Television tip-overs are quickly becoming a serious issue. The statistics out there are alarming. Every 45 minutes a child is brought to the E.R. from an unsecured TV tipping over and injuring them. So how can you ensure that when buying a flatscreen TV mount you won’t have to think twice about your children’s safety? It’s simple: Make an educated purchase by doing the research, studying the product and having an easy and comfortable installation process.
There are a ton of brands out there and a lot of information on flatscreen TV mounts as they get more and more popular in households. It’s going to take time, but do the research and preparation in order to make the most educated and best decision when making your purchase. We have the tips to get the process started.
Do The Research
Take the time to dig in and really explore which brands and mounts are made of high-quality, durable steel. Be sure that the hardware is high-quality as well. For example, you want to check that the bolts you'll be using to attach your mount to the wall are reinfored for strength. Look for custom hardened lag bolts, which are extra durable and ensure the top of the bolt won't break off during or after installation. Don’t be afraid to spend a few extra bucks to ensure that your mount will hold your TV and allow for a safe household. Also, know what size, make, and model of your television and what mount goes with that. Mounts can vary in size depending on the size of your television.
Study The Product
After you’ve done your initial research, dive in deeper and really study the product. There are a ton of third party companies out there doing this research and testing for your benefit. Read the reviews on retail and product brand websites, and also make sure they list their product with Underwriters Laboratory (UL). That means it has been tested to their 3rd party safety standards.
Read the reviews, ask questions, do the investigating now so that when your television is up and mounted, you don’t have to think about it again. Not only should there be testing done by third party companies, you should also see testing done in-house. If the brand believes in their product, they’re going to want to show you their own testing and how well it works. Understand their process and why they tested the way they did. For example, for TV mounts they should be tested to hold a TV 4 times the weight they rate the product. That is the bare minium to be listed with the UL rating. Take what you learned from each side to make an educated decision.
Translate Your Findings Into Efficiency
After you’ve done your research and studied reviews of the product, make sure those safety components are translated into an easy installation process. It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident installing your mount, so that your mind is at ease once it’s up.
Don’t let the buying process end at the checkout counter. The mount manufacturer should be dedicating time to not only the purchase, but the installation process as well. Make sure they are going to give you the right tools to have a successful installation when you bring the mount home.
Three things to keep in mind to ensure a comfortable installation process is a brand that has:
- Easy Installation Experience
- Easy to Read Instructional Manual
- 7 Days a Week Customer Service
All of these details should be easy to find on their website.
It can be overwhelming to put a lot of time into a purchase. However, it is a vital part to having peace of mind that your flatscreen TV mount is safe. It you do the research, study the product, and go with a brand that has a helpful installation process, you won’t have to think twice about your children or your pets playing under your mounted television. Enjoy spending time with your family and rest easy knowing that you educated yourself and purchased a product that will have immeasurable benefits in the end.
Topics: Home Safety, Video
