Home audio & video: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace?
- 2/27/09 2:41 PM
flatscreen on fireplace
by leton53 - 2/21/09 2:23 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
i guess the fireplace is the wrong spot to install any hightech objects, the rise and fall of temperatuere may be to high to be handled by the cooling device, the exhausted gases may smear the inside technique and discolor some of the outer parts. due i have no 1:1-experience i may be wrong but in any case i wouldn't take the risk of damaging a new tv.
regards
robert
over fireplace not ideal at all...
by neilycwy - 2/21/09 2:55 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
mounting a flatscreen over a fireplace is not ideal at all, from the point of view that it is simply too high up for comfortable and optimum viewing. Unless of course your fireplace is very low. You should have to be able to view the screen without having to look up from a seated position.
i wouldn't
by frifawnwolf - 2/21/09 3:07 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
#1 Extra heat will certainly shorten the life of the set
#2 Your building codes may require two layers of heat resistant drywall,cutting that open may present a fire hazard.
#3 Unless the room is especially large,the viewing angle could prove uncomfortable.
Flat TV Mounting
by ad44203 - 2/21/09 3:19 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The first thing I would suggest is to put a thermometer over the fireplace (with a fire burning) to measure the temperature rise. I would take a couple of readings at different places on the wall. After determining the temperature, check the TV manual for the recommened operating temperature of the TV(usually found on the spec sheet). As far as mounting flat on the wall without the bracket, make very sure that a space behind the TV is not needed for ventilation. Again, I would check with manufacturer. Since most electronics are sensitive to heat, I think it's better to have a space behind the TV to improve airflow.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
by Rontyne - 2/21/09 4:00 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Those of you brought up in the 1950's will have memories of your Mum and Aunties making up their face in front of a mirror at the fireplace. The perfect place to burn your party frock.
The same unfortunately applies to LCD's as it does to lipsticks: they would melt (depending on the heat generated). If you intend to have a fire burning (something you don't actually say in your question) then you will damage the bracket - if you have one - and the screen, no matter how 'clean' the fuel is.
That's a great idea: design and install a state-of-the art electroinic system, then put it directly above a fierce fire emitting harsh chemical smoke.
The only way I can think of to minimise updraught of hot air is to install, yes, a fan into the wall between the two objects to blow the hot air into the room. Then, of course, you've ruined your cool.
I recorded my log fire, the display it from time to time on my Sony: it's kitsch, it's dumb, but it won't melt the frame.
Of course, I assume the 'fire' you are talking about is a coal or wood or gas fire - can there could be nothing more naff than an electric fire undeneath a telly?
If, however, you have found a state-of-the-art non-emitting fire of some description, why not put THAT somewhere else in the room?
And finally, even if you did, you will find the awkward truth which no-one ever admits: that telly's above fireplaces are simply at the WRONG optical angle for a comfortable night's viewing.
Time to get those high-heels out.
Safe Mount of flat screen over fireplace
by Jim Kenyon - 2/21/09 4:05 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Barbara:
I have gas fireplace also. I installed a Panasonic 42" Plasma set above it 3 years ago. Back then this set cost about 3 times what they cost today. It is still working fine with no problems.
I used a bracket to mount it instead of cutting into the sheet rock.
I THINK TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY WOULD BE THE MAIN CONCERN
by BUCK55 - 2/21/09 4:39 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The TV owner's manual should list the operating temp range recommended for the unit. I would place a thermometer in several points where the TV would be mounted to see what temperature the fireplce generates.
If it also wise to check the humidity if the manual lists a range for that (I was thinking what humidity was recommended for the TV components, screen etc.)
I have recently been looking at new homes, and several of them had a rectangular recess built into the wall above a gas fireplace for installing a flat panel TV, but that doesn't exactly say it's OK for the TV.
Good Luck....
Mounting screen above fireplace? Possible...maybe.
by Jeronimo1982 - 2/21/09 4:44 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Of course it is a nice plan and will show to be very nice looking.
And I am not that nkind of specialist to say what to do and what not.
But I can say this, in my experience it has proven that heat and fine electronics do not go well together.
I suggest before you start thinking of hanging a screen there, you hang a thermometer at the spot and measure for some time as well the air as the surface temperature. I can not say which is an advisable temperature for sure, but I don't think it should be above 40°C and well below would be lot better of course.
Also take into account that heath will make the dust-magnet effect of the electronics only worse. If you will decide to place it there, proper maintenance is advised.
About the mounting it, I think a bracket is the better option because it allows more the air to flow more freely and might add some flexibilty in the way it is mounted/directed.
Of course as said, I am not a specialist and asking for more info in the store never hurt anyone.
Mounting Flat Screen over Fireplace
by rabjunior - 2/21/09 5:14 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have a 42 in one mounted above my fireplace for over 4 years. When I first installed it, there was no fireplace mantle and I was concerned like you are. So I had a fireplace mantle installed to deflect rising heat and have'nt had any problems. You should evaluate your situation on the same basis.
Mounting a flat screen over a fireplace
by StonyMountain - 2/21/09 6:03 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First, I should say I am a regular homeowner, not a professional construction person or a TV installer. However, when we finished our basement last year with a direct vent gas fireplace, I looked into it. We were debating to place a flat screen TV or a built-in shelf for our AV equipment/DVD's over the fireplace. The construction company said it should be safe to do either, as long as we follow the minimum clearances listed in the fireplace spec sheet. The fireplace walls and ceiling are insulated, so we could place a shelf at the same height as top of the fireplace mantle (there is a 12" tile then about 6" for the mantle). For the flat screen TV that is mounted flat against the wall, it could probably sit about the same height as the top of the mantle, though for most HGTV shows I have seen with TV's above fireplaces, the TV is usually at least 12 inches higher for aesthetics and viewing from the entire room. If you want to mount the TV on wall anchor that can swivel away from the wall, look at the fireplace spec sheet for the fireplace which will tell you the minimum height you can be based on the distance away from the fireplace/wall (usually a diagonal line going up as you get farther from the fireplace). The last factor is how sturdy the wall studs over the fireplace are and where they are located, since medium sized TV's should be mounted on two study and larger TV should be mounted on 3 studs to be safe. I would NOT just use drywall anchors for an expensive TV. The type (LCD, plasma) depends on your preference/price range. In the end, we made the space above our basement fireplace into a shelf. This worked well since out 58" plasma TV would not fit well over the basement fireplace with such low ceilings, and the side wall can fit a 100" projection screen if we wanted to do that in the future.
Are you sure?
by pavinthegoose - 2/21/09 6:29 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
We have several friends who have mounted their flat screen above a gas fireplace with no problems. However, it is not the best place to put monitor from the stand point of comfort. You end up watching the screen looking up from any chair or couch. We've found the only real comfortable way to watch a screen mounted that high is from eye level which means standing up.
Flat Screen temperatures
by jpzielinski - 2/21/09 6:53 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Most Manufactures specify the environmental operation temperature for their products. Place a thermometer in the area where you plan to mount the flatscreen and measure the ambient temperature when the fireplace is operating. Compare that temp to the manufacturers recommendations and make your decision. Jack
Flat screen TV over fireplace
by dunwiththis - 2/21/09 7:06 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Barb, I sell fireplaces and have done for years. Your question gets asked alot. If your going to place the flat screen above ensure you have some kind of mantle to use as a heat deflector. Most fireplace manufactures have in the owner's manual (on line PDF if you've misplaced it)a chart that explains from the top of the fireplace (where the heat comes out) to a tested distance. The amount of inches you want the mantle to come out from the wall will be dependant on the height away from the heat. eg: 7 inches out may require a height of 12 inches away from top of fireplace. I have found it difficult to get information from the TV manufactures about this. If your home design is the new contempory smooth flat wall and you don't like a wood or marble type of mantle. If you want clean lines then think of glass or metals to deflect heat away. Many of our customers have and are happy with the results....enjoy oyur new screen
....Barrie
Fireplace/Plasma TV
by jmsrn - 2/21/09 7:10 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Just got an idea that may settle this issue for you. Put an outdoor thermometer on the mantel. If you like the reading you will know what to do.
Short Answer: Yes!
by gavman02 - 2/21/09 7:13 AM In reply to: Is it safe to mount a flat screen over my fireplace? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hello,
We have had our 60 inch DLP over our fireplace for over 2 years. With a gas fireplace it should be vented to the outside of the house, while the fireplace itself usually has a fan to blow the hot air out into the room.
In my situation our fireplace was vented straight up the back of the wall to the roof. Our TV is built into the wall due to the depth of the DLP and sits about 14" from the vent, whcih seems to be ample room to avoid heat.
If you buy a flat panel LCD or plasma I would recommend mounting it on the wall with a bracket rather than in the wall to avoid any extra heat from the vent.
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