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Home audio & video: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace?
- 2/27/09 2:41 PM
Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace?
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 2/27/09 2:41 PM
Question:
Hi, I am looking to purchase a flat screen television, the ideal spot in my living room is over the fireplace. My concern is the fireplace is a working fireplace that is fueled by gas. If I install the television over my fireplace, what, if any, potential damage is there to the components? Is LCD/plasma/DLP a better option to purchase? Also, for the display is it better to cut out the sheet rock and install it directly into the wall verses installing a bracket? It's a substantial investment, so I just want to make sure my plan is functional. Thank you. Warmest regards.
Submitted by Barbara
Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this member's question.
It depends on if it’s vent less or vented gas logs --Submitted by Jim Morris
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=331266&messageID=2985851#2985851
You should be ok if... --Submitted by dgradijan
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=331266&messageID=2984689#2984689
Installing a flat screen over a fireplace --Submitted by Leslie J Baker
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=331266&messageID=2984843#2984843
CAUTION! Fireplace mounts can be done but use a professional --Submitted by MWM0324
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=331266&messageID=2986545
Flat Screen over a Fireplace? That's hot! --Submitted by HomelessClarence
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=331266&messageID=2984925#2984925
Don't cut out sheetrock! --Submitted by danxt
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=331266&messageID=2985171#2985171
It Depends -- Submitted by media_decor
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=331266&messageID=2985260#2985260
It is likely safe....here's why --Submitted by metacinema
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=331266&messageID=2984713#2984713
If you have any additional recommendations or advice for Barbara, lets here it. Please click on the reply link and submit away. Please be as detailed as possible in your answer. Thank you!
TV over a fireplace
by Dan Filice - 2/20/09 3:51 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Although there is a concern about damage from smoke engulfing the TV, I think the bigger concern is the proper installation method to secure the TV to a wall that might not have sufficient studs that are needed. I've never done this, but from what I've read, the area above a fireplace has the flue behind the wall, which means that the necessary studs for mounting a TV may not be there, or may not be properly aligned for the TV bracket. I hung a TV on my bedroom wall and the bracket did give some options for the mounting holes, but the pre-configured holes were 16" apart, which is the distance between standard studs in most walls. I found some instructions and suggestions for mounting TVs over a fireplace that seemed very good. I think I just did a Google search with the phrase "Hang TV over Fireplace" and several sites showed up.
The other issue is mounting the TV inset into the wall, where you might cut into the flue.
From a logistical concern, keep in mind that you need to run wires to the TV. If you only use a cable or satellite box, this could be minimum, but if you have a DVD player, etc connected, these add wires and you will need a good way to route wires where they are hidden.
My personal concern about a TV over a fireplace is that when you are seated (normally you sit and don't stand to watch TV), the TV is way too high above line-of-sight, and you need to look up to see the TV. This is less of an issue the further away you get from the TV.
looking up
by remrafnats1 - 2/20/09 7:29 PM In reply to: TV over a fireplace by Dan FiliceI was concerned about that before I mounted mine several years ago but once I had it up I love it.
The Flickering Flame
by swjr - 2/23/09 6:06 AM In reply to: TV over a fireplace by Dan FiliceThe line of site issue is important, particularly as one ages. Severe neck problems can be caused by contantly looking up similarly to staring at a PC screen. The line of site should be parallel or slightly lower, but never up for any considerable length of time.
Second, who wants to stare at flames while viewing TV? There should be no ambient light directly in or closely peripheral to the line of site, particularly a light that is flickering constantly.
The issue is how hot the TV gets...
by William Sommerwerck - 2/20/09 6:01 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If there's little or no rise in temperature in the area in which the TV is mounted, you should be safe. (The user manual for the set should list a maximum ambient operating temperature.)
I, for one, would never mount a TV of any kind over an open fireplace.
Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace?
by shineytop00 - 2/20/09 6:04 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It would all depend on just how warm the wall gets with a good fire blazing. I would get a thermometer and tape it to the wall and see just how warm it gets while the fire is present. Check with the manufacturer for the temperature range of the TV.
Mounting it in the wall may not be possible with the flue present and if that was still possible, it would definitely be hotter than on the outside. Good Luck!
Avoid mounting PLasma over a heat source!
by Brassman - 2/20/09 6:11 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Rule of thumb from some one who has worked in the AV industry.
Don't put a Plasma over an active fire place!
Why - because Plasmas are called that because they work by igniting a small pocket of Plasma gas in each pixel, much like a light bulb. As such - they naturally run hot. To maintain a sensible operating temparature, manufacturers go to lenghts to kepp it all cool by installing around four large-ish fans in the back.
So you are undoing thier work if you have the screen above a site where heats rises..If it overheats it will fail.
If you go down the LCD route you won't have quite the same problem although they still do get warm.
Rgds Brassman
A good fireplace mantle will protect your TV.
by dcmccullo - 2/20/09 6:12 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
We have a 50" plasma TV over our gas fireplace and the installer told me that the fireplace mantle should be plenty of protection from the heat rising straight up and damaging the TV. Ours has been in place for three years with no problems.
I prefer the plasma picture, but LCDs are much more energy efficient. That choice could take up another entire forum...
Bad location
by peterabun - 2/20/09 6:12 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Barbara, I can't address the technical parts of your question, but I can tell you from a users standpoint the over the fireplace location is bad. Your neck will never forgive you. Viewing your tv will become unpleasant. Believe me, I speak from a miserable experience!
Pretend you are buying an old style tv. Where would you place it for optimal viewing? Now mount your flat screen in that vicinity. You will not be sorry.
Now, mount a painting over your fireplace!
bad location
by joelbaby - 2/27/09 8:50 PM In reply to: Bad location by peterabunHi,
I completely agree with this.
Put a painting above the fireplace - not a plasma screen.
Above a fireplace is far too high up.
Plasma screens should be placed LOW DOWN ... so that when you sit on your chair, your eye level is at the horizontal centre of the screen. This is lower than you think.
Would you put a TV above a fireplace? Of course not - it's too high up.
Mounting TV over fireplace
by dminott - 2/20/09 6:16 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I think this depends upon how hot the area where you plan to mount the TV gets.
I would use an accurate thermometer and measure the hottest temperature within that area. If it is close to, or exceeds the TV manufacturer's specs, then I certainly wouldn't do it!
You also might want to consider the effects of smoke rising,
and possible heat distortion, which might make the image look wavy
or distorted.
I suspect that mounting it through the wall will put it closer to the chimney, which will be an even hotter area!
Even though that sort of installation looks inviting, I think you may be inviting trouble!
Dave
flat screen and fire place
by billyb81 - 2/20/09 6:17 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
no problem its done all the time heat from a fire place does not travel up but out. case in point ever see any wooden mantles with heat marks on them on how about pictures or paintings above or on the mantle
you should be ok if...
by dgradijan - 2/20/09 6:35 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You should be ok if it is a direct vent gas fireplace. the vent and heat do not radiate upwards like a wood burning fireplace. as a matter of fact it is likely the wall that looks like a chimney above the fireplace completely hollow. it's just there for effect. The venting goes directly out the side of the house. If this is the case, you could make a cubby to put the tv in or mount it on the wall. I mounted my flat screen above my direct vent fireplace and it is the perfect spot. Tilt it down a couple degrees for easier viewing while sitting in your favorite spots. Mounting this way also makes it unlikely pets or kids will block your view. I used a bracket and it looks like a big picture. I also put a 3 inch conduit behind the tv to hide all the wiring. The conduit runs through the "chimney" chase and out the side where the bose theater and other stuff is hooked up. its completely clean and looks wireless. Check local codes and your hvac man to be sure. If its not a direct vent you might be in trouble. i would simply place a thermometer where you plan to install the tv and crank up the fireplace for a while. if it gets over room temp I would look for an alternative spot. Here again, check with pros to be sure.
good luck,
Dan
Over fireplace mounting concerns
by slr072 - 2/20/09 6:37 PM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
DLPs would be too large to wall mount that high, plasmas would be kind of heavy to mount there. Recessing a set into the wall would probably cause some heat problems over time. Since it's a gas fireplace you shouldn't have the combustion by-products problem that you would with a wood-burning fireplace. Keep in mind that mounting a set that high might make cause a stiff neck if you watch for long periods. Also, when checking out sets in the store, keep the watching angle in mind. Some LCDs can lose picture-quality past a certain angle vertically. You might have to try crouching down to look up at the set in the store, to see if the pictures acceptable to you.
I reckon DLP
by TreknologyNet - 2/27/09 7:05 PM In reply to: Over fireplace mounting concerns by slr072Apart from heat and looking-up issues, do you intend to be able to rotate the screen around the room to view from different angles?
If the answer is no, then I would highly recommend a DLP projector instead. That way there's no issue with heat from the fire affecting the unit, and instead tearing into the fireplace/chimney you just need a tech to mount the projector on the ceiling and fit an appropriate screen above your mantel.
I do agree with the other question: Do you really want the TV and the fire flickering at you simultaneously?
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