Vermont Castings • Apsen C3 Installation Manual_R2 • 2019 - ___ • 07/19
9
8390-950i
B. Hearth Protection Requirements
The floor area directly under and around the stove will require
protection from stray sparks or embers that may escape the
firebox. Type 1 hearth pad with no additional “R” value is
required.
Use a noncombustible floor protector such as 1/4” non-
asbestos mineral board or equivalent, or 24 gauge
sheet metal. The floor protector may be covered with a
noncombustible decorative material if desired. Do not
obstruct the space under the heater.
Protection requirements vary somewhat between the United
States and Canada as follows:
U.S. Installations:
The floor protector is required under the
stove and must extend at least 16” from the front of the stove
(B, Figure 3.4), and at least 6” from the sides (A, Figure 3.4)
and 0” to the rear. It must also extend under the chimney
connector and 2” to either side. (C, Figure 3.4)
In Canada:
A noncombustible floor protector is required
under the heater. The floor protector must extend 18” (457
mm) to the front (B, Figure 3.4) and 9” (229 mm) from the
sides and rear. (A, Figure 3.4)
Figure 3.5
- Supporting timbers under fireplace hearths are
considered to be combustible.
Comb Floor Dia
01/07/19 ts
Wood framing requires
protection from radiant heat
Fireplace Hearth Protection:
For all fireplace installations, follow the floor protection
guidelines described above.
Keep in mind that many raised hearths will extend less than
the required clearance from the front of the heater when
it is installed. In such cases, sufficient floor protection as
described above must be added in front of the hearth to
satisfy the minimum floor protector requirement from the
front of the stove: 16” (406 mm) from the front in the United
States and 18” (457 mm) from the front in Canada.
Hearth rugs do not satisfy the requirements for floor protection
as they are only fire-retardant, not fire proof.
Fireplace installations also have special clearance
requirements to the side walls, side decorative trim and
fireplace mantel. Refer to the information on fireplace and
mantel trim shields in this section.
Floor Protection Requirements
U.S.
Canada
A
8"
9" (229 mm)
B
16"
18" (457 mm)
C
8”
8" (203 mm)
D
39-7/16”
48" (1219 mm)
E
25-1/2"
31" (787 mm)
Floor Protection
05/21/19 ts
A
A
A
B
D
E
C
D
B
E
A
A
Figure 3.4
- These dimensions are minimum requirements only.
Use greater dimensions whenever possible.
