Wall Mount a Plasma TV

Most people just put their plasma TV on a stand on a table or other furniture. But what fun is that? One of the cool things about having a TV that's only {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} deep is the ability to mount it right on the wall!

Steps

  1. Purchase a wall mount from a reputable plasma TV dealer, and ensure that it fits your TV. Ensure you are purchasing the correct wall mount for your TV AND for the type of wall you will be mounting your TV on.
  2. Consider what you will be doing with your cables. If you are mounting your TV on a stud wall it is possible to thread your cable down the space behind the wallboard. Running the cables this way looks great but involves a lot of effort. An alternative would be to use a surface mount conduit. There are several easy to fit conduits available on the market that can produce some outstanding results.
  3. For mounting your TV on a stud wall follow the next few steps. Other wall type require that you follow the mount manufactures guidelines.
    1. Locate the wall studs in the wall you wish to hang the TV on. It is critical that the screws holding the TV to the wall are screwed into the solid wood of a stud, not just into the wallboard. The best way to find a stud is with a stud finder, which is available at any hardware store for less than $20. Be sure to find the center of the stud for the best results.
    2. When you find the center of a stud, mark it with pencil on the wall. Measure the vertical distance between the screw holes on the mount. After deciding how high to mount the TV, mark with pencil where you will place each screw.
    3. Double check that the mount will be level using a level. It is crucial that you mount it level. It will be hard to fix after the fact if you do it poorly, so please measure twice.
    4. Use big screws. Try #14 x 1.5 inch screws. For #14 screws, drill a pilot hole 13/64" in diameter first.
  4. Attach the mount with the screws. Double check to ensure that it is level.
  5. If you are running your cables through the wall, now would be a good time to drill a hole into the wall to run your cables.
  6. Hang the TV on the mount. Usually, this involves attaching rubber/plastic mounts to the back of the TV, placing them through holes in the mount, and letting it settle into place.
  7. Double check the stability of the TV, and ensure that it is firmly in place.
  8. Connect your wiring and enjoy your TV.



Tips

  • Don't mount it too high. It's tempting to mount it at picture height, but most people find it more relaxing to watch if the center of the TV is around {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} off the floor (about eye level while sitting). However, some people have found that having the TV slightly higher can result in a more authentic cinematic experience and can make console gameplay more immersive.
  • When running cables through a wall get a face plate with brushes on the front, future proofed for nothing as you can just fish a new cable through.
  • Cut a piece of cardboard to the dimensions of your new TV and use it on the wall to get an idea of a good position.
  • If you're mounting to an uneven surface (like brick or stone), cut a piece of MDF or plywood a little bigger than the mounting bracket. Securely and properly mount it to the surface first, then mount the bracket to that.
  • Consider running wires through the wall for all of your TV inputs. It may cost more, but you never know when you'll buy that new Hi-Def Blu-Ray player or games console.
  • Often, power outlets are placed adjacent to a stud, so look for a stud there.
  • Save money and time by using a surface mount conduit to hide or camouflage the cables between the AV equipment and the TV. This means you won't have to spend lots of time and money fishing cables or re-plastering at a later date when you need to add new cables.
  • In new houses, studs are generally placed {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} apart. So if you find one, you can look for one that far away. However, don't rely only on that measurement. Check for the stud with a stud finder.
  • "Future Proof" your installation by including a DVI/HDMI cable (or at least component cables) through the wall, even if you are not using them today. If you just run S-Video or Composite cables, there is a good chance you'll want to upgrade later. For the cost of an extra $20 cable, just put it in the wall while you have it open.
  • Buy a laser level ($20-$30) to determine where your wall screws need to go. You have less of a chance of making a mistake than using a spirit level and pencil
  • If you want to hide all of your audio video equipment out of sight or in another room, you can install an infrared receiver to relay your remote controls' signals to your out of view equipment.
  • Use a coat hanger or wire to help fish the cables through your wall.
  • New power outlets and/or data cable outlets are best positioned above or below the TV bracket (but still behind the TV). Power outlet boxes must have a closed back; low voltage video/data cables can use outlet boxes that have an open back (this makes running additional video/data cables easier after the initial installation).
  • If you're running cables in the wall, buy quality cables to prevent interference from power wires and other wiring in the walls. Once you get this mounted, you don't want to find out that you have a problem.

Warnings

  • Make sure the mount you purchase can handle more than the TV's weight. If your TV weighs 50 lbs. look for a mount that is capable of handling 4x the TV weight or 200 lbs. It might sound like overkill, until a child pulls on the TV and it falls on them or someone trips near the TV and grabs it on their way down. Beware of the cheap "knock off" mounts.
  • After hanging the mount (before you place the TV on it), find a way to add some weight to the mount to make sure it is absolutely firmly in place. Most flat screen TVs weight around 50-150 lbs.
  • The biggest concern mounting on the wall is wiring in the wall. It's hard to be sure, but be careful not to drill or screw into any wiring. Certain models of stud finders also include a feature which will detect live AC wiring.
  • Before you buy any wall mount, check and measure your wall. E.g. measure the distance between studs. Most swivel mounts will not mount to studs spaced 24" apart. Most attach to 16" spaced studs, but some only mount to studs spaced 14" or less apart. This will help you select a mount that you will be able to attach to the wall without expensive modifications to your wall.
  • You should wire a proper wall outlet for your power source. Other wiring methods such as running an extension cord through the wall do not comply with building codes in most areas, and also pose a fire danger.
  • Any data cables going into the wall must be to special code to pass any future inspection on your house (such as selling the house), for fire risk etc. When you are shopping for cables ensure you ask at the store. You will pay more but will not run the risk of having to pull them out after inspection.
  • If you are mounting above a fireplace, make sure it is adequately vented and not trapping heat or the majority of the heat is not flowing directly to the TV.

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