10
Existing Fireplace Preparation
A few points must be considered before inserting the
RF24 into an existing
fi
replace cavity. Generally, no
modi
fi
cations are allowed to the existing
fi
replace that
will compromise the integrity of the existing
fi
replace.
Components that are bolted or screwed on such as
dampers or baf
fl
es may be removed to accommodate
the installation of the RF24 engine.
Cutting away
any sheet metal parts of the existing fi replace
to accommodate the installation of the RF24 is
prohibited
. Check with local authorities if in doubt.
Clean Fireplace and Chimney
Have the chimney swept and the
fi
replace cavity
including ash dumps and clean-outs cleaned before
installing the RF24 heater and vent liners. Any creosote
or soot residue remaining in the
fi
replace cavity,
chimney, or clean-out may cause odors or stains once
the RF24 insert is installed. Consult with chimney
sweep for information on how best to clean.
Existing Dampers
Factory-built, zero-clearance
fi
replaces will require the
damper to be removed in order to install the vent liners.
These dampers are usually bolted into place. Dampers
in masonry
fi
replaces must be
fi
xed open and may
remain in place.
Ash Retaining Curbs
Some
fi
replaces (particularly factory-built) have a
raised curb at the front edge to retain ashes. Check the
dimensions carefully to ensure the RF24 engine will
fi
t
behind any raised curb (some curbs may be removed
separately from the refractory base). The fret retainers
allow for some vertical adjustment of the cast iron fret
should the fret need to sit on top of the curb, otherwise
the fret will need to be eliminated or adequate room
provided behind the curb.
Gas Line Routing
Plan the routing of the gas line before proceeding.
Utilize the existing hole for the gas line. If the factory-
built
fi
replace has no access hole, carefully drill an
access hole of 1.5 inch (38 mm) or less through the
lower sides or bottom of the
fi
rebox. The access hole
must be plugged with non-combustible insulation after
the gas supply line has been installed. See General
Dimension drawing for detailed location of gas inlet.
Also, take into consideration whether or not a fan or
shut-off valve will interfere when planning routing of the
gas line.
Existing Glass Doors and Wire Screens
Existing glass doors must be permanently removed
prior to installing the RF24 insert. Existing wire
fi
re
screens may remain in place or new ones may be
added. The RF24 has been tested and approved to
operate with wire
fi
re screens in the closed or open
positions.
Combustible Mantels
Combustible mantel clearances must conform to those
required for the original solid-fuel
fi
replace into which
the RF24 is being installed.
Paint Existing Refractory Liners
It may be desirable, for visual reasons, to paint the
existing refractory liners in black to blend in with the
RF24 insert once installed.
Attach Warning Label to Existing Fireplace
(label supplied loose with RF24 heater)
Attach the “This
fi
replace has been converted...”
label to the existing
fi
replace using screws or other
mechanical means and store any removed parts in
back of the existing
fi
replace for future use.
