Superior TM-4500, TMC-4500 Installation Instructions Manual

I

N S T A L L A T I O N

I

N S T R U C T I O N S

For Superior’s

TM And TMC

Series Fireplace

Models

TM-4500

And TMC-4500

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.

PLEASE RETAIN THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.

SUPERIOR

The Fireplace Company

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

Warnock Hersey
Report No. 620-1058A

®

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Rules .................................... page 2

Tools and Building Supplies ............ page 3

Precautions ..................................... page 3

Introduction ..................................... page 3

General Information......................... page 3

Clearances/Height Requirements..... page 3

Chimney System ............................. page 3

Assembly Outline............................. page 4

Location of Fireplace ....................... page 4

Assembly Steps ............................... page 4

Installing the Fireplace ..................... page 5

To Install ......................................... 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

Offset Calculations........................... page 11

Vertical Elevation Chart.................... page 12

Offset Elevation Chart ...................... page 12

To Install Offsets ............................. page 13

30° Offset through Floor or Ceiling .. page 14

Optional Equipment ......................... page 14

Glass Doors ..................................... page 14

Combustion Air Kits ........................ page 14

TF10-TMS Termination Shroud ....... page 15

Wiring for the TMC Fan Kit .............. page 15

Fan Operation .................................. page 15

Fan Maintenance.............................. page 15

Gas Line .......................................... page 15

Cold Climate Insulation.................... page 16

Fireplace Finishes ............................ page 16

Mantels and Trim............................. page 16

Hearth Extensions/Wall Shields ....... page 16

Finish to Your Taste......................... page 17

Accessories/Component List ........... page 18

3. Superior Models TM-4500 and TMC-4500
must be installed with the Model TF10 [10"
(250 mm) inside diameter] Thru-Flow Chimney
System only. These systems are intended for
use as residential type appliances. 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.

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.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

Chimney
and
Termination

Optional Position

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 that an 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, Superior’s
optional combustion air kit may not provide all
the air required to support combustion. Supe­rior 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.

Chimney
Air Kit
(Canada Only)

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
their 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.

2

Outside
Combustion
Air Kit
(Optional)

Figure 1

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

TM-4500

TMC-4500

13. DO NOT use a fireplace insert or any other

products not specified herein by Superior 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” logs sets may be operated with the
damper closed.

14. Superior Fireplace Company does not war­ranty “smoke free” operation 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, supplied by Superior Fireplace Company,
that has visible or suspected physical damage
as a result of handling or transportation. These
items should be inspected by a Superior dis­tributor or qualified factory representative to
ensure safe condition. When in doubt, consult
your Superior distributor.

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)

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 Superior 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.

IMPORTANT: WHEN INSTALLING IN CANADA,
THE CHIMNEY AIR KIT MUST BE INSTALLED
PER THE WARNOCK HERSEY INC. LISTING.

IMPORTANT: THE MINIMUM AIR SPACE TO
COMBUSTIBLES FOR THE CHIMNEY SYSTEM
IS 2" (51 MM).

INTRODUCTION
General Information

The TMC Series is a wood-burning fireplace
featuring a self contained heat-circulating sys­tem with a built-in fan kit. The TM Series is a
traditional radiant-heat wood-burning fireplace.
A steel bar grate is included with both models
to properly position the fire. An outside com­bustion air kit and decorative glass doors are
available as optional equipment.

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 TM and TMC Series fireplaces have been
tested and listed by Warnock Hersey Inc. (Re­port No. 620-1058A) to U.L. 127 standard for
U.S. installations and U.L.C. S610 standard for
Canadian installations. These units are intended
for installation in residential homes and build­ings of conventional construction, 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, Uniform Building Codes and/or the
Canadian National Code.

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

WARNING: FAILURE TO USE PARTS
MANUFACTURED BY SUPERIOR FIRE­PLACE COMPANY OR VARIATIONS IN
TECHNIQUES AND CONSTRUCTION MA­TERIALS DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL
MAY CREATE A FIRE HAZARD AND VOID
SUPERIOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY.

The TM and TMC systems consist of six basic
“sub-systems”:

1. The Fireplace

2. The Chimney and Termination

3. The Optional Glass Doors

4. The Forced Air Kit (TMC-4500 only)

5. The Optional Combustion Air Kit

6. The Chimney Collar Enclosure Kit (Canada

Only)

CLEARANCES AND HEIGHT
REQUIREMENTS

The fireplace may be placed on or near normal
construction materials*. The combustion air
kit, firestop spacer and roof flashings (not
chase flashings) may be placed directly on or
against normal construction materials*. The
chimney requires a minimum 2" (51 mm) air
space to combustibles. A combustible mantle
may be installed a minimum of 12" (305 mm)
above the opening of the fireplace as per NFPA
211, Section 7-3.3.3. In Canada the minimum
is 24" (610 mm) above the opening.

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
Superior Fireplace Company. Special restric­tions apply to the front and facing of the fire­place and nearby walls (See pages 16 and 17 ).

CHIMNEY SYSTEM

Superior-manufactured fireplace Models
TM-4500 and TMC-4500 are designed and code­listed for use with Superior’s TF10 Thru-Flow
Chimney System only. Always use Superior’s
Thru-Flow chimney components with these
fireplaces. Do not modify or alter these compo­nents as this may cause a potential serious
hazard and void Superior’s Limited Warranty.

*Construction Materials:

• framing materials • paneling

• particle board • flooring

• millboard • dry wall

• plywood • etc.

3

Insulate Joists
Same as Ceiling

Draft Stops

10FS-2 Firestop

TF10-CTDT
Termination

Note: Non­Combustible
Chase
Flashing
Must be
Used to
Cover
Chase
Opening

Insulation
(Thermal Barrier)

Figure 2

8'

(2.4m)

Level

Optional
Insulation
in Outside
Walls of
Chase

Solid
Continuous
Surface

Outside
Base

CHIMNEY HEIGHT

The total height of your TM or TMC fireplace
system from the surface the fireplace rests on
to the chimney top must not exceed 80' (24.4m)
and must also meet minimum height require­ments. Refer to the minimum system height
chart.

Minimum System Height

TM-4500

TMC-4500

Vertical 16' 0"
Installation (4.8 m)

One 18' 6"
Offset (5.6 m)

Two 22' 0"
Offsets (6.7 m)

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.

Hearth

Hearth

Optional
Outside
Chase

Figure 3

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.

If there is a continuous perpendicular side wall
closer than 18" (457 mm) from the nearest side
of the fireplace opening, it must be protected
with a 40" x 40" x ¹⁄₂" (1016 mm x 1016 mm x 13
mm) wall shield constructed of millboard or a
durable noncombustible material with equal or
greater insulating value than .84k (see page

16). A continuous perpendicular side wall can­not be closer than 12" (305 mm) from the
fireplace opening under any circumstances,
even if protected.

ASSEMBLY STEPS

WARNING: IF INSULATION IS USED, THE
FIREPLACE MUST NOT BE PLACED
AGAINST IT. INSULATION OR VAPOR
BARRIERS, IF USED, MUST BE SECURED
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 OF
ANY KIND 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

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 flue
damper handle extends down from the inside
top of the fireplace; push in to close, pull out to
open — takes firm pressure to lock closed.

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 (

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

Figure 3

Note: The following steps represent the normal
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 chimney air kit (Canada only).

3. Install the chimney system.

4. Install optional outside combustion air kit.

5. Field wire main power supply to fireplace for
fan kit for Model TMC-4500. (Electrical connec­tions should only be performed by an experi­enced, licensed/certified tradesman.)

6. Plumb gas line if a decorative gas appliance
will be used. (Gas connections should only be

).

performed by an experienced, licensed/certi­fied tradesman.)

7. Complete finish wall material, surround and
hearth extension to your individual taste.

8. Assemble and attach optional glass door
assembly.

TO INSTALL

Step 1. Slide the fireplace into prepared fram-

ing or position fireplace in its final position and
frame later.

Note: The “Z” type safety strip is not supplied
by Superior.

Study the three dimensional illustration (

1

) to get a general idea of each element of your

Figure

fireplace system.

INSTALLING THE FIREPLACE

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 floor­ing or platform with appropriate framing for
support and so that no cold air can enter 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 and surround materials such as brick,
stone, etc., to be installed. Shipping weights for
the fireplace and chimney may be found in the
Suggested List Prices.

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 (51 x 152 mm, 51 x 203 mm or 51
x 250 mm), 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 BOTTOM
FRONT HEAT-CIRCULATING AIR INLETS AND
OUTLETS ON MODEL TMC-4500. 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.

Step 2. Insert the metal safety strips, packaged
with the fireplace, beneath the fireplace as
illustrated (

Figures 4 and 5

). The safety strips
should overlap 1" (25 mm) for continual cover­age of the floor.

Note: Safety strips are not required when fire­place rests on a noncombustible surface.

Combustible
Wall

Zero Clearence
to Rear and
Side Spacers

Metal Safety Strip

Hearth

1"

(25mm)

Extension

Floor

Figure 4

Combustible
Wall

Metal Safety Strip

1"

(25mm)

Platform

Hearth
Extension

Floor

Figure 5

Note: Install the hearth extension only as illus-

trated.

The safety strips should extend from front and
sides of the fireplace 2" (51 mm). 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 6 and 7

). The
safety strips should be tacked down to prevent
possible movement.

2"

(51mm)

Metal Safety Strips
with 1" (25mm) Overlap

Figure 6

Blocking

Platform

Special “Z” Metal Safety Strips

2"

(51mm)

with 1" (25mm) Overlap

Figure 7

Step 3. Refer to fireplace drawings and speci-

fications on pages 6 and 7 for framing dimen­sions and details. Framing header may be posi­tioned directly on the fireplace top spacers.

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 8

Anchor Tab

).

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

Figure 8

5

FIREPLACE DIMENSIONS

Figure 9

(167mm)

1 ⁵⁄₁₆"

(33mm)

6 ⁹⁄₁₆"

15" O.D.

(381mm)

6 ⁹⁄₁₆"

(167mm)

29"

(737mm)

45 ¹⁄₄"

(1149mm)

42 ⁹⁄₁₆"

(1081mm)

7"

(178mm)

1 ⁵⁄₁₆"

(33mm)

(737mm)

2 ³⁄₈"

(60mm)

TM-4500

Figure 10

Note: If you will be installing glass doors, refer to page 19 for clearance requirements.

66 ¹⁄₁₆"

(1678mm)

15" O.D.
(381mm)

29"

TMC-4500

45 ¹⁄₄"

(1149mm)

42 ⁹⁄₁₆"

(1081mm)

7"

(178mm)

Figure 11

10 ⁵⁄₈"

(270mm)

8 ³⁄₄"

(222mm)

(445mm)

Left Side

Figure 13

17 ¹₂"

47 ¹⁄₈"

(1197mm)

13 ¹⁄₄"

(337mm)

11"

(279mm)

Figure 12

37 ¹⁄₄"

(946mm)

47 ⁷⁄₈"

(1216mm)

Top View

(1197mm)

4 ¹⁄₈"

(105mm)

47 ¹⁄₈"

29 ⁷⁄₁₆"

(748mm)

10 ⁵⁄₈"

(270mm)

8 ³⁄₄"

(222mm)

4 ¹⁄₂"

(114mm)

Right Side

66 ¹⁄₁₆"

(1678mm)

6

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.