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Outdoor TV question....
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:24 pm
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:24 pm
Preface: I know the answer to the question already, but here goes anyway....
So, This is a project I've wanted to do for a little while. We have (had) an 10 y/o-ish 32" 720p TV that I wanted to mount outside under out covered but not walled back patio.
I pulled 14/2 wire (15 amp circuit) from the existing GFIC outlet, ran it in some conduit and installed a couple of new outlets (I needed one for the pellet grill which was the actual driver for the project.) I rewired the GFCI as a stand alone one, as the GFCI outlet for that circuit was run off one inside in a fairly distant hallway (Why??
). I installed the TV outlet 6-7 feet above the one for the grill (which is a couple of feet off the concrete.)
While I was all done and installing the back plate on the old TV, I knocked it over and cracked the screen. Of course.
So rather than pay the full stupid tax, I popped in the local thrift store (it's on the way to best buy) and found a working 42" 720p set for $15. I figured why not, it's $15 and going outside anyway.
FWIW I'm running it off a firestick. It's basically to listen to music outside, watch the occasional sporting event while grilling and so the kids neighborhood kids can watch movies from time to time.
So finally my question. Would you folks get a "water proof/resistant" TV cover it (mainly for the winter when we get most of our precipitation)? It's outside about 15' latterly under our back porch about 1 foot off the ceiling 10+'. It would be really difficult for rain water to get in there. Snow on a windy day, might be a different story. And I only paid $15 for it.
My only "mistake" is I should have put in an on/off switch for the TV outlet (which is in a waterproof box) as I cannot easily unplug it without a ladder/step stool.
So, This is a project I've wanted to do for a little while. We have (had) an 10 y/o-ish 32" 720p TV that I wanted to mount outside under out covered but not walled back patio.
I pulled 14/2 wire (15 amp circuit) from the existing GFIC outlet, ran it in some conduit and installed a couple of new outlets (I needed one for the pellet grill which was the actual driver for the project.) I rewired the GFCI as a stand alone one, as the GFCI outlet for that circuit was run off one inside in a fairly distant hallway (Why??

While I was all done and installing the back plate on the old TV, I knocked it over and cracked the screen. Of course.


So finally my question. Would you folks get a "water proof/resistant" TV cover it (mainly for the winter when we get most of our precipitation)? It's outside about 15' latterly under our back porch about 1 foot off the ceiling 10+'. It would be really difficult for rain water to get in there. Snow on a windy day, might be a different story. And I only paid $15 for it.

This post was edited on 8/3/21 at 12:29 pm
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:40 pm to Lonnie Utah
The covers on amazon cost more than the TV you picked up.........


Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:43 pm to TigerRob20
quote:
The covers on amazon cost more than the TV you picked up.........
Exactly! That's the dilemma.


Funny think is/was I was talking to my mom about the project and her main concern was someone coming in the backyard and taking the TV. One, it's right by our bedroom, if we were at home we (or the dog) would hear them. When I told her how much I spent, she said, "Well, that takes care of that..."

This post was edited on 8/3/21 at 12:48 pm
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:47 pm to Lonnie Utah
The cover will cost more than that TV.
I'd probably get one anyway just so I could hose down the patio, keep bugs out of it, etc. I don't know about Utah, but probably eventually every TV is going to fall victim to humidity outdoors. Maybe the cover will get you an extra year out of your $15.

I'd probably get one anyway just so I could hose down the patio, keep bugs out of it, etc. I don't know about Utah, but probably eventually every TV is going to fall victim to humidity outdoors. Maybe the cover will get you an extra year out of your $15.
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:50 pm to Korkstand
quote:
but probably eventually every TV is going to fall victim to humidity outdoors
Our summertime humidity is usually less than 20-25% in the day time. It goes up to the 50% at night. Wintertime is a different story tho.

I'll likely unplug it for the winter, but conceptually, I think you're right about the cover.
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:58 pm to Lonnie Utah
I would put the TV up, leave it until it dies, then put up the cheapest TV you can find until it dies. Rinse repeat.
My brother-in-law has a TV in his outdoor kitchen. Never covered. Still going like 8-10 years later.
My brother-in-law has a TV in his outdoor kitchen. Never covered. Still going like 8-10 years later.
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:58 pm to Lonnie Utah
I’ve been having a tv hanging outside in a similar location you describe for about 5 years now and it’s still fine. It’s been through several big storms with no issues. The only reason I didn’t cover it originally was because of how high it was mounted.
Posted on 8/3/21 at 1:11 pm to Lonnie Utah
Covers cost more than the TV, and no way I'd cover it.
I've had an uncovered 42" Samsung outside, and much closer to precipitation, but still under covered area, in LA heat, humidity and rain since 2015. So good so far!
For reference I have a 50" Vizio that is out by my grilling area, that was under a waterproof cover that crapped out after two years of use. TIFWIW.
I've had an uncovered 42" Samsung outside, and much closer to precipitation, but still under covered area, in LA heat, humidity and rain since 2015. So good so far!
For reference I have a 50" Vizio that is out by my grilling area, that was under a waterproof cover that crapped out after two years of use. TIFWIW.
Posted on 8/3/21 at 4:26 pm to Lonnie Utah
Just got the cover. Sub $20. Cheap insurance.
This post was edited on 8/3/21 at 4:27 pm
Posted on 8/3/21 at 4:43 pm to Lonnie Utah
quote:
I'll likely unplug it for the winter
It would be better to leave it plugged in. The minimal amount of heat that it would generate will keep the internals dry from the humidity. I’ve had a TV outdoors since 2008. I’m on my third one in 13 years (I don’t think that is to bad). Everyone of them were mounted on a wall under a covered patio with open sides. The only wall on any of them was the wall the TV was mounted on. Don’t try to overthink it

Posted on 8/3/21 at 5:14 pm to Lonnie Utah
You've now taken two disposable TVs out there. I wouldn't bother with a cover UNLESS the TV is somehow exposed tot he elements.
Posted on 8/3/21 at 6:57 pm to VABuckeye
I stuck an old 46 inch Samsung on my deck when it was finished last September. It was already 10+ years old. When it dies I’ll buy a new one for inside and put the 50 inch Samsung out there. Always need a good excuse for an upgrade in the den.
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