In the UK, you can often mount TVs above, or in close proximity to, log-burning fireplaces and stoves.
The largest factor to consider is the distance between the log burner and the TV. Other important factors to consider include TV overheating or melting, electrical safety, chimney safety and UK building regulations.
You should always consult a qualified electrician if you need to drill into a wall or install a new socket.
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How Do I Protect My TV From Fireplace Heat?
There are a few products on the market specifically designed to direct log burner heat away from wall-mounted TVs. Fireplace heat deflectors are seldom more than a curved piece of metal or heat-resistant plastic. These devices are either wall-mounted in front of the fireplace or free-standing.
Hot air rises upwards. When the air around the log burner is heated, it creates an upward airflow. Fireplace heat deflectors for TVs push this hot air outwards instead of upwards. In theory, this should help to heat your home (and not your TV!)
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In practice, however, many heat deflectors, heat shields and other similar products fail to perform as intended. Instead, consider buying a more heat-resistant TV.
The BEST Heat Resistant TVs To Use Above Log Burners
Not so long ago, TVs were huge, bulky devices that would be almost too hot to touch, after just a few hours of use. Old-fashioned cathode ray tube TVs are completely different from modern LED, OLED, LCD and plasma TV screens.
They contain a cathode ray tube that shoots a single beam of light across the screen at extremely high speeds. Unlike more modern electrical devices, cathode ray tubes get extremely hot and the TVs they’re found in are perfect at withstanding heat – they’re designed to do so!
Of course, few people will ever want to wall-mount a cathode ray tube TV over a fireplace – it’s impractical and outdated. Fortunately, a number of companies currently produce heat-resistant TVs, including slimline and lightweight models that are better suited to mounting on a wall bracket.
Are Log Burners Banned In The UK?
No! In January 2023, a potential ban on log burners was discussed in parliament. This proposal was raised under the government’s five-year “Roadmap for a Cleaner, Greener Country” program. The current government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, plans to ratify its commitment to the program on November 1st, 2023.
According to a DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) report, log burners contribute 38% of fine particulate matter (PM.25) in the UK’s air – that’s more than all UK industrial emissions combined!
However, some were quick to challenge these figures as they believe log burners emit approximately 13% of particulate emissions. Either way, it looks like log burners are here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Could I Get Fined For Using A Log Burner?
You could potentially get a stern telling off, or even a fine of up to £1,000, if you use a log burner incorrectly in some areas of the UK.
Across the UK, there are now strict limits on household smoke pollution in so-called Smoke Control Areas. There are two major points to note, according to this 2023 government advice on Smoke Control Area advice:
- Household log burners have limits on the volume of smoke they release into the air
- You can only burn authorised fuels; view the official UK list of log burner authorised fuels here)
You can find more information on which models of log burner are exempt from these rules on the official DEFRA appliances webpage.
Use Very Dry Wood As Fuel
As their name implies, log burners are customarily used to produce heat through the slow, controlled burning of seasoned (dried) wood. The drier the wood used, the cleaner the burn. In the UK, people are strongly encouraged to only burn wood with a moisture level of 20% or less.
Burning wet wood in a log burner will produce a slower, less-intense heat. However, doing so will release considerably more tar, smoke and particulate emissions than burning seasoned wood.
Your TV could be better protected by burning approved alternative fuels, such as smokeless briquettes or Ecoburn firelogs.
Get Heat-Resistant Cables Installed
If your log burner is in close proximity to mains-voltage installations (cables, wall sockets, telephone lines, TV ariel sockets etc.), it could be at risk of over-heating or melting.
So long as your TV is wired correctly and professionally wired into the mains power circuit board, you should be protected from lethal electrocution if your TV malfunctions.
If for whatever reason your TV was to overheat or short-circuit due to a log burner, the circuit breaker should cut off the power in less than 150ms.
Always follow the log burner and TV manufacturer’s instructions, turn the power off before installing new electrical devices and consult a qualified UK professional to undertake any electrical work. Never install new sockets or cabling yourself; it can be illegal and dangerous.
Heat Resistant Cables: Protecting TVs From Fireplace Heat And Smoke
The official UK electrical regulations don’t mention mounting TVs near sources of heat. There’s also no “best” cable or TV to use near log burners, as far as the rules are concerned. Ask your electrician for more advice on whether heat-resistant wiring is necessary.
Here are two common types of cable that may be suited to wall mounting a TV above a log burner:
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LS0H/LSZH) Cable
When an electrical fire occurs, the sleeving that surrounds and protects a cable can pose more danger than the fire itself. Standard wires installed in UK homes can produce toxic fumes when heated.
LSZH cables don’t produce toxic smoke, even during prolonged fires. They also contain special flame retardant chemicals in their sleeving. This may protect your devices from overheating for more time than twin and earth wires.
FP200 Cable
One of the most heat-resistant cables available in the UK is the FP200 cable. These have a distinctive bright-red colour and they’re often used in fire detection and alarm systems, due to their high-rated fire safety performance.
FP200 cables can operate between -20°C to 80°C – they’re considerably more resistant to heat than 2.5mm twin and earth cables, which are almost always used to power sockets in the UK.
FP200 cables are often found in fire detection, fire alarm and security systems; they are resistant to water, ultraviolet, abrasion, mechanical, oil, ozone and chemical-induced damage.
Install A Modern (Ecodesign) Fireplace/Stove
Modern log burners, otherwise known as Ecodesign fireplaces, produce significantly less particulate emissions than traditional fireplaces. Innovations in the designs and materials used to manufacture log-burning stoves mean that a new log burner could allow 80% fewer particles to escape into your home’s air.
In 2022, UK-wide legal requirements for new log burners were introduced to combat air pollution. All new log burners sold to the general public in Britain need to conform to strict anti-pollution guidelines.
This has pushed the price of log burners through the roof. You should expect to burn a considerable hole in your wallet: new log burners start at around £200 for the very cheapest models, while decent-quality log burners are often £500+.