fireplace outlet

[kbrandt]

Is there any thing the code book about putting an outlet above a fireplace?

I have a customer who wants an outlet for a flat screen T.V. above the fireplace.I told him he might not want that because of the heat and it could cause a problem with the T.V.He said he never has used it and would like an outlet there.


Have any of you guys ran into any thing like this?Is there a code issue?
Any help would be great.Thanks

 

[muskiedog]

I see nothing in the code book. Items are placed on the mantel all the time.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

We do it all the time. No code issues to worry about

 

[charlie b]

It's not a code issue. I've had one before (an outlet above the mantle, not a flat screen TV). It was installed face up in the mantle itself, not in the wall above. I used it seldomly, but it did work well for the Christmas decoration I put on the mantel.

If you are concerned, then write up a short statement on the proposal or invoice, and get the owner to sign it. Something to the effect that you are not responsible for any damage that might occur due to the receptacle (or anything plugged into it) being located above a heat source.

 

[kbrandt]

Thanks guys, looks like a go.

 

[stickboy1375]

It's not a code issue. I've had one before (an outlet above the mantle, not a flat screen TV). It was installed face up in the mantle itself, not in the wall above. I used it seldomly, but it did work well for the Christmas decoration I put on the mantel.

That receptacle would be a code violation unless it was rated to be installed face up, (floor receptacle, etc...)

 

[stickboy1375]

Is there any thing the code book about putting an outlet above a fireplace?

I have a customer who wants an outlet for a flat screen T.V. above the fireplace.I told him he might not want that because of the heat and it could cause a problem with the T.V.He said he never has used it and would like an outlet there.


Have any of you guys ran into any thing like this?Is there a code issue?
Any help would be great.Thanks

It's fine, if the owner does install a tv, you will probably need to install a clock outet, just giving you the heads up...

 

[rcarroll]

Where is the violation? Do you have a code reference?

 

[stickboy1375]

Where is the violation? Do you have a code reference?

I think you got me... 406.4(E) only includes receptacles in countertops and similar work surfaces in dwelling units.

Good one! Another myth solved...

 

[charlie b]

I was worried about that when I first saw the receptacle. But there is no water source in the vicinity of the mantle, so that is not a problem. Except, however, when we place a flower vase on the mantle, and the cat tries to walk across it.

 

[rcarroll]

Cats might be a violation if you're a dog lover

 

[iwire]

Except, however, when we place a flower vase on the mantle, and the cat tries to walk across it.

That could be a bad day for that cat.

 

[stickboy1375]

I'm really surprised the NEC lets this be allowed, so they have no problem with a receptacle face up on the floor with a plastic plate? That should last long....:roll:

 

[celtic]

I'm really surprised the NEC lets this be allowed, so they have no problem with a receptacle face up on the floor with a plastic plate? That should last long....:roll:

You missed the boat...
see: 314.27(C)

 

[mdshunk]

Mantle receptacles are a popular upsell for me. Even 1/2 hot, 1/2 switched mantle recs. That's an extra 100 bucks, easy. I have seen at least one brand of heating equipment that is installed in firplaces (Harmon stoves, if memory serves) that prohibits receptacles in the zone above it.

 

[infinity]

It's not a code issue. I've had one before (an outlet above the mantle, not a flat screen TV). It was installed face up in the mantle itself, not in the wall above. I used it seldomly, but it did work well for the Christmas decoration I put on the mantel.

That receptacle would be a code violation unless it was rated to be installed face up, (floor receptacle, etc...)

What is the violation? Standard receptacles can be mounted face up in a fireplace mantle. A floor or countertop would be a different story.

 

[realolman]

Mantle receptacles are a popular upsell for me. Even 1/2 hot, 1/2 switched mantle recs. That's an extra 100 bucks, easy. I have seen at least one brand of heating equipment that is installed in firplaces (Harmon stoves, if memory serves) that prohibits receptacles in the zone above it.

This is off to the side a little but you're mentioning split receptacles made me think of it.

Is there a problem with a split recept. with half hot all the time and half on a dimmer?

 

[rcarroll]

Dimmers are not allowed for receps. There may be an exception. See '05 NEC 404.14(E).

 

[cowboyjwc]

I had one like charlies too and it was the same thing only used it at Christmas.

As far as a TV above the fire place I hope he doesn't use the fireplace because the smoke is attracted to the static from the screen and the TV is a real bugger to keep clean. I had a fireplace that didn't draft well and I had to clean the TV screen every couple of days during the winter. Plus the smoke isn't very good for the electronics either.

 

[stickboy1375]

It's not a code issue. I've had one before (an outlet above the mantle, not a flat screen TV). It was installed face up in the mantle itself, not in the wall above. I used it seldomly, but it did work well for the Christmas decoration I put on the mantel.


What is the violation? Standard receptacles can be mounted face up in a fireplace mantle. A floor or countertop would be a different story.

I already corrected myself in a post, I don't understand why they jump around so much in the code I have to read art 406.4 and 314.27(C) they should be combined IMO... ???? O'well at least I know the correct answer now...:smile: