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AV Systems
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Safe and Secure
How to mount your flat panel displays
Jun 21, 2005
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by Dennis Krob
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According to a 2004 ICIA report, the professional AV market is currently producing revenues of $18.9 billion per year, with a projected growth of 9.6 percent annually over the next five years. Visual displays, such as flat panel LCDs and plasmas, are a large part of this growth.
Professionals are realizing the power of flat panels to inform, educate, entertain, and collaborate. They are increasingly being used throughout facilities for everything from traditional conference room presentations to digital signage applications. When combined with declining prices and greater availability, industry growth is inevitable.
A majority of flat panels are hung from a wall or ceiling using a wide range of specialized mounting solutions. Most flat panel mounts incorporate safety and security features to protect against damage and theft, as well as functionality and aesthetics to enhance the display and allow users to maintain a clear view of the screen from any angle.
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| Flat panels are often mounted in schools and other facilities to protect against damage and theft. |
Exactly how the flat panel and mount are installed, however, can make or break the application. To properly support and protect the display, while maximizing the overall investment, the following installation requirements should be carefully reviewed.
Plan ahead. Choosing the correct flat panel mounting solution is the key to a successful installation. Universal mounts are ideal because they’re adjustable to support a wide range of flat panel brands and models.
It’s crucial to use the correct fasteners for the specific wall/ceiling structure (wood studs, concrete, and metal studs). Be sure the mount manufacturer includes or makes available all the hardware needed for the application before you begin the installation.
Use only qualified mounts. Make sure you are using mounts that have been tested and qualified. Select only UL listed mounts to ensure adequate handling of the weight and stresses placed on the mount hardware and fasteners. Mounts that are VESA Compliant conform with all the mechanical requirements of flat panels, further ensuring reliability. And ISO 9001-certified facilities produce mounts with the highest level of quality assurance.
Consider the overall installation. Where are the power and AV cables coming from and how will they be addressed? Know in advance what make and model of flat panel you will be installing so you can locate the power and signal connections in the wall or ceiling accordingly.
And how will you handle cord management? Some mount manufacturers offer integral cord management systems to hide wires and cables, which keeps the installation looking clean and neat.
Understand the final application. You will need a thorough understanding of the room environment and all of the desired viewing locations in order to select a mount with the right features, such as tilting, pivoting, or articulating. You’ll also need the end user’s approval on your selection, which is especially important when the mount is highly visible, such as in a digital signage installation. Spend time discussing the options at the outset of the project so they thoroughly understand why a specific display and mount were selected.
Make sure the structure is strong enough. If you are working with new construction, examine the structure of the wall or ceiling installation area to ensure it will support the intended load. Make sure you consider both the weight of the flat panel and the mount hardware. If the installation area is questionable, it’s a good idea to consult with a qualified architect or structural engineer before starting the installation.
Larger flat panel screens can be mounted to a single wood stud provided the proper mount and fasteners are used. In fact, heavy CRT-type televisions have been safely installed on single wood studs for years. Choose a UL listed mount for single stud mounting, which has been tested to four times the load rating.
Check for clearances. If the mount’s adapter plate slides into or hooks onto the wall plate from the top, make sure there is enough space above the mount and the screen. And if you are installing an articulating arm mount, make sure there is clearance for full movement of the arm. This is a simple step that will reduce errors and maintain efficiency. Most mount manufacturers provide technical specifications to help you with this process.
Handle plasma screens properly. Flat panel screens are always shipped in the upright position to prevent the solid piece of glass from breaking or popping out of the panel. In most cases, it’s acceptable to gently lay the screen face down to attach the mount, but only for a short period of time. Before doing so, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly handle the plasma screen when attaching the mount.
Avoid altering mounts or adding components. Altering the mounts or adding components that the mounts aren’t designed to hold will, in most cases, void the manufacturer’s warranty. Also, this could cause you to exceed the stated maximum load capacity, which presents a safety issue. It’s critical to install the mount as it was designed, using the fasteners provided, and to only add accessories that the manufacturer indicates work with that particular mount.
To ensure a safe and proper installation, take the time to read all the instructions provided from the manufacturer. Installing a heavy, fragile, and expensive piece of equipment involves significant safety precautions. Display manufacturers also include detailed installation instructions with the products to eliminate guesswork and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Dennis Krob is market manager, professional mounting solutions, for Peerless Industries.
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