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May 12, 2009
installing a flat-screen TV
I wanted to install a flat-screen TV on the chimney wall (brest?) where the old gas fireplace used to be, now just an empty space. I thought it was the perfect space since the unused chimney provides a space to run the wiring invisibly. (I'd then have a carpenter make a little shelf thing in the fireplace opening for the cable box and stuff.) The electrician I've used in the past says it can't be done. I didn't quite understand the reason (I'm sort of a dolt when it comes to such things) but I thought I'd get a second opinion, as there really is no other space in the room where it can go. Anyone know if I can do that, and/or have a recommendation of another electrician to advise me? Thanks
Comments
What can't be done? I'm not understanding...
Posted by: denton at May 12, 2009 9:37 PM
You're saying you want to run the wire INSIDE the chimney shaft? That's generally a no-no with the city (or most municipalities, I'd guess). Could be a fire risk. (Unlikely, I know, but the thought is that you don't want an oxygen conduit)
Posted by: Bolder at May 12, 2009 10:19 PM
Shouldn't be a problem if the chimney is not used for anything else like your furnace/boiler exhaist. What specifically did the electrician say??
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at May 13, 2009 7:47 AM
Sounds like an excellent idea to me unless that flue is part of a forced air heating system.
Posted by: Arkady at May 13, 2009 10:36 AM
a related point - i know it's popular these days to hang flat-screen tvs over fireplaces, but the viewing angle can be literally painful. a 15-degree viewing angle is generally recommended, which means the tv is at or a little above sitting eye level. if the fireplace is just brick at this point (i.e. no mantels etc.), i'd try to hang it as low as possible.
Posted by: z at May 13, 2009 1:01 PM
I'm with Z on this one. The problem with flat panels is that sometimes people hang them like pictures. That means you're viewing angle is ideal when you're standing. I don't typically stand up to watch a movie. It sounds as though you are married to this location so I would go with an articulating mount so that you can shift the TV lower when you are ready to watch. I agree with your electrician. Do not tamper with the chimney. Instead run your cables behind the wall but in front of the chimney. The plastering and painting will be worth it. Also don't stuff your electronics in the fireplace. Put them in a closet tucked away elsewhere. Put an IR receiver on your TV and run a repeater to your electronics. IT just looks neater and cleaner. This may not be a job for your electrician, but rather a low voltage professional. Be sure they run extra cables to your TV for add-ons down the road like USB etc.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 13, 2009 2:23 PM
Thanks for your thoughts. I hadn't thought about the fire hazard point, though that's not the objection the electrician made, interestingly.
Posted by: frabjousday at May 14, 2009 1:53 PM
don't drill holes or put electric conduit in your chimney, it just isn't kosher. build a false wall about an inch in front of the real wall out of sheetrock and run the wires behind that, much simpler, much cleaner and you don't stick things in your chimney that do not belong there.
it can also be undone in a jiffy
Posted by: sam at May 14, 2009 7:10 PM
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