This question is inspired by the beautiful desk Jason Tuinstra built. A couple months ago I sketched some similar designs for a table that would house a stereo receiver and CD player in "drawer-like" compartments, with the power wire and speaker wires run through a hollow, tapered leg. I figured a power cord could be safely run through a wooden column, because it's done in wooden lamps. However, I don't know beans about electricity or fire safety, and I don't want my furniture to create a fire hazard.
What design standards should be followed when routing electrical wires through wooden columns (such as a lamp or a table leg) in order to avoid creating a risk of an electrical fire?
Thanks in advance for your help.