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Installing an electric fireplace help

paperfist

paperfist

Diamond Member
Hi all,

I received one of these a year or so ago and just getting ready to install it inside of the wall:

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/9a/9a642b8e-b12b-4ae1-93b3-e4d9f16f357e.pdf

What I'm not understanding is it's a zero clearance design, but cannot have combustibles on the top surface of the fireplace.

Looking at the install directions on page 14, the middle diagram it looks like "F" means I need to keep a 4.5" gap from the wall recess. Is that right?

Also, it mentions a vapor barrier. Why would you want/need that for a fireplace?

Thanks!
 
The zero clearance design means that the (drywall) framing will come right up to the edge of the fireplace. There won't be much of a gap between the fireplace and the framing, which would be covered by trim. But there will be a gap around the unit behind the drywall. So there will be framing coming up to and flush with the front of the fireplace, but you won't have studs, insulation, or vapor barrier around the middle portion of the fireplace on all sides behind the framing. This makes sense as there is venting on the top of the fireplace, so you don't want the venting to be blocked or being too close to something combustible.

From the diagram on page 7 it appears the fireplace will be flush with the outside wall with the front frame acting as trim. You don't need a vapor barrier for the fireplace, but if you have a vapor barrier or insulation already in the wall you need to leave at least a two inch gap around the fireplace.
 
hardhat said:
The zero clearance design means that the (drywall) framing will come right up to the edge of the fireplace. There won't be much of a gap between the fireplace and the framing, which would be covered by trim. But there will be a gap around the unit behind the drywall. So there will be framing coming up to and flush with the front of the fireplace, but you won't have studs, insulation, or vapor barrier around the middle portion of the fireplace on all sides behind the framing. This makes sense as there is venting on the top of the fireplace, so you don't want the venting to be blocked or being too close to something combustible.

From the diagram on page 7 it appears the fireplace will be flush with the outside wall with the front frame acting as trim. You don't need a vapor barrier for the fireplace, but if you have a vapor barrier or insulation already in the wall you need to leave at least a two inch gap around the fireplace.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I'm still a little fuzzy on it. Thought I read the you had to be so far off the top of it to combustibles.

So no framing across the top. But I need framing some place for the drywall.

I wonder if I can line the 2x6 wall it's going into with something to prevent a fire?
 
Keep in mind an electric fireplace is basically just a fancy electric heater, so as long as the actual part that gets hot is clear of any combustibles you will be fine. It's usually a vent on the top, while the rest is decorative. You can even have the "flames" on without any heat.
 
Red Squirrel said:
Keep in mind an electric fireplace is basically just a fancy electric heater, so as long as the actual part that gets hot is clear of any combustibles you will be fine. It's usually a vent on the top, while the rest is decorative. You can even have the "flames" on without any heat.
Click to expand...

Yeah but I'm putting a lot of time in this remodel, I don't wanna watch it go up in smoke 😀

I was just at a house having a gas log in wall heater installed which also has the vent on top like you're talking about. They left about a 4" gap from the top of the fireplace to the horizontal stud. I guess I'll wire it up and see just how hot it gets or wrap the stud in cement board.
 
Here are two videos that show an almost identical install to your model.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN8jJFg9r9Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zGw-wuAeLE

The only difference is that you need the open space at the top, so no framing on the top. And no insulation or vapor barrier within 2 inches on any side. You said the wall was 2x6, so you will have a gap behind the unit. That's fine. Just attach the brackets to the unit and figure out exactly where your studs need to be so they will hit. Put them in along with a 2x6 and cripples below that to make sure the unit is at the right height for your installation. Set up your wiring, put your drywall on, and you are ready to install the fireplace. Drill the bracket screws through drywall into the studs, then install the front frame.
 
hardhat said:
Here are two videos that show an almost identical install to your model.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN8jJFg9r9Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zGw-wuAeLE

The only difference is that you need the open space at the top, so no framing on the top. And no insulation or vapor barrier within 2 inches on any side. You said the wall was 2x6, so you will have a gap behind the unit. That's fine. Just attach the brackets to the unit and figure out exactly where your studs need to be so they will hit. Put them in along with a 2x6 and cripples below that to make sure the unit is at the right height for your installation. Set up your wiring, put your drywall on, and you are ready to install the fireplace. Drill the bracket screws through drywall into the studs, then install the front frame.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for taking the time out to link those videos and helping me out! 🙂

I couldn't find any videos that weren't salesmen install type of video, ie useless.

The second video show the fireplace is out from the wall slightly, that's were I was getting confused. I couldn't understand why you'd let the heat build up inside the wall so now I know. Also, the 2nd video addresses having a TV above the fireplace which is something I wanted to do.

Thanks again!
 
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