Noted, there are a few other forums perhaps more dedicated to this topic, but this is my favourite group by far, so I thought I'd start here. Besides, from what I've read on these other forums, the geek- factor plays a major role and, in most threads, assumes that every set- up, however small, should measure up to your typical digital, multi- plex, cinema experience!
This just ain't the case for your average Jo!
I'm an average Jo, and so is my pal/colleague/client. We are neighbours, running our own, separate, businesses, in the construction industry. Possessing different trade skills, between us, we often join forces, to provide each other's clients, with a greater range of services, readily at hand.
We also do a bit for each other, on our own houses, which is the case right now...!
He's built an enclosure for his flat-screen plasma TV and has asked me to do the electrical work, so he can power everything up, within the false chimney breast he's made, from timber studding. Nothing exceptional there, as you can imagine. There's a skirting-board-level, twin socket nearby that's on the local ring-main and its a small matter to extend this into the timber enclosure, and add the necessary outlets, where required, once I'd got from him how many he needed.
However, knowing how clueless he is, when it comes to electrics, I put a few questions to him, one of which concerned the opinion, held by the manufacturers of his particular model Plasma, with regards to it being encased in a cabinet and continuing to function normally, without over-heating!
Next thing I know, he's handing me 2 small electric fans he'd bought from Maplins, following the advice of someone or other. With no idea about their needing a 12V DC power supply (let alone a means by which to control their activation/deactivation, according to TV usage and/or excessively high temperature levels) he's then asking me to hook 'em up as part of the installation!
To quickly conclude an already-long post... We spoke. I explained. He eventually understood. I propose the following solution:- One fan mounted at top-left-hand-side of false chimney, hidden by grille - exhaust. Other fan mounted at bottom-right-hand-side of false chimney, hidden by grille - intake. Both fans powered by 12V DC lighting transformers. Transformers connected to mini-jb Circuit activated by under-tile heating thermostat using under-tile probe mounted on wall behind TV.
24-hour timer governs thermostat operational periods. FSU protects and isolates complete circuit.Alternatively, I can go the computer component route, as described here...
thanks, d.