Bad install.

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marian@1

New Member
Oct 27, 2015
5
Ny
I had a Hampton hi 300 installed in a factory built metal fireplace. When the sweep cleaned my flu (stainless liner) he said it was not up to code ( incorrect clearance and no floor.) The company is now bankrupt but wil contact the NY AG. What can i do with insert. ? No info on the web. I do have a camp that i could use the insert at but it does not have a masonry fireplace.
 
can you provide a picture?
 
That is terrible. Did they give any hope for a possible solution?
 
What clearance was incorrect and what floor are we talking about here?

Pics would be good.
 
What clearance was incorrect and what floor are we talking about here?

Pics would be good.
Heres a pic. Zeroclearance metal top sides and bottom. Im not sure if a hi 300 is rated for a zero clearance.
 

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Lightened up the image a bit. Was this a direct vent gas fireplace? Where's the fireplace and chimney? Was this dealer installed?

image.jpeg
 
Lightened up the image a bit. Was this a direct vent gas fireplace? Where's the fireplace and chimney? Was this dealer installed?

View attachment 165496
Before the install it was a direct vent factory built fireplace installed when the house was built (78) I dont know the manufacturer. The flu is 8 inch with a 6 inch liner put in by the insert installer. The clearance to the metal sides is about 6 inches top and bottom. The floor looks to have been removed with hardy board replacement. There is a small junction box between the insert and the flu. The hampton H300 specs out clearances at 11 inches for factory built fireplaces.
Do i have any options. Can an insert be used as a stand alone without the hearth surround.
 
Before the install it was a direct vent factory built fireplace installed when the house was built (78) I dont know the manufacturer. The flu is 8 inch with a 6 inch liner put in by the insert installer. The clearance to the metal sides is about 6 inches top and bottom. The floor looks to have been removed with hardy board replacement. There is a small junction box between the insert and the flu. The hampton H300 specs out clearances at 11 inches for factory built fireplaces.
Do i have any options. Can an insert be used as a stand alone without the hearth surround.
The insert was installed by the dealer. Since that they went bankrupt and the new owner or regency will not answer my concerns. Do i have any recourse?
 
Direct vent as in gas direct vent? It looks like there are windows above and behind it. Where is the chimney on this unit?

This doesn't sound like a legal install for several reasons. Most importantly the fireplace has been seriously modified which means any testing or UL certification is void. From the stove manual:
Alteration of the fi replace in any manner is not permitted with the following exceptions:

a. external trim pieces which do not affect the operation of the fi replace may be removed providing they can be stored on or within the fi replace for re-assembly if the insert is removed.

b. the chimney damper may be removed to install the chimney liner.
 
It looks like there are windows above and behind it. Where is the chimney on this unit?

I believe the black polished stone surround is making a mirror image reflecting the window behind the picture taker.

Look closely. It's like a magic eye puzzle!
 
Got it, the picture is confusing. This is quite a dilemma.
The image has too many reflections to see clearly where the clearance issues are. A tape measure in the picture would help. The 11" side clearance is to the stove body, not the surround and it is 8" to mantel side facing. Even if the clearances are ok though that doesn't solve the missing fireplace floor.
 
the saftey and code compliance of this type of install even when done correctly is very questionable. And in this case it seems the original installer really screwed up. I have to agree with the original sweeps evaluation that it is unsafe to use as is
 
the saftey and code compliance of this type of install even when done correctly is very questionable. And in this case it seems the original installer really screwed up. I have to agree with the original sweeps evaluation that it is unsafe to use as is
I dont want to use it considering the safety issues. I did contact the NY attorney general because this verges on a criminal activity with my family at risk. I want to keep the stove and have a camp i can use it at but it doesnt have a fireplace. How can i use an insert without a fireplace. Can you use as a freestanding stove.
 
I dont want to use it considering the safety issues. I did contact the NY attorney general because this verges on a criminal activity with my family at risk.
I agree totally It is criminal in my opinion.

How can i use an insert without a fireplace. Can you use as a freestanding stove.
It would be an unlisted stove which means going to nfpa clearances for unlisted stoves 36" all around it
 
How can i use an insert without a fireplace. Can you use as a freestanding stove.
It would be an unlisted stove which means going to nfpa clearances for unlisted stoves 36" all around it

What does one do for legs and what would the required hearth protection be.? Personally I would sell it now, while the market is strong.
 
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