Expert: Steve Tavares - 10/18/2009

Question
Hi Steve. The masonry fireplace in my basement is getting a makeover as part of a larger basement renovation, and we'd like to install an electric insert into this otherwise unused fireplace. I've purchased a Muskoka electric insert and plan to build a wooden faceplate for it to overlap the front edges of the firebox for a neat, clean appearance.

My question is how best to route the electrical cord to plug the insert in. We can, of course, simply route the cord out one corner of the firebox and plug into the outlet next to the fireplace, but this is a bit unsightly. The original masonry firebox is equipped with a fresh air intake in the floor, which I'm assuming is connected in some way to a series of 4 vents (2 on each side of the fireplace). I don't have a schematic of the venting system in this fireplace, but I'm wondering if I can run a cable through the floor air intake in the firebox and out one of the side vents and thus to the outlet? I can feel cold air leaking through the lower vents, which is why I'm even suggesting this option.

FWIW, we also plan to cap/permanently close the flue for the masonry FP to stop the draft of cold air dropping into the basement.

Any help/advice is appreciated.

Answer
Well I'm glad to hear that your capping of the top of the chase. This will stop a large amount of cold getting into the home.

What I have done in the past for my clients is get an electrician to come in and run 14/2 electrical directly into the firebox with a plug in box so you have no cords sticking out at all.
I don't foresee any issues running the cord through the fresh air providing it is indeed connected to the room from the firebox.

Let me know how everything turns out.