Pre-Installation Requirements - Osburn OB01601 Owner's Manual

PRE-INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

MASONRY & ZERO CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
The masonry fireplace must meet the minimum code requirements, or NFPA 21.1 or the
equivalent for a safe installation. Contact your local Building Inspector for requirements in
your area. An inspection of the fireplace should include the following:
1. CONDITION OF THE FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY: Examine the masonry fireplace
and chimney prior to installation, to determine that they are free from cracks, loose
mortar, creosote deposits, blockage, or other signs of deterioration. If evidence of
deterioration is noted, the fireplace or chimney should be upgraded prior to installation.
2. INSTALLATION
FIREPLACE: It is possible to install a wood insert into an existing factory-built zero-
clearance fireplace. However, there currently exists no UL or ULC standard specific to
that type of installation. The first thing that must be verified is that the factory-built
zero clearance fireplace is listed (it must be certified by a competent certification body
such as Omni or Warnock Hersey). It must be suitable for use with solid fuel and
nothing in the owner's manual must specifically prohibit the installation of a fireplace
insert. When in doubt, check with the fireplace manufacturer. The installation of the
zero-clearance fireplace MUST be thoroughly inspected by a professional in order to
ensure that it still meets the manufacturer's specs and code conformity. The chimney
must be of at least 1" (25 mm) larger in diameter to accommodate a required
continuous stainless steel liner running from the flue collar to the top of the chimney
termination.
Never remove parts that serve to insulate the zero-clearance fireplace from
combustible material. Only readily detachable parts that are easily replaced, such as
damper parts, screens, and doors, are to be removed from the fireplace. These parts
must be stored nearby and available for retrofit if the insert is ever removed. Removal
of any parts which render the fireplace unfit for use with solid fuel requires the fireplace
to be permanently labelled by the installer as being no longer suitable for solid fuel
until the removed parts are replaced and the fireplace is restored to its original certified
condition. Furthermore, any air vents, grilles, or louvers that serve to create an air
circulation pattern around and outside the zero-clearance fireplace shall never be
removed.
3. HEARTH EXTENSION: Verify that there is a non-combustible hearth extending at
least 16" in front of the fireplace (18" for Canada, or 457 mm) and at least 8" (203mm)
to the side of the fireplace. Fireplaces without this hearth extension will not meet the
minimum requirements, and will require additional protection.
4. CHIMNEY CAPS: Mesh type chimney caps must have provision for regular cleaning,
or the mesh should be removed to eliminate the potential of plugging.
5. LINER: The chimney must have an acceptable masonry liner suitable for solid fuel,
otherwise a continuous stainless steel liner must be installed.
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INTO AN EXISTING FACTORY-BUILT ZERO-CLEARANCE