INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS MERIT® SERIES 42" Wood Burning Fireplaces P/N 850,047M REV. B 12/2008 MODELS RDI-42 RDI-42-H HCI-42 HCI-42-H 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety Rules .................................... page Tools and Building Supplies ............ page Precautions ..................................... page Introduction ..................................... page Clearances/Height Requirements ..... page Chimney System ............................. page Assembly Outline ............................. page Location of Fireplace ....................... page Assembly Steps ............................... page Preinstallation Notes .............
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.
Insulate Joists Same As Ceiling Draft Stops Chimney Height LOCATION OF FIREPLACE The total height of your completed fireplace system from the surface the fireplace rests on to the chimney top must not exceed 60' and must also meet minimum height requirements. Refer to the minimum system height chart. Carefully select the proper location for heat circulation, aesthetics, chimney obstructions and clearance to side wall(s).
ASSEMBLY STEPS 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 system. 3. Connect house wiring to the fireplace for later attachment of optional blower. 4. Install optional outside combustion air kit. 5. Plumb gas line if a decorative gas appliance will be used.
FIREPLACE SPECIFICATIONS 12-1/2" (318 mm) 8-3/8" (213 mm) 16-5/16" (414 mm) 1-1/2" Metal Safety Strips 41" (1041 mm) 40-1/2" (1029 mm) Figure 8 22-5/16" (566 mm) 46-3/8" (1178 mm) 2-7/8" (73 mm) 7-3/4" (197 mm) Blocking 46-3/4" (1187 mm) Front Fireplace Top Spacers 1/2" (13 mm) Metal Safety Strips Figure 9 IMPORTANT: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN THE FIREPLACE TOP SPACERS (FIGURE 10 ) BE REMOVED OR MODIFIED, NOR MAY YOU NOTCH THE HEADER TO FIT AROUND OR BE INSTALLED LOWER THAN THE SPACERS.
FRAMING SPECIFICATIONS Framing Dimensions Header B 49" 1245 mm B 46-1/2" 1181 mm C 33" 838 mm D 17-1/2" 445 mm E 81" 2057 mm F 40-3/8" 1026 mm G 24" 607 mm H 23" 584 mm J 57-1/4" 1454 mm Back Wall of Chase/Enclosure Including Finising Materials if any C FOAK Combustion Air Kit - Optional D J F A Rough Framing Face (Unfinished Shown) E Corner Installation Figure 14 Note: All framing dimensions calculated for 5/8" nailing flange depth and 1/2" dry wall at the fireplace fac
Step 4. Fireplace should be secured to side framing members using the nailing tabs at the top and bottom of the fireplace front face. Use 8d nails or equivalent (Figure 17 ). 8d Nail Or Equivalent Figure 17 Note: The nailing tabs and the area directly behind the nailing tabs are exempt from the clearances described on page 5. Maintain at least 1" clearance from the firebox wrapper to the framing at the closest point of contact, directly adjacent to the flange.
CHIMNEY 30° OFFSET THROUGH FLOOR OR CEILING It may be necessary to assemble the chimney at 30° when passing through the floor or ceiling area. Use the F8FS30-2 firestop spacer as shown in Figures 22 and 23. Support the chimney at floor or ceiling penetration with a FTF8 stabilizer if distance of chimney below ceiling is 10' or more. Maintain 2" minimum air space to combustibles from chimney sections. Attic Space F8FS30-2 Firestop Spacer 2" Min. Air Space FTF8-S4 Stabilizer 2" Min. Air Space 10' Max.
Note: Do not apply excessive pressure to any subsequent chimney sections following the stabilizer when installing. Ensure each subsequent chimney section is securely attached by testing as noted in Step 4. Step 6. Select the proper Security roof flashing based on pitch of roof. Use chart below for selection: Roof Pitch Model Flat to 6/12 F8F6 6/12 to 12/12 F8F12 Step 8. Slide the FTF8 storm collar (ordered separately) over outer chimney, rest on flashing spacers and align with top surface of flashing.
To determine the number of chimney sections and chimney components required, follow these steps: Less Than 10' 2' Min. 3' Min 10' 3' Min 1. Determine total vertical height of the fireplace installation. This dimension is the distance from the surface the fireplace sets on to the point where smoke exits from the termination. 2. Determine the number of chimney components required, except chimney sections. This would include firestop spacers, stabilizers, roof flashing, etc. 3.
The offset and return elbows may be attached together, or a section or sections of chimney may be used between, but do not exceed 20' in total length between elbows. If sections of pipe exceed 10' between elbows, a chimney stabilizer must be used at the midpoint (Figure 36 ). The stabilizer support straps must be attached under tension (in shear) to structural framing members above. When two sets of elbows are used, the maximum combined length of chimney used between elbows cannot exceed 20' (Figure 37 ).
OFFSET ELEVATION CHART A1 Return Elbow 20' Max. B1 Stabilizer 10' Max.
INSTALLING OFFSETS First, review the Offset Elevation Chart and Figure 38 for reference. Chimney Section No Joi Scre nts ws Fo Re r F qu irs ire t6 dI 'o n fO ffs et Scr Eve ews ry Re Joi qu nt ired Pa st At 6' Joints 4' No. 8 x 1/2" SMS 6' Step 1. Determine the offset distance where chimney is to pass through the first ceilingdimension “A.” To find this point on your ceiling, first determine the center point for a vertical chimney following the instructions for vertical installation.
POWER TO THE FIREPLACE The Optional Blower Kit Operates on 115 volt 60 Hz 150 watts AC HOUSE WIRING GROUND WIRE House Wiring Must Be Secured With The Appropriate Electrical Connector To The Fireplace Convenience Outlet Wiring After completing the installation of the optional combustion air vent system the actuator arm must be put in service and tested to ensure proper operation before completing any enclosure around the firebox. Failure to do so may result in extensive and costly rework.
If you’re installing a gas line, connect it before the fireplace is framed and enclosed in the finished wall. The gas knockout is determined by the indentation located at the bottom and slightly off center in the side refractories. THE KNOCKOUT IS ALWAYS REMOVED FROM INSIDE THE FIREPLACE. DO NOT REMOVE THE KNOCKOUT UNLESS YOU ARE INSTALLING A GAS LINE. If removal is attempted from the outer wrapper, side refractory damage may occur. With a medium-sized hammer, lightly tap the surface of the indentation.
Hearth Extension Dimensions A 16" B 38" C 8" D 54" C Note: To convert inches to millimeters divide by 0.03937 C B A D Figure 47 Methods of Determining Hearth Extension and Wall Shield Equivalents - To determine the thickness required for the alternate material when either the “k” value or “r” value is known, use either the k formula or r formula.
Wall Shield Required Where Less Than 12" The sum of all “R values” is: .70 + .10 +. 038 + .10 = .938 This would NOT be an acceptable combination of material for the hearth extension since the total calculated “R value” of the materials used is under the required “R value” of 2.33. An additional layer of insulating materials must be used. 36" 36" Note: Also see NFI Certification Manuals for expanded explanation on calculating “R values” when multiple materials are used.
INSTALLATION COMPONENTS The following items are available for use in the installation of this appliance.
INSTALLATION COMPONENTS (Not Provided) Cold Climate Kit H7412 CCK-HCRD Chase Termination (Square) 63L51 FTF8-CT2 Chase Termination (Round) 63L45 FTF8-CTDT Attic Shield Assembly Chase Termination (Square) 63L67 63L48 NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in design, materials, specifications, prices and also to discontinue colors, styles and products.
