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Outdoor TV question....

Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:24 pm
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28983 posts
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.

This post was edited on 8/3/21 at 12:29 pm
Posted by TigerRob20
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2008
3732 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:40 pm to
The covers on amazon cost more than the TV you picked up.........


Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28983 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:43 pm to
quote:

The covers on amazon cost more than the TV you picked up.........


Exactly! That's the dilemma. On the flip side, hanging a tv of that size solo 9' off the ground isn't an easy task. Regardless of how much I spent, I don't want to have to do it again (or often).

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 by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
29001 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:47 pm to
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.
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28983 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:50 pm to
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 by SG_Geaux
Beautiful St George, LA
Member since Aug 2004
79574 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:58 pm to
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.
Posted by STBTigerr
Mandeville/New Orleans
Member since Jan 2007
5355 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 12:58 pm to
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 by jmon
Loisiana
Member since Oct 2010
9247 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 1:11 pm to
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.
Posted by Lonnie Utah
Utah!
Member since Jul 2012
28983 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 4:26 pm to
Just got the cover. Sub $20. Cheap insurance.
This post was edited on 8/3/21 at 4:27 pm
Posted by Miketheseventh
Member since Dec 2017
6509 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 4:43 pm to
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 by VABuckeye
NOVA
Member since Dec 2007
37553 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 5:14 pm to
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 by TU Rob
Birmingham
Member since Nov 2008
13150 posts
Posted on 8/3/21 at 6:57 pm to
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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