Generally, electric fireplaces can be installed close to the floor; however, the exact distance from floor to the bottom of the unit should be determined by the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Most manufacturers state that their electric fireplaces must be installed at least 12” away from combustible materials, such as walls and drapery. Many freestanding electric fireplaces will come with legs or feet, which should always be used to support the unit.
This raises the unit off the floor, creating a safe and well-ventilated area. In some cases, the manual may allow a closer installation, in which case you should always use a heat shield to protect the surface in contact with the fireplace.
Additionally, it is also important to keep combustible items such as books and clothing away from the fireplace in order to prevent fires. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety protocols when installing an electric fireplace and make sure to keep it covered when not in use.
How far off the floor should a wall mounted fireplace be?
When mounting a wall mounted fireplace, it is important to consider a safe distance from the floor. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires wall-mounted fireplaces to be at least 12 inches away from the floor.
This safe distance provides enough room for proper combustion, as well as allowing for an ample amount of clearance in case something is spilled near the fireplace. Additionally, the NFPA and other organizations also suggest avoiding direct contact with combustible materials when wall-mounting a fireplace.
For this, an extra space or insulating material should be used to provide an air gap between the wall mount and the combustible material. This will increase the safety and performance of the wall-mounted fireplace.
How high should a fireplace be from the floor?
The general guideline for the height of a fireplace from the floor is between 24 to 48 inches. The exact height of your fireplace will depend on the style, size, and material of your fireplace as well as the size of the room.
For instance, for a small room you may want to opt for a shorter fireplace; the shorter height will help make the room appear larger. Additionally, the type of fuel—gas, wood-burning, or electric—will also be a factor in determining the best height for your fireplace.
When installing the fireplace, proper safety and clearances must also be taken into consideration. Clearance around the fireplace should be at least 36 inches in front and 18 inches on both sides and should be kept free of combustible materials.
Building codes should also be taken into consideration to ensure a safe and proper installation.
Where should electric fireplaces be placed?
The ideal placement for an electric fireplace is in a central spot in your home where it can be viewed from multiple rooms. This way, you can enjoy the warmth and glow of the electric fireplace from many different areas.
When positioning the fireplace, you should also consider the local regulations, the possible smoke and odor from the fireplace, and any furniture the fireplace may need to be near.
It is important to locate the fireplace away from curtains, furniture, and other materials that could be damaged or become combustible if too close to the fireplace. Please refer to the owner’s manual of your electric fireplace for safety distance guidelines.
You also need to be able to access the electric plug, so it should also be placed near an accessible power point.
Finally, it is important to consider the atmosphere of the room you plan on placing the electric fireplace in. As electric fireplaces are known to emphasize the cozy atmosphere of a space, it is best to place the fireplace in an area where you can enjoy the warmth and light, such as the living room, family room, or dining room.
How high should a 65 inch TV be mounted above a fireplace?
When mounting a 65 inch television above a fireplace, it’s important to take multiple elements into consideration in order to ensure you get the perfect viewing experience. The height of the TV should be based on the size of the room, the sitting distance from the TV, the size of the TV, and the height of the fireplace.
Generally speaking, the optimal viewing height for a 65 inch TV is about 42-55 inches off the floor. The distance from the TV to the viewer is typically roughly 3x the size of the TV itself. That means for a 65 inch TV the ideal sitting distance would be between 10-13 feet away.
To ensure proper visual alignment, mount the TV so that its middle point is at the level of the viewer’s eyes when they’re seated. For a 65 inch TV, that should put the TV at a height of between 42-55 inches above the fireplace.
It is also important to keep in mind the height of the fireplace when mounting a TV above it. If the fireplace is taller than the bottom of the TV, the TV should be mounted slightly lower to keep it even with the top of the fireplace.
This will ensure the TV is not too high and the top of the fireplace will not obstruct the view.
Ultimately, the height of a 65 inch TV mounted above a fireplace will depend on the size of the room and the viewing distance, and should be adjusted accordingly to ensure a comfortable viewing experience.
How much clearance does a ventless gas fireplace need?
Typically, a ventless gas fireplace should have at least 6 inches of clearance from any combustible material (such as wood, drywall, etc. ) to ensure that there is enough space for the heat generated by the fireplace to dissipate safely.
The space should also be free of any other obstructions (like furniture) so that the flames and heat are not impeded. The clearance area should also include both the sides and the top of the fireplace, as well as the clearance from the wall/combustible materials behind it.
It is also important to note that a ventless gas fireplace can still produce carbon monoxide, so having a carbon monoxide detector in the same room is always a good idea. Furthermore, a homeowner should consult their local building code and ensure that any ventless gas fireplace they are installing is allowed in their area.
How high should mantle be with TV above?
The ideal height for a mantle with a TV above it depends on the size of the TV and the preference of the homeowner. Generally, the height of the mantle should be at least 12-16 inches higher than the TV.
This will help to create the right balance between the size of the TV and the size of the mantle. Additionally, the mantle should preferably be at eye level when sitting. This will create a comfortable viewing experience and help to reduce neck strain.
Can you plug an electric fireplace into a regular outlet?
Yes, you can plug an electric fireplace into a standard wall outlet. However, for safety reasons, you should use a wall outlet that is properly grounded and review the manufacturer’s instructions for the electrical requirements needed to safely operate the electric fireplace.
If the electric fireplace has higher wattage than what the wall outlet can provide, you should consider consulting an electrician to upgrade the wall outlet accordingly. Some electric fireplaces require a dedicated circuit and in this case, an electrician should definitely be consulted for proper installation.
What is needed for an electric fireplace?
In order to get an electric fireplace working, you will need access to a dedicated electrical outlet, capable of handling the amount of power needed to heat the room. You may also need to purchase a surge protector and extension cords if the outlet is located far away from the electric fireplace.
You may also need to buy wall anchors and mounting hardware if the electric fireplace requires installation in a wall. Depending on the model, the electric fireplace may also need additional items such as a remote control or an optional thermostat, as well as other accessories.
Lastly, you should be sure to read the installation and operation instructions that come with the electric fireplace in order to ensure the safe and effective use for your home.
Are electric fireplaces hardwired or plug in?
Electric fireplaces typically plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and the technology is essentially the same as an electric heater. Many types of electric fireplaces are available on the market, ranging from the simple, inexpensive “plug-in” model to the more advanced, hard-wired model.
The plug-in variety simply plugs into any standard 120-volt outlet and the unit is ready to use, while the hard-wired model requires the services of a qualified electrician to install, as they typically connect to the existing wiring in your home.
Both can provide supplemental heat and are readily available in a variety of styles, ranging from classic to modern. When selecting an electric fireplace, it’s important to look for one with a quality construction and reliable flame technology.
Many models come with a variety of features, such as a thermostat, timer, and adjustable flame height, making them a great investment for any home.
How many amps does an electric fireplace draw?
The amount of amps that an electric fireplace draws will depend on the specific unit and its size. Generally speaking, a medium-sized electric fireplace may draw between 12-15 amps of electricity. On the other hand, a larger electric fireplace could draw up to 20 amps.
It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions on any unit before attempting to install the electric fireplace to ensure that the appliance is getting the proper amount of current. Additionally, you should not attempt to install the electric fireplace on your own and allow a qualified electrician to handle the installation and maintenance instead.
Why does the cord on my electric fireplace get hot?
The cord on an electric fireplace will get hot for a few reasons. First, electric fireplaces transfer heat to the room using an electrical current and the cords are used to transport the electric current to the heating elements inside the fireplace.
This means the electric current produces some heat and causes the cord to become hot. Additionally, if the fireplace has been turned on and off frequently or has been left on for an extended period of time, the heat generated by the current can accumulate, causing the cord to become extremely hot.
If you notice that the cord is becoming too hot, you should turn off the fireplace and give it time to cool down before turning it back on. Additionally, you should inspect the cord and make sure it is not damaged in any way, as a damaged cord could be dangerous and should be replaced.
Can I use a heavy duty extension cord with a space heater?
Yes, you can use a heavy duty extension cord with a space heater, but only if the power rating on the extension cord matches that of the space heater. Generally, for a space heater, you should use an extension cord with higher power rating than that of the appliance, and the extension cord should be designed for indoor use.
When selecting an extension cord, choose one that is either marked with a “C-UL” or “CSA” or has a rating or gauge that is higher than that of the appliance. The rating or gauge should be clearly marked on the cord itself.
Also, make sure that the cord is long enough to reach the power source without needing to be stretched, as dangerous bends in the cord can weaken it or cause it to overheat. Finally, always keep the cord away from areas of high heat and never use a cord that has any exposed or frayed wiring.
Does an electric fireplace need to be hardwired?
No, an electric fireplace does not necessarily need to be hardwired. There are some electric fireplaces that come with a plug that you can use to plug the fireplace into an outlet. Some electric fireplaces are even battery operated so no wiring is necessary.
However, if you do choose to have your electric fireplace hardwired, it will be necessary to have it properly installed by a certified electrician. Hardwired electric fireplaces are typically larger and more efficient than plug in electric fireplaces.
It is important to consult an electrician to make sure that your home is capable of properly powering a hardwired electric fireplace.
Should an electric fireplace be on its own breaker?
Yes, an electric fireplace should be on its own dedicated circuit and breaker. This is important for several reasons. First, an electric fireplace often has a high wattage, so it needs its own circuit to prevent it from overloading other circuits and potentially causing a power outage or circuit overload.
Second, electric fireplaces generate heat and a dedicated circuit will help ensure that the fireplace does not cause the other connected circuits to overheat and potentially shut off power to other devices that are connected to the circuit.
Finally, having its own dedicated breaker will help ensure that the electric fireplace does not draw too much electricity from the rest of the electrical system, which can potentially cause a fire or overload the system.
Do electric fireplaces use 110 or 220?
Electric fireplaces typically use 110 volts, which is the standard voltage in households across the United States. However, some units may require a higher voltage of 220 volts. It is important to check the specifications of an electric fireplace before purchasing it to determine what voltage is required for use.
Generally, it will be specified in the product description or manual. If an electric fireplace does require 220 volts, it must be hard-wired and installed by a certified electrician. Additionally, it is also important to check the wattage and voltage requirements for an electric fireplace before selecting one, as this will determine the amount of electrical current needed to run the appliance.
