Planning Your Electric Fireplace Installation

We’ve already covered the different types of electric fireplaces available. We’ve also shown you how to shop for an electric fireplace. If you’re reading this article, you’re likely ready to purchase an electric fireplace, or already have, and you want to make sure the installation process goes smoothly. Good idea!

We’ve put together this helpful guide to walk you step by step through an electric fireplace installation. We’re using the Napoleon Alluravision for our example, but the installation process should be fairly similar for other electric fireplace units. However, always refer to your product’s user manual for specific instructions. Each product will have its own framing requirements, clearances, and other technical specifications we won’t be able to cover here.

Getting Started Installing an Electric Fireplace

Before beginning your installation, be sure to review your user manual. We recommend reading your instructions cover to cover at least once before you begin the project. This will ensure all manufacturer requirements have been met. In addition, you’ll know what tools and equipment you’ll need to complete the job.

Safety Considerations in a Fireplace Installation

Safety should be one of your primary concerns when installing your fireplace. This is particularly important for appliances with integrated heaters like the Alluravision. Manufacturer's clearance requirements ensure adequate distance from combustible materials to prevent possible fire hazards. This includes external objects like decorative mantels and any objects which may inadvertently block heater vents, as well. In addition to clearances, be sure to note the importance of proper electrical safety. This product should be installed away from sources of water (including water vapor and humidity). You should also ensure your product is properly grounded by only using this appliance with a grounded outlet. Your fireplace should not be used with an extension cord.

Electric Fireplace Operation

Although we’ve already mentioned clearance to combustibles, it’s also important to note clearances for products such as electronics. For example, many homeowners choose to install their electric fireplace underneath a television. Failure to allow for proper spacing between the heater and the television can damage the television over time.

Testing Your Electric Fireplace

After carefully unpacking your fireplace from its box, it’s important to do a quick test of the appliance. Though it’s unlikely you’ll have any issues with your new appliance, it’s much easier to address any problems with the product before it’s installed into a wall or other structure.

To test your fireplace, simply plug the supplied power cord into a 120V, 15 Amp minimum grounded outlet. You’ll want to test lighting, heat and other features to make sure everything is in proper working order. Once you’ve deemed your product fully operational, you’re ready to proceed with your installation.

Steps for Installing a Built-In Electric Fireplace

Step 1: Frame Your Installation

The first step in installing your electric fireplace (after taking care of the prerequisites mentioned above, of course) is to frame your installation. In your user manual, you will find framing specifications for your electric fireplace. These specs will list the dimensions you will need to cut out in order to create a space to insert your fireplace.

For the Napoleon Alluravision installation manual, the height and width requirements are given for all units in the series. Be sure to confirm your product type before beginning installation.

In addition, Napoleon Alluravision’s junction box will be located in the bottom left corner of the installation (when facing the wall). Be sure to account for this during your installation, as you will need to access this section of the unit later.

Step 2a: Remove Attached Components As Necessary to Continue Installation

When installing your electric fireplace, you may need to remove several pre-attached pieces of the fireplace to facilitate installation. This step may vary significantly depending on your specific model of fireplace.

For Napoleon Alluravision, you will need to remove the front glass of the appliance by removing the installation screw and disengaging the glass with the installation brackets. Given the large size of the glass as well as its weight, we recommend performing this step with two people.

In addition to the front glass removal, you will need to remove Napoleon Alluravision’s plastic panel holders located on either side of the appliance. If side covers are installed prior to the installation, these will need to be removed, as well.

Step 2b: Install Trim Pieces (If Applicable)

The Napoleon Alluravision requires left, right, top and bottom trim pieces to be secured to each side of the unit. Secure these pieces with the included trim fasteners before moving on to Step 3.

It’s important to note this step may not be necessary on the electric fireplace model you have purchased. However, your unit may have its own mounting brackets or other trim pieces that will be needed to continue with the installation. Refer to your installation manual for more information.

Step 3a: Test Mount Appliance in Wall

Next, hold your appliance up to the framed section of your wall. The purpose of this step is to ensure a proper fit before continuing the installation process. If necessary, make any corrections to your installation before continuing. For the Napoleon Alluravision, you will also need to apply shims (not supplied) between the appliance and frame.

Step 3b: Connect Electrical Supply (If Applicable)

If desired, the next step will be to hard-wire the appliance into the household wiring. Please note, this step should only be undertaken by a qualified electrician. This will ensure safe and reliable operation. Refer your electrician to the wiring instructions in your user manual for more information.

This appliance must be electrically connected and grounded in accordance with local codes if hardwired. In the absence of local codes, use the current ANSI/NFPA 70 National Electrical Code for installations in the United States. Also, be sure to leave enough wire so the appliance can be removed from the enclosure and serviced if necessary.

Steps 4: Reinstall Components As Necessary to Continue Installation and Secure the Appliance in the Wall

The order of this step may be reversed depending on your model of fireplace. Again, this guide offers general guidelines, and you should refer to your fireplace manual for specific instructions for your product. Up to this point, the general process for installing electric fireplaces is fairly similar, but depending on the way your unit has been designed, there may be significantly more variance from this step forward.

With that being said, the Napoleon Alluravision should be secured during this step of the installation process. Use the four included screws to secure the appliance into the wall. Do not overtighten the screws during the installation.

If you removed any components during Step 2a, you will likely need to reattach them for this step now that the appliance is in the wall. For the Alluravision, this means reinstalling the plastic panel holders you removed earlier.

Step 5: Install Media (If Applicable)

Not all electric fireplaces will have easily removable media like the Napoleon Alluravision, but for this unit, you will now place the fire glass crystals and/or log media into the media tray. Fire glass should be spread evenly from side to side in the unit, and any log media should be placed according to the manufacturer guidelines to ensure proper performance of the unit.

Step 6: Reinstall Front Glass (If Applicable)

After placing the fireplace media in the media tray, reinstall the front glass of the unit using the reverse of the steps you followed previously. For the Alluravision, align the pins on the appliance, move the glass in and down to engage with the brackets and secure the top middle section of the front glass using the installation screw. Once secure, you will need to cover the screw with the cover plate.

Step 7: Enjoy Your New Fireplace!

Your fireplace should now be properly installed and ready for use. Enjoy the added warmth and ambiance in your room!

Now would be an excellent time to refer to your user manual to review all operational controls for your fireplace. For the Napoleon Alluravision, this includes flame control, heat, ember bed lighting and temperature control. Feel free to experiment to find the settings you like best.

Get More Help with Your Electric Fireplace Installation

Most electric fireplace installations should be a straightforward process if you follow the manufacturer's instructions. However, most manuals will also include a brief troubleshooting guide covering potentially common issues and related solutions. Refer to this section of the manual if you have any problems with your installation.

If you still need help, our product specialists are just a call away! Give us a call Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time to speak with a member of the team, or contact us at any time via our website. While we won’t be able to install your fireplace for you, and we don’t have an endorsed installer network, we do have knowledgeable professionals who can help get you through any stumbling blocks you may have as you work through your installation.