HDMI cable ran in wrong direction, any options?

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › HDMI cable ran in wrong direction, any options?

33coupe

1024 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 75

ID Verified

#285891 23-May-2021 17:08

Yes I know I'm an complete and utter idiot, words can't describe, how angry, sad and gutted I am.
New house build and I rushed installing the cables due to timeframe given. Not an excuse though, I should have checked and double checked.

Anyway I have ran my 10m fibre optic /directional HDMI cable (to achieve 4k 60fps) in the wrong direction from receiver to projector. I've been into the ceiling space to try and pull it, but due to the limited roof space, I can't get to the areas to pull it through etc (plus ducting is pita to get around).

Would anyone have any ideas / options on what I should do now?

Thanks from
The idiot

1 | 2 | 3

20515 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4794

#2711790 23-May-2021 17:23

Who was responsible for laying it and checking it, you or the sparky? The sparky may have a solution. Maybe cutting some holes in the gib in the problem areas so you can get your hand in to pull and guide it. Then all you need to do is patch and paint. Some sparkies are used to doing this when wiring is put in the wrong place or missed out. I am sure there will be a solution, maybe even laying a new one and tying it to parts of the old one to pull the new one through?

33coupe

1024 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 75

ID Verified

#2711813 23-May-2021 18:36

mattwnz:
Who was responsible for laying it and checking it, you or the sparky? The sparky may have a solution. Maybe cutting some holes in the gib in the problem areas so you can get your hand in to pull and guide it. Then all you need to do is patch and paint. Some sparkies are used to doing this when wiring is put in the wrong place or missed out. I am sure there will be a solution, maybe even laying a new one and tying it to parts of the old one to pull the new one through?

Unfortunately it was me. The only thing I had to get right and still got it wrong 😭

Yeah I did think cutting some gib would do it, I'd rather not if possible but might be only option as can't seem to pull cable. Feels like I'd need to 2ft tall to get to where the cable is above the wall.

Think I've read about running new cable HDMI over Ethernet, and amplifier, but that's over $200. Argh

Bung

6733 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2926

Subscriber

#2711823 23-May-2021 19:03

33coupe: Feels like I'd need to 2ft tall to get to where the cable is above the wall.

How much space do you have? If you laid some support planks across the rafters would that give you more options to get there? Could you use something to relieve the radius of the cable bend as it goes down the wall if that is the problem?

andrewNZ

2487 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1461
Inactive user

#2711827 23-May-2021 19:21

In this sort of situation, the solution depends entirely on the location and obstacles.

As Bung suggested, if access is the only issue, start thinking of inventive ways of gaining better access. Do you for example, have access to a much smaller, lighter person.

If the cable route is causing issues, can you rehash the route somehow. Can you drill holes somewhere to get better access.

Maybe you can run the cable in the roof through a short pipe with a bend, then use that to assist the pull up the wall without kinking it.

Ask yourself if you're better off asking an electrician if they can do it for you. It will cost, but they might be faster, and they might have a better chance of not damaging the cable.

33coupe

1024 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 75

ID Verified

#2711840 23-May-2021 19:55

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. It does seem like access is my biggest hurdle.
I've tried making a board to sit /lay on, but getting the board to the area is pretty tough.
You would have to lie flat on it due to roof height

The pic I've added, square box is where the projector is, line is where the cable has been run.
The photo I took I'm sitting on the truss and head touching top

Rikkitic

Awrrr
19062 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 16302

Lifetime subscriber

#2711842 23-May-2021 19:57

I can't visualise the exact situation but I have frequently been blown away by the specialist tools available these days for this kind of thing. I would also talk to a professional to see what might be possible. You might be surprised what they can do.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

Lenovo

Shop now for Lenovo laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

Bung

6733 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2926

Subscriber

#2711849 23-May-2021 20:10

I wouldn't think that disconnecting the ducting at one end and moving it out of the way would be too hard. Who installed it?

snnet

1413 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 556

#2711854 23-May-2021 20:16

Could try cable rods with hooks and a cable ferret - this is an expensive exercise for one fix though, but so is patching and painting. I always run a couple of spare CAT6 cables with any HDMIs in wall as an easy fix for damaged cables, upgrades, etc (hindsight, I know)

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2638
Inactive user

#2711855 23-May-2021 20:23

That looks like quite a lot of space. I've certainly snuck in to much tighter spots. You have to stick a knee on a truss, and you can fairly safely put the other knee on a batton, just go close to passes a truss. Yes you will come out absolutely covered in pink batts and be itchy as hell after. That duct will also be fine, just don't poke anything sharp in to it.

Unplug the HDMI, tie something long too it, and pull it out. Then you have a draw to pull it back down once you've switch ends around.

Dunnersfella

4100 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 887

#2711858 23-May-2021 20:37

Employing someone who does retrofit installations for a living and you'll find they have the tools to do the job...

However, if the cable comes out intact and passing the required HDMI signal will be interesting.

cyril7

9073 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2499

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#2711874 23-May-2021 21:02

Hi have to agree with Sam and others does not look to tight or hard at all definitely worked in tighter spots, maybe call on a kid called Oliver.

Cyril

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

33coupe

1024 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 75

ID Verified

#2711971 24-May-2021 08:24

Thanks for the replies. I have contacted the company who installed the ducting as they also do home automation, but am keen to do it myself if possible to save some $$$ (I've just spent over $1k to get my car a wof!)

I might give it another go before he comes over, it's just getting in position, getting the board down etc I seem to be having trouble with.
If @chevrolux or @cyril7 is in the Christchurch area, how much would it be for you to give it a try? Lol

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2638
Inactive user

#2711972 24-May-2021 08:29

Both in the north island sorry bud!... but even if we were, what do you reckon these days @cyril7, $300/hour 😂

But honestly, a sparky would have this sorted in no time - would be a site visit and minimum charge.

33coupe

1024 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 75

ID Verified

#2712072 24-May-2021 10:44

Ah thanks for that, and here I was thinking a box of beers would cover it haha

If that's the case then the only issue would be the right angle in the wall. May mean a small hole in the wall / another wall plate lol.

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2638
Inactive user

#2712103 24-May-2021 11:18

Oh christ.... WHHHYYYYYY! Only ever run horizontal if you absolutely have to - like under a window for example.

Cut the GIB mate, you aren't pulling that out without breaking it. If it was just a normal cable you'd probably be fine. But the head will get stuck as it comes around that 90°

1 | 2 | 3