Is it Safe to Install a TV Above a Fireplace?
- Place a thermometer on the wall above the fireplace where the TV will hang. Build a fire in the fireplace or turn on the gas fireplace and let it burn. After the fire is burning for one to two hours for a wood fire or 30 minutes for a gas fireplace, check the thermometer. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it is not safe to install a TV above the fireplace.
- If you don't plan to turn on the TV when the fireplace is in use, you can safely install it above the fireplace. The heat from the fireplace will not harm the TV if the cooling system is not in use. However, if the radiant heat climbs above 115 degrees Fahrenheit during your temperature test, don't install a TV above the fireplace at all. The excess heat can damage the TV whether on or not.
- Although it may be safe to install a TV above the fireplace because the area passes the temperature test, you must consider the power cord, cable and any cables for external devises such as DVRs, VCRs and surround-sound systems. If you can safely keep the cables and cords away from the heat, then you can install a TV above the fireplace. If you cannot protect the cables or cords and the nearby devices from the heat, don't install the TV in this location.
- If you have conducted the temperature test and the fireplace passed, consider one more factor before installing a TV above the fireplace. The height of the TV will be high off the ground, much higher than eye level, a comfortable level for watching TV. Use a large piece of paper to test the height for viewing. Either write words or draw pictures on the paper. Tape the paper to where the TV will hang.
Sit and look at the paper for at least one hour in the position in which you usually watch TV. If after one hour, you are happy with the height and don't have eye or neck strain, it is safe to install a TV over the fireplace.