tv over fireplace (houses, buying, contractors)

[mayflowers4me]

Hi,
I've noticed in the houses a lot of people put their tv above the fireplace.

Can someone tell me where the tv gets plugged in at? Sorry if this is a lame question.

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by mayflowers4me

Hi,
I've noticed in the houses a lot of people put their tv above the fireplace.

Can someone tell me where the tv gets plugged in at? Sorry if this is a lame question.

I've mounted TVs above fireplaces twice. The short answer is one must run all wires through the guts of the fireplace to an opening obscured by the TV itself. Mounting a TV this was is one of those things that is an easy three beer job if one is handy and has the right tools - like wire pulling poles. It's an impossible job for those not handy. My MIL had an LCD set installed by Best Buy contractors a few months ago - IIRC it cost her $250 the crew did a great job.


ETA - even though I've done it many times running extension cords through walls or a TV set's cord through a wall is a code violation almost everywhere.

[tyanger]

<edit: what EDS said>

An outlet needs to be installed on the wall behind the TV or a nearby adjacent wall with the power cord pulled through the wall or space behind the wall. For example, in my previous home there was a built-in shelf and cabinet next to the fireplace with electrical outlet in it. I ran the power cord about 3 feet from the wall above the fireplace, through the dead space, into the cabinet next to the fireplace.

[ChristieP]

I thought I'd heard that it was not good for the tv to be over a fireplace due to the heat?

[ggolf]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

I thought I'd heard that it was not good for the tv to be over a fireplace due to the heat?

Well it depends on the fireplace but for the most part it shouldn't be an issue.

I think it's more of an aesthetic thing. As in the TV should be somewhere else like on a piece of furniture. But some like it over the fireplace like a piece of art. For each his own.

The key would be if you're showing your house, then trust your Realtor to say "take that down it looks stupid there".

[txgolfer130]

If the fireplace is used a lot, it may not be a good idea unless you like buying TV's every 3-5 or so years. But the best determination factor is if the temp of the wall above the fireplace gets to over 90* (after 30 min) where the TV would be placed. If so, for sure NO plasma's or 50"+ LCD tv's.

If not, when at full roar, then install away!

[MckinneyOwnr]

Originally Posted by EDS_

ETA - even though I've done it many times running extension cords through walls or a TV set's cord through a wall is a code violation almost everywhere.

With good reason. If you don't use an extension cord that is thick enough for a long cable run, the copper wiring inside will get too hot and could start a fire inside the wall.

Not to mention, doing an install like that will fail an inspection if you ever plan on selling the home. Even though it's more work, you should just wire it properly.

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by MckinneyOwnr

With good reason. If you don't use an extension cord that is thick enough for a long cable run, the copper wiring inside will get too hot and could start a fire inside the wall.

Not to mention, doing an install like that will fail an inspection if you ever plan on selling the home. Even though it's more work, you should just wire it properly.

I've always preferred very high quality marine extension cords with 110 vac ends over romex for these projects because they are flexible and waterproof. Pulling romex through a series of turns is a non starter. Plus I am able to fashion the cords to length. When it's time to move I take it all down. Runs like I'm talking about are 12/15 feet as well not to mention using romex would be cost prohibitive due to install difficulties.

[carroll4628]

If you don't like the tv over the fireplace idea you can always use a decorative mirror or hang a tapestry to cover the hole. I wouldn't drywall the hole in case you change your mind or if you sell the house later. We put a conduit in (an electrician did it actually) above our piano in case someone wants to hang a 50" flatscreen over an entertainment system.

[mayflowers4me]

Thank you. I think we will probably just avoid this. We are not very handy people and the risks aren't worth it either.

Thank You so much