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I want to mount my TV on the wall and just purchase a wall mount for it. I've done this kind of install before, but when I was using my stud finder, it is indicating that one of the studs has AC current. There is an outlet on this stud ~ 1 foot from the floor, but I'm able to detect AC all the way up to the ceiling (and if I go to the second story, I'm able to detect AC all the way up to that ceiling, which is weird, because the third story is an empty attic). Presumably, there is an AC line stapled to the stud vertically.

Is there any way I am able to still use the stud with my wall mount? I'm mounting in a corner so there are only really two studs to use. Am I SOL? Presumably it's a bad idea to drive a 4" lag bolt into the stud, even on center, if there is a powerline stapled to the stud (which itself is an asumption).

This is the wall mount: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=8586

Joseph
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I agree with ppa about the wire running down the stud. Try to determine which side of the stud it is on by slowly moving your detector away until the light goes out. Probe for the stud with a 4d finish nail until you locate the exact ouline of it. Then follow bats advice and carefully drill the stud with a pilot bit for your lag bolt. You may want to be just a hair off center away from the cable but still in the meat of the stud. The pilot bit should be half the diameter of the screw or less. This should guide the screw and keep it from wandering off.

If you take your time and are careful you should be able to avoid the electrical cable in the wall and still get the holding power of the stud. I would not trust #10 screws or drywall anchors for this job.

The best way would be to remove a part of the drywall, attach horizontal blocking between the studs and patch the wall back up. Then you have a really solid installation. But then, this will cost more time and money.

Good luck!

ArchonOSX
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Personally I'd be real careful but i'd probably drill that stud. However if you're hesitant play it safe. If you hit the other stud with two lag screws and use two sturdy drywall anchors on the other side, you'll be fine.

I like Snaptoggles.

batsplatsterson
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you are probably detecting the presence of a live wire stapled to one side or the other of the stud. it runs vertically down to the outlet (and maybe beyond) and up to another device or to its feed line. you should have no issue mounting to the stud, just don't use screws that are too long (1.5" max). remember, if you hit two adjacent studs with 1.5" #10 wood screws, you have a tensile load capacity of about 600 lbs, plenty for a tv. if you are worried about it, just drill a hole and put an inspection camera in, or cut a small hole and feel around inside, then you can see if you can use lags. the mount and tv will cover either approaches residual evidence

personal privacy advocate
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