Howdy, all! Yes, another question about TVs over fireplaces but I'm looking for specific building code, NFPA and/or physics governing TV & combustibles BEHIND as well as above a fireplace. I've already read plenty of anecdotes and advice about heat's impact on electronics, atrocious viewing angles, etc. I'm looking for specific code & dimension info that I can show to a building inspector.
I will be installing a TV somewhere behind and above a Napoleon Plazmafire direct-vent NG fireplace.
The Plazmafire manual shows a 15” clearance ABOVE the unit, which I take to mean the 8 7/16" deep column of airspace above the unit (yes, the Plazmafire is less than 9" thick and just hangs on the wall like a fat painting. Not really a "fireplace" in any traditional sense, but perfect for my room.)
The manual says nothing about space BEHIND this column of airspace. I can build a chase to bring the fireplace out from the wall and recess the TV into the wall, which puts the TV BEHIND the unit.
Question: is there is a building code and/or NFPA answer or some simple rule of physics that can be used to calculate how distance behind the unit would impact clearance? If TV / combustibles are just 1” behind the back of the fireplace unit is it no longer “above” and can now be any vertical distance? If not, how far set back from the unit does it need to be before it’s no longer considered “above”? Or does each inch of set back equate to some reduction in clearance?
Likewise I’ve seen NFPA cited to say that a non-combustible hearth with air space can bring clearance down to 12”, and that a heat shield can even further reduce clearance. Could this be used in combination with the approach above to enable theoretical zero clearance (my ideal would be 3")?
I will be installing a TV somewhere behind and above a Napoleon Plazmafire direct-vent NG fireplace.
The Plazmafire manual shows a 15” clearance ABOVE the unit, which I take to mean the 8 7/16" deep column of airspace above the unit (yes, the Plazmafire is less than 9" thick and just hangs on the wall like a fat painting. Not really a "fireplace" in any traditional sense, but perfect for my room.)
The manual says nothing about space BEHIND this column of airspace. I can build a chase to bring the fireplace out from the wall and recess the TV into the wall, which puts the TV BEHIND the unit.
Question: is there is a building code and/or NFPA answer or some simple rule of physics that can be used to calculate how distance behind the unit would impact clearance? If TV / combustibles are just 1” behind the back of the fireplace unit is it no longer “above” and can now be any vertical distance? If not, how far set back from the unit does it need to be before it’s no longer considered “above”? Or does each inch of set back equate to some reduction in clearance?
Likewise I’ve seen NFPA cited to say that a non-combustible hearth with air space can bring clearance down to 12”, and that a heat shield can even further reduce clearance. Could this be used in combination with the approach above to enable theoretical zero clearance (my ideal would be 3")?
