Otis Singleton
Electric fireplaces are a great way to modernise your home and reduce your carbon footprint. They are also a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Installing an electric fireplace insert is a relatively simple process that can be done by anyone with basic carpentry knowledge and access to the right tools. This paragraph will provide an introduction to the topic of how to fit an electric fireplace insert, covering the key considerations and steps involved in the installation process.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fitting an Electric Fireplace Insert
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation Process | Install inside an existing masonry fireplace or on a wall |
| Types of Inserts | Fireboxes and Logs |
| Installation Requirements | Basic carpentry knowledge, electrical outlet inside the fireplace, and some DIY skills |
| Licensed Electrician | Recommended for installing a power outlet inside the fireplace |
| Minimum Clearances | 3/8" from the top of the firebox to combustible/non-combustible material; 2" from the top of the insert frame to a mantel board; 1" from the back and sides of the insert to the walls |
| Chimney | Cover plate recommended to prevent water ingress; Close and seal the damper to prevent drafts and heat loss |
| Power Outlet | Standard household power outlets; Install inside the fireplace to hide cords |
| Firebox Installation | Slide the firebox into the fireplace opening, center and level it, adjust leveling screws, and attach tie-down brackets |
| Wall-Mounted Installation | Use a bracket and screws to hang the fireplace on the wall; Ensure distance to combustible materials |
| Recessed Installation | Build a media wall or surround to house the fire |
| Fireplace Trim | Attach trim to frame the electric fireplace and cover gaps |
| Power Connection | Plug into a socket without an extension cord; Ensure the power lead remains at the back, away from the heater |
| Structural Considerations | Ensure the wall is structurally sound and fixings can support the weight; No need for structural changes for wall-mounted fires |
| Fireplace Surround | Install a back panel and surround if not fitting a full suite |
| Efficiency | Block off the chimney flue to prevent heat loss; Ensure the area around the fireplace is sealed |
| Safety | Follow manufacturer guidelines and installation instructions; Ensure the heater is away from combustible materials |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the existing fireplace
Preparing an existing fireplace for an electric insert installation is a relatively straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your existing fireplace:
Clean the Fireplace
Remove any remaining ashes or coals from the fireplace. Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner, but be cautious of hot embers if the fireplace was recently used. It is recommended to wear gloves during this process to keep your hands clean and protected.
Measure the Fireplace Opening
Before purchasing an electric insert, measure the depth and height of your existing fireplace opening. This step is crucial to ensure you select an appropriately-sized electric insert. Depending on the insert's size, it may be a tight fit, so accurate measurements are essential.
Seal the Chimney
To prevent heat loss and draughts, seal the chimney. You can do this by installing a cover plate or a chimney balloon, which will block off the chimney flue and prevent outside air from affecting the operation of the electric fire.
Prepare the Power Source
Ensure there is access to an electric socket near the fireplace. If not, you may need to drill a hole in the wall towards the socket or hire an electrician to install a permanent outlet inside the fireplace. Remember, the power lead should remain at the back of the fireplace, away from the heater, to avoid any risks of melting the cable.
Final Checks
Before installing the electric insert, ensure the wall is structurally sound and can support the weight of the insert. If necessary, use additional fittings to secure the insert. Also, check the manufacturer's guidelines and safety requirements for the electric insert to ensure you have everything needed for a safe and proper installation.
Once you have completed these steps, your existing fireplace should be ready for the electric insert installation.
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Measure the fireplace opening
To ensure that you choose the correct unit, it is important to measure your fireplace opening, depth, and height. This is because, depending on the size of the insert, fitting it into your fireplace may be a tight squeeze.
Most inset electric fires will fit into a standard-sized cavity (22” x 16”), but it is always best to check the individual requirements of the fire as some will vary. If you need to do any structural work to your fireplace or create a cavity for the fire to sit in, it is recommended that you get a professional to do it if you are unsure of what you are doing.
If you are installing a wall-mounted electric fireplace, you will need to measure the wall to ensure that the mount will fit. You will then screw the mount onto the wall, and the fire will slot or hook onto the mount, securing it against the wall.
If you are installing a firebox insert, you will need to measure the fireplace opening, as well as the distance from the back and sides of the insert to the walls around it, and from the top of the insert frame to a mantel board above it.
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Install a power outlet
Installing a power outlet for your electric fireplace insert is a crucial step to ensure a seamless and safe setup. Here is a detailed guide on how to approach this process:
Planning and Preparation:
Before beginning the installation, it is essential to plan the placement of your electric fireplace insert. Decide whether you want a freestanding unit or an insert that fits into an existing fireplace or a wall cavity. If you're installing it into a cavity or studded wall, ensure the wall is structurally sound and can support the weight of the fireplace. You might need extra fittings for added security.
Clearing the Fireplace:
If you're installing the insert into an existing fireplace, start by removing the old grate and clearing out any ashes or debris with a brush. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner, as there might still be hot embers present. It is recommended to wear gloves during this process to stay safe and keep the area clean.
Measuring the Space:
Measure the fireplace opening, depth, and height to ensure you choose the correctly sized insert. This step is crucial, as an insert that is too small may result in a loose fit, while an insert that is too large won't fit at all.
Installing the Power Outlet:
This is the most critical step in the process. If your fireplace already has an electrical outlet, you can simply plug the insert into it. However, if you want a neater look without visible cords, consider hiring a licensed electrician to install a power outlet inside the fireplace opening. They can guide you on the best and safest way to do this.
Finalising the Setup:
Once the power outlet is installed, you can slide the electric fireplace insert into the opening and connect it to the power source. Adjust any levelling screws if necessary. The final step is to attach the trim or frame, which will cover any gaps between the insert and the fireplace opening, giving it a sleek and finished look.
Remember, it is always important to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and instructions for your specific electric fireplace insert model, as installation steps may vary slightly between different brands and designs.
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Slide in the firebox
Once you have prepared your fireplace, you can slide in the firebox. Place the firebox into the opening of your existing fireplace. The back of the firebox should sit within the firebox of the existing fireplace. The front of the firebox should be pushed up against the outer wall of the fireplace to provide a flush finish.
You may need to adjust the levelling screws to ensure the firebox is centred and level. Some models may also have tie-down brackets that need to be attached to the fireplace floor and the back of the insert on both sides to secure the insert from tipping.
Finally, attach the trim or frame. This will cover any gaps between the insert and the walls of the fireplace opening. Some inserts come with glass frames or metal trim, or you can create a custom trim to suit your style.
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Attach the trim
Attaching the trim is the final step in installing an electric fireplace insert. The trim or frame is what covers the gaps between the insert and the walls of the fireplace opening. It helps to give a polished look to the finished installation.
There are a few different options for trim. Some inserts come with glass frames or metal trim, but you can also use your own custom trim. Many models will either include or can be upgraded with a trim kit. This can help to bridge the gap between the edges of the insert and the edges of the fireplace opening.
When you have chosen your trim, you need to align it with the edges of the insert. Use screws or clips to secure it in place, ensuring a snug fit without gaps. This step helps to seal the damper and prevent any particles from escaping into your home.
Before you attach the trim, make sure you have checked that the firebox is plugged into a nearby power outlet and that any vents have been adjusted for optimal performance. Also, check that all glass frames are clean and free from fingerprints before finalising installation.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric fireplace insert is a stylish sealed box that goes inside your existing fireplace masonry and changes its fueling system.
Start by taking out the existing grate and cleaning out the ashes from the old firebox with a brush. Wear gloves as this can be a messy process. Measure your fireplace opening, depth, and height to ensure you choose the correct unit.
It is recommended to put a cover plate on your chimney to prevent water from coming in. You should also close and seal the damper of your masonry fireplace to prevent drafts and heat loss. If fitting a full electric fireplace suite, you will need to cut away a section of the skirting so that it fits nicely against the wall.
Slide the firebox into your fireplace opening and connect it to the power outlet. You may need to adjust the levelling screws to finalise the installation. Attach the trim or frame to block any gaps between the firebox and the fireplace opening walls.
Ensure that the wall onto which the fire is attached is structurally sound and that the fixings used are capable of supporting the weight of the fire. The heater should be at least 400mm away from any combustible material.
