, floors, or ceilings. In plain terms, do not bury a TV’s factory power cord behind construction. A surface track does not change that rule. A listed in-wall power relocation system, installed as instructed, or an electrician-installed receptacle at the TV location may provide a compliant concealed-power route.
A surface-mounted power raceway is a separate case from a low-voltage track. Use one only if the specific system is listed for power use and its instructions and local code permit the planned installation. Do not put an extension cord or factory TV cord into a low-voltage track as a workaround for in-wall wiring rules.
Work in this order:
- Mount the TV hardware to suitable structure, following the mount instructions.
- Lay out the track and confirm its route, end points, and fittings.
- Route signal cables without sharp bends or strain at the TV and device ends.
- Attach the track with the specified method and compatible parts.
- Close the cover gently. If it will not close without pressure, reassess the bundle and track size.
I use the cover as a final check, not as a tool to compress cables into place. If the track bulges, the lid will not seat, or a connector is under tension, stop and correct the route or select a larger compatible system.
Verify Cable Protection and Final Operation
A finished track should be secure, closed without pinching, and clear of TV vents. Check that connections remain accessible and that cables are not strained at either end. Then test the TV and connected devices. A clean-looking installation is not complete until the equipment works and the route remains protected.
Inspect every joint, end cap, and turn. Confirm that the cover is fully seated and fasteners do not press into cables. Gently check for cable slack at the TV and source ends; plugs should not carry the cable’s weight. Make sure furniture or doors cannot crush the track and that routine cleaning will not catch its edge.
Power on the TV and test each source, including any sound or network connection that uses the routed cables. If a device loses signal or behaves differently after installation, check for a loose connector, damaged cable, or bend that exceeds the cable maker’s guidance. Do not keep forcing a cover closed around a fault.
Illustrative installation scenarios
These are planning examples, not claims about a specific home or code approval.
- TV on an open-plan living-room wall: The outlet is below the TV and a media console holds the sources. A vertical track can connect the TV area to the console, if the route and track suit the wall and cable bundle. Keep the power cord out of concealed construction.
- TV on a wall beside a walkway: The shortest route crosses an area where bags or furniture may hit it. A longer route along a less exposed wall section may offer better protection. Assess the track’s location and attachment rather than assuming the cover alone prevents damage.
- TV with several devices: Multiple thick connectors crowd a narrow track. Measure the full bundle and check documented capacity. A larger compatible raceway or a revised device layout may avoid pinching and tight turns.
The useful trade-off is often between a short route and a protected one. Choose the route that meets the product instructions and reduces likely damage, even if it is not the shortest line.
Conclusion and FAQ
Open-floor TV back concealment means covering exposed signal cables with a suitable surface raceway, not hiding power cords inside construction. Plan the route, verify capacity and clearances, mount the TV to suitable structure, and follow the raceway listing, instructions, and locally adopted code. Finish by checking cable strain, access, ventilation, and device operation.
What does “open floor TV back concealment” mean?
It means using a surface-mounted track to cover and protect TV signal cables where there is no concealed wall cavity. It does not mean placing cables inside a floor or wall.
Can I hide the TV’s factory power cord behind drywall?
No. NEC 400.12(5), as adopted locally, restricts concealing flexible cords by building finishes and routing them through building openings. Use an allowed power solution instead.
Can the factory power cord go inside a surface track?
Only if the exact raceway is listed for that power use and its instructions and local code allow it. A low-voltage track is not a power raceway.
What size wire track should I buy?
Choose from the raceway maker’s capacity information. Measure the full cable bundle, including connectors, and check bend guidance. There is no universal size for every TV setup.
Can I use any elbow or end cap?
Use fittings approved for the specific raceway system. Similar-looking parts may not fit or meet the system’s listing and installation requirements.
Does a surface track protect cables from all damage?
No. It can help protect cables when installed for the location, but impact, crushing, snags, or poor attachment can still cause damage. Assess the route under NEC 300.4 where applicable.
Can I run signal and power cables in one track?
Do not combine them in a low-voltage track. Use a system listed for the intended wiring and follow its instructions and local code. Ask an electrician if the permitted arrangement is unclear.
How do I keep the TV from overheating?
Follow the TV maker’s ventilation instructions. Keep the track and cables clear of air vents, and do not press the track against an intake or exhaust opening.
Can I attach the TV mount to drywall alone?
Do not assume so. Follow the mount maker’s instructions and use suitable structure and fasteners. Drywall-only attachment is acceptable only when the mount instructions explicitly permit it.
What should I do if the track cover will not close?
Do not force it. Check for excess cable, tight bends, or an unsuitable connector layout. Re-route the cables or choose a compatible track with adequate documented capacity.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Garrett Vance. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
