Superior BCF-3885, BRF-3875, BCF-4385, BRF-4375 Installation Instructions Manual
INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
CUSTOM SERIES
38" & 43" Wood Burning Fireplaces
P/N 700,021M REV. A 12/2003
MODELS
BCF-3885 BRF-3875
BCF-4385 BRF-4375
This installation manual will enable you to obtain a safe, efficient and
dependable installation of your fireplace system. Please read and understand these instructions before beginning your installation.
Do not alter or modify the fireplace or its components under any
circumstances. Any modification or alteration of the fireplace system,
including but not limited to the fireplace, chimney components and
accessories, may void the warranty, listings and approvals of this system
and could result in an unsafe and potentially dangerous installation.
RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
IMPORTANT! TO ASSURE PROPER ALIGNMENT OF GLASS DOORS:
INSTALL THIS FIREPLACE IN A SQUARE AND PLUMB CONDITION,
USING SHIMS AS NECESSARY AT SIDES AND/OR BOTTOM.
U.L. Report No. MH8988
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Rules .................................... page 2
Tools and Building Supplies ............ page 2
Precautions ..................................... page 3
Introduction ..................................... page 3
Clearances/Height Requirements..... page 3
Chimney System ............................. page 3
Assembly Outline............................. page 4
Location of Fireplace ....................... page 4
Assembly Steps ............................... page 5
Preinstallation Notes........................ page 5
Installing the Fireplace ..................... page 5
Fireplace Specifications .................. page 6
Framing Specifications.................... page 7
Installing the Chimney System ........ page 8
Ten Foot Rule Summary .................. page 10
Multiple Terminations ...................... page 10
Chimney Component Calculations ... page 11
Special Offset Instructions............... page 11
30° Offset through Floor/Ceiling ...... page 11
Offset Calculations........................... page 11
Vertical Elevation Chart ................... page 12
Offset Elevation Chart ..................... page 14
Installing Offsets.............................. page 15
Optional Equipment Considerations. page 15
Forced Air Kits ................................. page 15
Combustion Air Kits ........................ page 15
Gas Line Connection........................ page 16
Vent Free Appliances ....................... page 16
Glass Doors ..................................... page 16
Cold Climate Insulation.................... page 17
Fireplace Finishes ............................ page 17
Mantels and Trim............................. page 17
Hearth Extensions/Wall Shields ....... page 17
Finish Requirements ........................ page 19
Installation Components .................. page 19
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ AND
UNDERSTAND THESE RULES TO
FOLLOW FOR SAFETY.
1. Before starting your fireplace installation,
read these installation instructions carefully to
be sure you understand them completely and in
entirety. Failure to follow them could cause a
fireplace malfunction resulting in serious injury
and/or property damage.
2. Always check your local building codes. The
installation must comply with all local, regional,
state and national codes and regulations.
3. The 38" models of these fireplaces must be
installed with Security Chimneys FTF8 (8" inside
diameter) Chimney System. The 43" models with
either Security Chimneys FTF8 or FTF10 (10"
inside diameter) Chimney System. These systems are intended for use in any application
where a traditional masonry type fireplace would
apply. The chimney system must always vent to
the outside of the building.
4. To ensure a safe fireplace system and to
prevent the build-up of soot and creosote, inspect
and clean the fireplace and chimney prior to use
and periodically during the heating season.
5. Use solid fuel only. DO NOT use artificial
wax based logs, chemical chimney cleaners or
flame colorants in your fireplace.
Never burn treated construction lumber or
scraps. These woods burn excessively hot
and may contain chemicals used to treat
insects and fungus. When burned, these
chemicals can pose a significant hazard.
6. DO NOT use charcoal or coal under any
circumstances.
7. NEVER use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern
fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar
liquids to start or “freshen up” a fire in this
fireplace. Keep any flammable liquids a safe
distance from the fireplace.
8. NEVER leave children unattended when
there is a fire burning in the fireplace.
9. Always keep flue damper open when heat is
present in the fireplace.
10. Before servicing, allow the fireplace to
cool. Always shut off any electricity or gas to
the fireplace while working on it. This will
prevent any possible electrical shock or burns.
11. This fireplace is not intended to heat an entire
home or be used as a primary heat source. It is
designed to ensure homeowner comfort by providing supplemental heat to the room.
12. Always ensure an that adequate supply of
replacement combustion air from the outside
of the house is accessible to the fire to support
normal combustion. Fireplaces consume large
volumes of air during the normal combustion
process. In the event the home is tightly sealed
with modern energy efficient features, the optional combustion air kit may not provide all
the air required to support combustion.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any
smoking or related problems that may result
from the lack of adequate combustion air. It is
the responsibility of the builder/contractor to
ensure that adequate combustion air has been
provided for the fireplace.
13. DO NOT use a fireplace insert or any other
products not specified herein by the manufacturer for use with this fireplace. All gas log sets
must be operated with the damper clamped
open, including unlisted “vent free” log sets.
Listed “vent-free” log sets may be operated
with the damper closed.
14. "Smoke free” operation is not warranteed
nor are we responsible for inadequate system
draft caused by mechanical systems, general
construction conditions, inadequate chimney
heights, adverse wind conditions and/or unusual environmental factors or conditions beyond our control.
15. Never, under any circumstances, install a
fireplace, chimney component or any accessories, that has visible or suspected physical
damage as a result of handling or transportation. These items should be inspected by your
distributor or qualified factory representative
to ensure safe condition. When in doubt, consult your distributor.
16. For additional safety considerations and
complete operating instructions, refer to the
Care and Operation Manual provided with the
fireplace.
TOOLS AND BUILDING SUPPLIES
NORMALLY REQUIRED
Tools should Include:
Phillips screwdriver
Hammer
Saw and/or sabersaw
Level
Measuring tape
Plumb line
Electric drill and bits
Pliers
Square
Building supplies:
Framing materials
Wall finishing materials
Caulking materials (noncombustible)
Fireplace surround and hearth
extension materials (noncombustible)
2
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.
PRECAUTIONS
Note: These fireplace systems are not difficult
to install. However, in the interest of safety, it is
recommended that the installer be a qualified or
certified “tradesman” familiar with commonly
accepted fireplace installation and safety techniques as well as prevailing local codes.
The most important areas of concern dealing
with the installation of factory-built fireplaces are
clearances to combustible materials, proper assembly of component parts, height of the chimney system, the proper use of accessories supplied by the manufacturer and the techniques
employed in using finishing materials applied to
the wall surrounding the fireplace, hearth extensions and wall shields. Each of these topics will
be covered in thorough detail throughout this
manual. Please give each your special attention
as you progress with your installation.
INTRODUCTION
General Information
The BCF Series are wood-burning fireplaces featuring a self-contained heat-circulating system.
A standard bar grate is also included to properly
position the fire. Outside combustion air kits,
decorative glass doors, forced air kits and the fan
adapter kit are available as optional equipment.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION
Chimney And
Termination
The BRF Series are conventional radiant-heat
fireplaces with a standard bar grate, optional
outside combustion air kits and optional decorative glass doors.
Note: Illustrations shown reflect “typical” installations with nominal dimensions and are
for design and framing reference only. Actual
installations may vary due to individual design
preferences. However, always maintain minimum clearances to combustible materials and
do not violate any specific installation requirements.
The BRF and BCF Series Fireplaces have been
tested and listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (File No. MH8988-1/91) to the U.L.
127 standard for U.S. installations. These
units are intended for installation in residential
homes and other buildings of conventional
construction including commercial, not in mobile homes.
These fireplace systems are designed for installation in accordance with the National Fire
Protection Standard for chimneys, fireplaces
and solid fuel burning appliances; NFPA 211
and in accordance with codes such as the
BOCA Basic/National Codes, the Standard Mechanical Code and the Uniform Building Codes.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE MANUFACTURE PROVIDED PARTS, VARIATIONS IN
TECHNIQUES AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS OR PRACTICES OTHER THAN
THOSE DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL
MAY CREATE A FIRE HAZARD AND VOID
THE LIMITED WARRANTY.
The BCF and BRF systems consist of six basic
“sub-systems”:
1. The Fireplace
2. The Chimney and Termination
3. The Optional Glass Doors
4. The Optional Forced Air Kits (BCF Series
only)
5. The Optional Combustion Air Kits
6. The Optional Collar Duct Kits
CLEARANCES AND HEIGHT
REQUIREMENTS
The fireplace may be placed on or near normal
construction materials*. The combustion air
kit, firestop spacer and roof flashing (not chase
flashings) may be placed directly on or against
normal construction materials.* The chimney
requires a minimum 2" air space to combustibles (
See **Note
be installed 12" above the opening of the fireplace as per NFPA 211, Section 7-2.3.3.
The fireplace and chimney system must be
enclosed when installed in or passing through
a living area where combustibles or people may
come in contact with it. This is important to
prevent possible personal injury or fire hazard.
For questions, please call your distributor or
the manufacturer. Special restrictions apply to
the front and facing of the fireplace and nearby
walls (See pages 16, 17 and 18 ).
). A combustible mantle may
Forced Air Kit
(BCF Models Only)
Outside Combustion
Air Kit (Optional)
Figure 1
Model BCF
(Shown)
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.
CHIMNEY SYSTEM
These fireplaces are designed and code listed
for use with Security Chimneys FTF8 or FTF10
chimney System only. Always use Security
Chimneys FTF8 or FTF10 chimney components
with these fireplaces. Do not modify or alter
these components as this may cause a potential
serious hazard and void the Warranty.
*Construction Materials:
• framing materials • paneling
• particle board • flooring
• millboard • dry wall
• plywood • etc.
**Note: 1" clearance when installing FTF8 on
38" models or FTF10 on 43" models.
3
Insulate Joists
Wall
Covering
Black Portion Of Frame
Not To Be Covered With
Combustible Materials
Safe
Zone
45°
12”
15” For 38” Model
18” For 43” Model
Door
Opening
1”
Same As Ceiling
Draft Stops
Chimney Height
The total height of your completed fireplace
system from the surface the fireplace rests on
to the chimney top must not exceed 80' and
must also meet minimum height requirements.
Refer to the minimum system height chart.
Minimum System Height
LOCATION OF FIREPLACE
Carefully select the proper location for heat
circulation, aesthetics, chimney obstructions
and clearance to side wall(s). With proper preplanning, a slight adjustment of a few inches
can save considerable time and expense later
during construction and assembly.
Firestop
CTDT
Termination
Note: NonCombustible
Chase
Flashing
Must Be
Used To
Cover
Chase
Opening
Optional
Insulation
In Outside
Walls Of
Chase
8'
Level
Solid
Continuous
Surface
Outside
Insulation
(Thermal Barrier)
Base
Figure 2
WARNING: IF INSULATION IS USED, THE
FIREPLACE MUST NOT BE PLACED DIRECTLY AGAINST IT. INSULATION OR
VAPOR BARRIERS, IF USED, MUST FIRST
BE COVERED WITH GYPSUM BOARD,
PLYWOOD, PARTICLE BOARD OR OTHER
MATERIAL TO ASSURE INSULATION AND
VAPOR BARRIERS REMAIN IN PLACE.
WARNING: DO NOT PACK OR FILL REQUIRED AIR SPACES WITH INSULATION
OR OTHER MATERIAL. NO MATERIAL IS
ALLOWED IN THESE AREAS.
Note: Do not insulate the chase cavity with
blown or fill type insulation materials.
Note: Local codes may not require firestopping
at the ceiling levels for outside chase installations. However, it is recommended for safety
and the reduction of heat loss.
4
Opening Width 38" 43" 43"
Chimney Type FTF8 FTF8 FTF10
Vertical 12' 0" 16' 8" 15' 0"
Installation
One Offset 12' 0" 16' 8" 15' 0"
Two Offsets 25' 0" 25' 0" 25' 0"
Chase Enclosure
A chase is a vertical box-like structure constructed to surround the fireplace and chimney.
Refer to
Figure 2
for a typical chase configuration. As with all chimney installations, avoid
overhead obstructions such as trees, power
lines, etc. A chase should be constructed and
insulated just like any outside wall. In a cold
climate, we recommend the base of the chase
should also be insulated between the solid
continuous floor beneath the fireplace and the
chase bottom. Chase insulation in a cold climate installation is not required for safety.
ASSEMBLY OUTLINE
Before You Start
Check your inventory list to be sure you have all
the necessary parts supplied in good usable
condition. Check also for any concealed damage.
Check the operation of the damper. The damper
is controlled through the use of a control lever
located within the firebox opening at the top
center just behind the firebox lintel (
The control lever snaps into place at the extreme range of motion, up and back in the
closed position. Firm pressure is required to
lock the damper closed. When pulled forward
and down, the damper is open.
Damper
Closed
Lintel
Figure 3
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.
Damper
Open
Figure 3
Hearth
Hearth
Optional
Outside Chase
Figure 4
Carefully consider the position of the fireplace
opening with respect to the location of adjacent
or nearby stairwells, bath or kitchen exhaust
fans and/or return air registers for forced air
furnaces/air conditioners that could cause a
smoking fireplace condition if the house is
tightly insulated.
When locating the fireplace, consideration must
be given to combustibles and final finishing.
See
Figure 5
and confine the final location of
combustible finish materials to the "Safe Zone".
If there is a continuous perpendicular side wall
closer than 15" from the nearest side of any 38"
fireplace opening or 18" from any 43" model, it
must be protected with a 40" x 40" x ¹⁄₂" wall shield
constructed of millboard or a durable non-combustible material with equal or greater insulating
value than k = 84BTU/HR-FT
16). A continuous perpendicular side wall cannot
).
be closer than 8" from the fireplace opening
2
under any circumstances, even if protected.
Figure 5
-°F/IN (see page
DO NOT permanently place furniture or other
items such as decorative pillows within 60" of
the fireplace front face.
ASSEMBLY STEPS
Note: The following steps represent the nor-
mal sequence of installation. Each installation
is unique, however, and might require a different sequence.
1. Position firebox prior to framing or into
prepared framing.
2. Install the chimney system.
3. Field wire main power supply to BCF models
for fan kit and install CF-ADK adapter kit. (Electrical connections should only be performed by
an experienced, licensed/certified tradesman.)
4. Install optional outside combustion air kit.
5. Plumb gas line if a decorative gas appliance
will be used. (Gas connections should only be
performed by an experienced, licensed/certified tradesman.)
6. Complete the installation, finish wall material, surround and hearth extension to your
individual taste.
7. Assemble and attach optional glass door
assembly.
Study the three dimensional illustration (
ure 1
) to get a general idea of each element of
Fig-
your fireplace system.
PRE-INSTALLATION NOTES
The fireplace may be installed directly on a
combustible floor or raised on a platform of an
appropriate height. Do not place fireplace on
carpeting, vinyl or other soft floor coverings. It
may, however, be placed on flat wood, plywood, particle board or other hard surfaces.
Be sure fireplace rests on a solid continuous
floor or platform with appropriate framing for
support and so that no cold air can enter the
room from under the fireplace.
The fireplace may be positioned and then the
framing built around it, or the framing may be
constructed and the fireplace positioned into
the opening.
Usually, no special floor support is needed for
the fireplace, however, to be certain:
1. Estimate the total weight of the fireplace
system including chimney and surround materials such as brick, stone, etc., to be installed. Shipping weights for the fireplace
may be found on page 18.
2. Measure the square footage of the floor
space to be occupied by the system, surrounds
and hearth extensions.
3. Note the floor construction, i.e. 2 x 6’s, 2 x 8’s
or 2 x 10’s, single or double joists, type and
thickness of floor boards.
4. Use this information and consult your local
building code to determine if you need additional support.
CAUTION: DO NOT BLOCK THE HEAT-CIRCULATING AIR INLET AND OUTLET PORTS ON
CIRCULATING MODELS. DOING SO MAY RESULT IN A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
If you plan to raise the fireplace and hearth
extension, build the platform assembly then
position fireplace and hearth extension on top.
Secure the platform to the floor to prevent
possible shifting.
INSTALLING THE FIREPLACE
Step 1. Slide the fireplace into prepared fram-
ing or position fireplace in its final position and
frame later.
The fireplace may not be recessed into a combustible floor. Maintain the floor to hearth clearance established by the fireplace lower front
face.
Step 2. Insert the provided metal safety strips,
beneath the fireplace as illustrated (
and 8
). The safety strips should overlap ¹⁄₂" for
Figures 6, 7
continual coverage of the floor.
Note: Safety strips are not required when fireplace rests on a noncombustible surface.
To Install
Step 1. Slide the fireplace into prepared fram-
ing or position fireplace in its final position and
frame later.
Step 2. Insert the metal safety strips, packaged
with the fireplace, beneath the fireplace as illustrated (
Figures 6 and 7
overlap 1" for continual coverage of the floor.
). The safety strips should
Note: Safety strips are not required when fireplace rests on a non-combustible surface.
Combustible
Wall
1/2" Space
Metal Safety Strip
Maintain
1/2" Air Space
At Back
And Sides
Hearth
Extension
Floor
Figure 6
Combustible
Wall
1/2" Space
Metal Safety Strip Floor
Platform
Maintain
1/2" Air Space
At Back
And Sides
Hearth
Extension
Figure 7
Note: Install the hearth extension only as illus-
trated.
The safety strips should extend from front and
sides of the fireplace 2". In the event a wooden
support is used to elevate the fireplace above
the floor, a “Z” type safety strip should be
fabricated and used to protect the front surface
of the wood support as well as the floor beneath
the hearth extension (
Figures 8 and 9
). The
safety strips should be tacked down to prevent
possible movement.
Note: The “Z” type safety strip is not supplied
by Superior.
Step 3. Refer to fireplace drawings and specifications on pages 6 and 7 for framing dimensions and details. Framing header may be positioned directly on the fireplace top spacers.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.
5
FIREPLACE SPECIFICATIONS
2 1/4"
1 5/16" 1 5/16"
38 = 12 1/2"
43 = 15"
4 1/4"
6 1/2"
1 ¹⁄₂"
Metal Safety Strips
Figure 8
Blocking
Metal Safety Strips
Figure 9
IMPORTANT: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
CAN THE FIREPLACE TOP SPACERS BE REMOVED OR MODIFIED, NOR MAY YOU NOTCH
THE HEADER TO FIT AROUND OR BE INSTALLED LOWER THAN THE SPACERS. THE
HEADER MAY BE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH
THE TOP SPACERS BUT MAY NOT BE SUPPORTED BY THEM.
Step 4. Fireplace may be anchored to floor.
Bend down four (4) anchor tabs located at the
base of the fireplace and secure to the floor by
nailing with 8d nails (
Figure 10
).
38 3/4"
3"
34 1/2"
7"
Gas Line
Knockout
8 1/2"
21 1/2"
21"
1 1/2"
4 1/2"
34 1/2"
8 1/4"
23"
8 1/2"
21 1/2"
Left Side Right Side
38 = 38"
43 = 42 3/4"
38 = 40 5/8"
43 = 45 3/8"
BCF Model Shown
Combustion
Air Inlet
Gas Line
Knockout
38 = 29 1/8"
43 = 33 3/4"
J Box
Cover
8 1/4"
34 1/2"
3 1/2"
38 3/4"
Anchor Tab
Figure 10
6
9"
21 1/2"
Figure 11
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.
38 = 40 5/8"
43 = 45 3/8"
Top
38 = 12 1/2"
43 = 15"
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