You are here:

Chimney & Fireplaces/Installing an insert into a zero clearance fireplace

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/20/2008


Question
We are installing a wood burning insert into a zero clearance or pre-fabbed fireplace that has an existing chimney.  Can we just connect to the pipe at the top the the zero clearance firebox? And if we can, what type of pipe is needed?  Just for your information the diameter of the insert opening is 8" and the pipe out of the fireplace is 9".

Thanks
Andrea

Answer
Andrea,

Don't do it, I recommend you you go to the Chimney Safety Institute of America web site at www.csia.org, click on anatomy of the fireplace link on the home page and scroll down to the factory built fireplace section. In a nut shell, although many insert manufactures promote inclusion of these appliances in listed factory built fireplaces, the pairing of these listed appliances voids the listing of both. The fireplace is listed to UL 127, and the insert to UL 1482. UL 1482 specifically states that the insert is only tested to install within a masonry fireplace built to NFPA-=2121 standards. Best of luck to you.

Chimney & Fireplaces

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.