Installing A Fireplace Electrical Outlet
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How to Install Electrical Wiring for an Outlet Above a Fireplace: My concern is the cool air and hot air that the attic produces during certain times of the day and I’m a afraid of moisture getting to the wire which may cause a fire. |
Considerations For Fireplace Outlet Wiring
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I added an electrical outlet above my fireplace and came across some concerns.
First, there was a wire behind the fireplace that went to two separate outlets next to the fireplace – one on the left and one on the right.
- I took this wire and cut it in half and added a wire for the outlet above the fireplace.
- I used wire caps to connect all the wires and wrapped it with electrical tape.
- My concern is the cool air and hot air that the attic produces during certain times of the day and I’m a afraid of moisture getting to the wire which may cause a fire.
Will my family be okay?
Second, the wire is behind the fireplace.
- If I decide to use the fireplace during the winter, will the wires melt?
Thanks, for you time.
This electrical wiring question came from: James, a Homeowner from Keller, Texas
See more about Electrical Wiring for Texas
Additional Comments: First time visiting this site.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question James.
How to Install Electrical Wiring for an Outlet Above a Fireplace
- The wiring should always be installed with the environmental conditions in mind in order to protect the wiring and maintain the integrity of the electrical circuit.
- High temperature rated electrical wiring is available for applications such as this.
- The heat resistant wiring may be required to be installed in a protective conduit and a metal outlet box.
- Ground wires must be bonded to protect the circuit devices.
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I have an old ungrounded outlet on the brick mantle above my fireplace. I would like to get this grounded and save. The location is very convenient as I would like to make a mantle shelf and plug in a TV there. How can I get the proper wiring in?
Hi Paul,
First, I would check to see if the wiring has been installed inside a metal conduit and if the outlet box is metal. If so, then test to see if the conduit and box are bonded to the electrical ground system. If these components are grounded then install a pig tail ground wire to the metal box using a ground screw or install a ground clip.
If the wiring is not installed in a conduit then you have very little choices about replacing the wiring with a grounded circuit other than installing a separate ground wire from the outlet location to a grounded receptacle outlet where the bonded connection could be made.
Identifying the existing fireplace circuit and the available circuit capacity would be essential before adding a substantial load.
I hope this helps,
Dave