Safety Tips for Mounting Flat Screen’s Over Chimneys

In many homes today, it’s a common practice to hang a flat screen television above the hearth. While it may be appealing aesthetically, homeowners must be cautious when considering installing a TV above the fireplace, says the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Keep safety in mind with these tips.

Review your fireplace and chimney venting system. Some popular models of natural gas logs are designed to be vent-free, and this means high levels of heat can be radiating out from the appliance. Heat and TVs don’t mix.

Check your fireplace opening for discoloration. Discoloration means some potentially hazardous byproducts of combustion are entering your home, rising above your fireplace opening and putting them into direct contact with you and your TV.

Consider industry safety standards when hiding cables. National building codes recommend a minimum of two inches clearance between combustible electrical wires and a fireplace or chimney appliance. It’s important that you carefully review mounting instructions when hanging your flat screen to reduce risk as much as possible. If you have professional installers doing the work, make sure you understand their plans for the cable and electrical wires connected to the set.

Source: CSIA