Electric Fireplaces comprise of a fire surround (fireplace body, mantle, back panel and hearth) and a inset electric fire. The fire often has a 2 inch or 60 mm engine that creates the illusion of flames. The engine of the fire needs to be recessed within the chimney breast of a home or within the internal space inside the fire surround. Some new build homes are constructed without a chimney or cavity to recess a fire entirely and for this reason the fireplace needs to be modified or suitable to recess the working back fire engine of an electric fire. Many major manufacturers such as dimplex simply need as little as 55 mm fir a fire engine, where as other Fires need between 90mm to 170 mm for modern "optimist flame smoke effect Fires". 1. Electric Fireplaces require a standard 13 amp socket, and can hence be installed virtually anywhere that may seem appropriate. 2. It is important to know what recess your electric fire insert needs. As inserts vary in depth there is no standard and it is worthwhile knowing the recess required. 3. If you have any special requirements such as fireplace down lights, then it is necessary to consider them prior to specifying a recess required.

Note

There is no legal stipulation on how deep a fireplace hearth needs to be. Hence you can have as little or as much of an overhang you think would best compliment your room.