TOA Electronics CST-38 User Manual

INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS

CUSTOM SERIES

36" Wood Burning Fireplaces
P/N 700,023M REV. C 06/2005

MODELS

CST-38 CPF-38

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.

OTL Report No. 116-F-20-4

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 4

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

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

Assembly Steps ............................... page 5

Preinstallation Notes........................ page 5

Clearances ....................................... page 5

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

Fireplace Specifications .................. page 7

Framing Specifications.................... page 8

Framing Wall Variations .................. page 9

Installing the Chimney System ........ page 10

Ten Foot Rule Summary .................. page 13

Multiple Terminations ...................... page 13

Chimney Component Calculations ... page 13

Special Offset Instructions............... page 13

Vertical Elevation Chart ................... page 14

Offset Elevation Chart ..................... page 15

Offset Calculations........................... page 16

Installing Offsets.............................. page 16

30° Offset through Floor/Ceiling ...... page 17

Glass Doors ..................................... page 17

Optional Equipment Considerations. page 17

Combustion Air Kits ........................ page 17

Gas Line Connection........................ page 18

Cold Climate Insulation.................... page 18

Fireplace Finishes ............................ page 18

Mantels and Trim............................. page 18

Hearth Extensions/Wall Shields ....... page 18

Finish Requirements ........................ page 20

Accessories And Components ......... page 20

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. These fireplaces must be installed with
Security Chimneys FTF8 (8" inside diameter)
Chimney System only. 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.

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.

WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT
BEEN TESTED WITH AN UNVENTED GAS
LOG SET. TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR
INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL AN UNVENTED
GAS LOG SET INTO THIS FIREPLACE.

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 CST-38 and CPF-38 Series are radiant­heat, two-sided and three-sided fireplaces with
required glass doors, that must be ordered
separately. A steel grate is included with the
CST-38 and CPF-38 to properly position the
fire. An outside combustion air kit is available
as optional equipment.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

Note: Illustrations shown reflect “typical” instal-

lations 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.

These fireplaces have been tested and listed by
Omni Test Labs (Report No. 116-F-20-4) to
U.L. standard 127. 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 CST and CPF systems consists of four
“subsystems”:

1. The Fireplace and Door Assemblies

2. The Chimney and Termination

3. The Optional Combustion Air Kit

4. The Chimney Air 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 flashing (not chase
flashings) may be placed directly on or against
normal construction materials.* The chimney
and fireplace outer wrapper require a mini­mum 2" and 1" air space to combustibles
respectively. A combustible mantle may be
installed 12" above the opening of the fireplace
as per NFPA 211, Section 7-2.3.3.

The CPF-38 fireplace opening must be kept a
minimum of 8" (203 mm) from an unprotected
combustible side wall. The CST-38 fireplace
opening must be kept a minimum of 8"
(203 mm) from a protected combustible side
wall. A perpendicular side wall can not be
closer that 7" (178 mm) for both the CPF-38
and CST-38 fireplaces. If there is a continuous
perpendicular side wall closer than 18" from
the CST-38 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 an equal or greater insulating value
than k=.84 BTU IN/FT

2

HR °F (refer to page 18).

Figure 1

Model CST-38

Chimney and
Termination

Model CPF-38

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

As with all chimney installations, avoid over­head obstructions such as trees, power lines,
etc. Additionally chimney terminations must
meet certain clearance to roof requirements
detailed in the paragraph titled Ten-Foot Rule
Summary.

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.

*Construction Materials:

• framing materials • paneling

• particle board • flooring

• millboard • dry wall

• plywood • etc.

3

For questions, please call your distributor or

Damper

Closed

Damper
Open

Lintel

the manufacturer. Special restrictions apply to
the front and facing of the fireplace and nearby
walls (See pages 18, 19 and 20 ).

CHIMNEY SYSTEM

These fireplaces are designed and code listed
for use with Security Chimneys FTF8 chimney
System only. Always use Security Chimneys
FTF8 chimney components with these fire­places. Do not modify or alter these compo­nents as this may cause a potential serious
hazard and void the Warranty.

Insulate Joists
Same As Ceiling

Draft Stops

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.

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. When pulled forward and
down, the damper is open.

Figure 3

).

Firestop

CTDT
Termination

Note: Non­Combustible
Chase
Flashing
Must Be
Used To
Cover
Chase
Opening

Insulation
(Thermal Barrier)

Figure 2

8'

Level

Optional
Insulation
In Outside
Walls Of
Chase

Solid
Continuous
Surface

Outside
Base

Chimney Height

The total height of your CST and CPF fireplace
systems from the surface the fireplace rests
on to the chimney top must not exceed 80'
(24.4m) and must also meet minimum system
height chart.

Minimum System Height

Model CST-38 Security's

and CPF-38 FTF8

Vertical Installation 15' 0" (4.6 m)

One Offset 16' 0" (4.9 m)

Two Offsets 25' 0" (7.6 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. 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.

Figure 3

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.

Figure 4

4

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

Carefully consider the position of the fireplace

Hearth
Extension

Floor

Hearth
Extension

Metal Safety

Strips

Platform

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.

This system is intended to be installed in resi­dential homes and buildings of conventional
construction, not in mobile homes.

When locating the fireplace, consideration must
be given to combustibles and final finishing.
For an example of this, see

Figure 5

and
confine the final location of combustible finish
materials to the "Safe Zone".

DO NOT permanently place furniture or other
items such as decorative pillows within 60" of
the fireplace front face.

Black Portion Of Frame

Not To Be Covered With

Combustible Materials

Wall

12”

45°

1”

Door

Opening

12”

Covering

Safe

Zone

Figure 5

ASSEMBLY STEPS

TM

6. Install both “All-Glass

” door assemblies.

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

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.

CLEARANCES

Minimum clearance to combustibles for the
appliance is as follows: sides and back - 1" (25
mm), floor - 0" (0 mm), adjacent wall - 12" (305
mm), ceiling - 37 ¹⁄₂" (953 mm).

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

continual coverage of the floor.

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

Hearth
Extension

Floor

Metal Safety

Strips

Figure 6

Figures 6, 7

Hearth
Extension

Floor

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 the chimney air kit (Canada only)

3. Install the chimney system.

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).

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.

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

Figure 7

Note: Install the hearth extension only as illus-

trated.

5

If the appliance is to be elevated above floor
level, a solid continuous platform must be
constructed.

Platform

Metal
Safety Strips

2" Min.

(51 mm)

Figure 8

*

Metal
Safety Strips

*

*

2" Min.

(51 mm)

Figure 9

The safety strips should extend in front and
sides of the fireplace opening 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 8, 9, 10, and 11

). The safety strips

see

should be tacked down to prevent possible
movement.

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

Step 3. Refer to fireplace drawings and speci-

fications on pages 7 and 8 for framing dimen­sions and details. False header may be posi­tioned directly on top of the fireplace spacers
(

see Figures 12, 13 and 14

).

*

*

*

*

2" Min. (51 mm)

Figure 10

*

*

*

2" Min.

(51 mm)

*

Special “Z”

Metal Safety Strips

Figure 11

IMPORTANT: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
CAN THE FIREPLACE TOP SPACERS (

12

) BE REMOVED OR MODIFIED, NOR MAY

FIGURE

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.

4 x 6 Header

2 x 4 False
Header

The header may rest on the top metal spacers,
but must not be notched to fit around them.

Consult all local codes.

No Combustible
Materials in
Shaded Areas

Figure 13

No
Combustible
Materials in
Shaded Areas

Figure 14

Spacer

Figure 12

6

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

FIREPLACE SPECIFICATIONS

12 ¹⁄₂"

(318 mm)

48 ³⁄₄"

(1238 mm)

10 ¹⁄₂"

(267 mm)

5 ¹⁄₄"

(133 mm)

21"

(533 mm)

32"

(813 mm)

25 ³⁄₁₆"

(640 mm)

8"

(203 mm)

23 ¹⁵⁄₁₆"

(608 mm)

48 ³⁄₄"

(1238 mm)

38" (965 mm)

39 ¹⁄₄" (997 mm)

Left Front View

Model CPF-38

12 ¹⁄₂"

(318 mm)

5 ³⁄₄"

(146 mm)

10 ¹⁄₂"

(267 mm)

5 ¹⁄₄"

(133 mm)

21"

(533 mm)

32"

(813 mm)

42 ¹⁄₂"

(1080 mm)

39 ¹⁄₄"

(997 mm)

Top View

(318 mm)

Combustion Air

12 ¹⁄₂"

3 ⁷⁄₈"

(98 mm)

48 ³⁄₄"

(1238 mm)

Figure 15

38" (965 mm)

39 ¹⁄₄" (997 mm)

Front View

Model CST-38

5 ³⁄₄"

(146 mm)

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

8 ¹³⁄₁₆"

(224 mm)

(217 mm)

End View

8 ⁹⁄₁₆"

7

FRAMING SPECIFICATIONS

4 x 4 Header

2 x 4

False Header

(Optional)

4 x 4

Header

2 x 4

False Header

(Optional)

7" Min.

(178 mm)

23 ¹⁵⁄₁₆"

(608 mm)

39 ¹⁄₈"

(994 mm)

42 ³⁄₄"

(1086 mm)

49"

(1245 mm)

CPF

Figure 16 Figure 19

42 ³⁄₄"

(1086 mm)

7" Min.

(178 mm)

40 ¹⁄₄"

(1022 mm)

49"

(1245 mm)

CST

42 ³⁄₄"

(1086 mm)

42 ³⁄₄"

(1086 mm)

23 ¹⁵⁄₁₆"

(608 mm)

CPF - Right Front View

Figure 17

49"

(1245 mm)

CPF - End View

Figure 18 Figure 21

8

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE.

Figure 20

CST - Front View

CST - End View

49"

(1245 mm)