Do you need an electrician to install an electric fireplace?
If a new outlet and wiring from a dedicated circuit breaker or fuse in the electrical panel is required, you may need to consult a licensed electrician. If the Electric Fireplace is a hardwired variety, a new circuit breaker and wiring will be required.
Do you need a new circuit breaker for an electric fireplace?
If the Electric Fireplace is a hardwired variety, a new circuit breaker and wiring will be required. Never plug in your Electric Fireplace to an extension cord and always follow the manufacturer's operating instructions. One of the most appealing features of Electric Fireplaces is that they require very little maintenance.
What is an electric fireplace?
Electric fireplaces are a very flexible form of fireplace, allowing you to place them in many locations around your home because they don’t need any form of chimney or vent. Electric fireplaces need a source of electricity in order to work and many types of electric fireplace come with a standard plug.
How many volts does an electric fireplace use?
Most Electric Fireplace models come with a conventional 120 volt electrical plug-in however, some are available for permanent installation in an electrically hardwired version.
Can a TV and electric fireplace be plugged into the same outlet?
A TV can be placed above an electric fireplace on the same wall as long as the TV doesn't block the outlet to the heater on the electric fireplace, or be in the way of the heat.
What are the electrical requirements for an electric fireplace?
Depending on the model, electric fireplaces will operate on either 120 volts or 240 volts or electricity. Most common is 120 volts and they plug into a standard wall outlet.
Can you just plug in an electric fireplace?
Yes, electric fires really do just plug in! Of course, if you choose an inset electric fire you will need some DIY skills to get them into place. However, you can also find some 'plug in and go' type electric fire suites.
Can I plug my electric fireplace into a surge protector?
While some electrical devices can sometimes safely be plugged into a power strip or surge protector, like a coffee maker, toaster, or microwave oven, you should never plug electric fireplaces into one of these.
Why does my electric fireplace keep tripping the breaker?
The most likely reason is that the heater is drawing too much current and overheating that circuit. This can be dangerous, so the breaker shuts off to protect you. A second reason is that you might have too many other appliances on the circuit.
How many amps do electric fireplaces draw?
Electric fireplaces use approximately the same amount of electricity as the average space heater. Since most fireplaces operate on a standard household outlet, they use 120 volts to power the internal heater and draw about 1,500 watts at 12.5 amps.
Does an electric fireplace need to be hardwired?
However, most do come with cords to allow the convenience of plugging into a regular household 120 volt receptacle. If a fireplace is designed to be connected to 240 volts, it must be hard-wired; if it comes with a cord, the cord must be removed when connecting to 240 volts.
Can an electric fireplace be hardwired?
Connect to Power Supply Most built-in electric fireplaces have a cord that you can plug into a standard electrical outlet that you can install inside the opening (if allowed by your local code). Another option is to remove the cord and hardwire the fireplace as most units are hardwire ready.
Can you install an electric fireplace anywhere?
Electric fireplaces require much less hassle than traditional wood-burning or gas fireplace inserts. Because they need no gas lines, chimney or other infrastructure, you can install an electric fireplace anywhere you have a power outlet, and in homes where fireplaces aren't an option.
What kind of extension cord can I use with an electric fireplace?
#1 Use the Right Cord Use number 14 AWG minimum size and rated no less than 1875 watts. The extension cord must be a three wire cord with grounding type plug and cord connection. Lastly, the extension cord should not be longer than 20 feet.
Why does the cord on my electric fireplace get hot?
If your circuit isn't tripping, this could signify that the wires in the outlet are fraying, have loose contacts, or some of the wires might be touching. A weakened electrical connection may produce a current even if there is resistance. This weakness can lead the wiring and the plug to overheat.
Can you use an extension lead with an electric fire?
Can I plug an electric fire into an extension lead? Whilst electric fires are very safe, we recommend you only plug into a mains socket, do not use an extension lead as the extension lead wire can get knocked, or the extension lead could overhear and become a hazard.
Does an electric fireplace need to be hardwired?
However, most do come with cords to allow the convenience of plugging into a regular household 120 volt receptacle. If a fireplace is designed to be connected to 240 volts, it must be hard-wired; if it comes with a cord, the cord must be removed when connecting to 240 volts.
What is highest wattage for electric fireplace?
1,500 wattsElectric fireplace heaters generally use 1,000 to 1,500 watts of energy per hour, but some models might also be equipped with a low 750-watt setting.
How do you hide electric fireplace wires?
How to Hide Wires From an Electric FireplaceRun the fireplace electric wires under the carpet edge between the back of the fireplace and the wall outlet. ... Use cord raceways to hide the fireplace wires. ... Surround the electric fireplace with large pieces of furniture such as bookshelves.More items...
How do you know if you need additional circuits for your electric fireplace?
A regular household circuit has 120V of power. If you have multiple outlets on the same circuit, each outlet does not have access to the whole 120V of power but should be split between the number of outlets on that circuit.
How to calculate amperage for electric fireplaces
Knowing the amount of amperage that your electric fireplace will pull is necessary to determine whether you will need to get a separate circuit for it.
Decide Which Electric Fireplace You Should Buy
The Dimplex Opti-Myst is renowned for its realistic flames. While the image doesn’t do it justice, it is one of, if not the most, realistic electric fireplace on the market.
How does an electric fireplace work?
Electric fireplaces work by generating the flames artificially, typically using a combination of lights and rotating mirrors in order to project the look of flickering flames onto the front of the fireplace. As the components in an electric fireplace that produce the flame effects don’t also produce heat like a real fire, ...
Can surge protectors be used for high power?
Indiana University Southeast also explains that: Power strips/surge protectors can only be used for low power load equipment such as computers. They are not allowed to be used for high-power loads such as space heaters. Doing so creates a serious fire hazard. IUS.
Can you plug a space heater into a wall outlet?
Furthermore, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) states that: Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. ESFI.
Do electric fireplaces come with a plug?
The majority of electric fireplaces on the market are able to do so as they will comes with a power cord and plug specific to your area of residence. If the electric fireplace you want needs to be hard wired look to see whether it comes with a plug-kit or can be bough as an optional extra.
Can an electric fireplace be plugged into a space heater?
These heaters inside an electric fireplace work much like a space heater ( see our other article here explaining why ), and so electric fireplaces should be treated much like a conventional space heater would be in terms of where it can be plugged into.
Can you plug an electric fireplace into an outlet?
Electric fireplaces should only be plugged directly into a standard electrical outlet. Electric fireplaces work by generating the flames artificially, typically using a combination ...
Do electric fireplaces need electricity?
Electric fireplaces need a source of electricity in order to work and many types of electric fireplace come with a standard plug. There are a few things to consider when it comes to providing power to one of these units and so what are the outlet requirements for an electric fireplace?
What is the minimum voltage for a 15 amp circuit?
A 15amp, 120 volt circuit is required. A dedicated circuit is preferred but not essential in all cases.
How many amps is 1400W?
1400W is ~12 amps, which is about the upper limit of what you want a 15A residential circuit to safely handle for extended periods. If you've got lights & appliances on the same circuit you're probably close to maxing it out. If you've got 20A circuits you're in better shape, but the breaker can still pop if someone plugs in a vacuum or other high-amp device.
What is an electric fireplace?
Electric fireplaces mimic a wood burning fire with flame effects and a glowing ember bed that are created by light bulbs that are placed inside of the log set. They can be installed virtually anywhere since they do not require a chimney or venting system and they do not produce real flames so they don't require any clearances to combustible materials like furniture and drapes.
How do electric fireplaces work?
Electric Fireplaces consist of two key components. They have a heater section which includes a fan and heating elements, and the electric light flame effect section. Most have separate switches that allow you to operate them in three different modes. If you want to enjoy the beauty and flame presentation without the heat, there is a flame only, no heat option. There is also a flame effect with heat option for those quiet, chilly nights when you want both the warmth and visual effects of the Electric Fireplace. Electric fireplaces can also be operated with a heat only option without the flame effects.
How many BTUs does an electric fireplace use?
The typical BTU range of an Electric Fireplace will range from 4000 to 5000 BTUs per hour or 1175 to 1440 W. This is why they are effective zone heaters but are not recommended for applications where the primary purpose of the appliance is to heat the entire home. The electric light effects in Electric Fireplaces consist of a single or multiple light bulbs or light emitting LEDs that consume less than 100 watts depending on the fireplace model and design. Electric Fireplaces that are hardwired are likely to have higher heating capacities.
Can you use an electric fireplace as an insert?
Electric fireplaces are also available as inserts for use in existing wood burning fireplaces. These inserts are designed to be placed directly inside of an existing traditional masonry fireplace and are operated with a handheld remote control. Electric Fireplace inserts offer a life-like fireside experience with believable flame presentation, realistic detailed logs and glowing ember beds.
Can an electric fireplace be used as an entertainment center?
Some Electric Fireplaces integrate home entertainment pleasures into their style with designs that are built into entertainment centers so you can enjoy your favorite movie by the cozy light of the fireplace. Electric Fireplaces also come in styles that come complete with a fireplace mantel or a full faux stone surround to simulate a traditional masonry fireplace.
Do electric fireplaces need a plug?
Electric Fireplaces simply require a plug and a wall to start providing instant heat and ambiance. They are a great choice if the typical amount of space required for a wood burning or gas fireplace isn't available, for those who want convenient, no maintenance warmth and the romantic glow of a fire. They also tend to be less expensive overall then traditional fireplaces which make them a popular option for those who are conscious about their budget and rising home heating bill.
