Can I install a fireplace insert with the cable running underneath?

I didn't want the cord running in front either. I also wasn't comfortable having it underneath the insert. Looking back it probably would have been fine for mine because the fan assembly is underneath the insert floor. If heat were an issue the fan would be junk by now.

What I did is cut off the cord plug in end, drill a small 1/2" hole through my elevated stone hearth, drilled down through the floor, mounted a recepticle box on a joist in the basement, ran the cord down, and re-attached a new plug in. This may not be easy depending on your hearth setup.

Hmmm... how do you delete a post?

I got the idea to run it down the ash dump here; many of the folks here use that technique. In my case the insert is elevated 4" inside the fireplace, so heat isn't a huge issue since it doesn't run directly under the insert but back and to the side. Nonetheless, I dropped a piece of mineral wool on top of the cord where it runs around. There may be code issues in doing this; I don't think you can plug an appliance in on a different floor. That didn't stop me from doing it, but if you're fussy about that stuff you might want to check before doing it.

Berone said:

I got the idea to run it down the ash dump here; many of the folks here use that technique. In my case the insert is elevated 4" inside the fireplace, so heat isn't a huge issue since it doesn't run directly under the insert but back and to the side. Nonetheless, I dropped a piece of mineral wool on top of the cord where it runs around. There may be code issues in doing this; I don't think you can plug an appliance in on a different floor. That didn't stop me from doing it, but if you're fussy about that stuff you might want to check before doing it.

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I guess I could have just as easily wired it in direct as a junction box rather than plugging it in. Would be real easy to change it over and would not be any different than the 220v electric heater wall heater I pulled out of the bathroom that was just dropped down through the floor to a junction box.

I had the same issue with my insert. I cut the cord and wired it in direct to a junction box I mounted on a joist in the crawlspace. Inspector said that doesn't meet code, because for code here anyway, you have to have a way to physically disconnect the thing (e.g., unplug it), accessible from the room it is in. However, you can wire it to a shut-off switch, and that is sufficient. Looks a lot better than the dumb cord laying about.

Not sure what you mean about a socket in the fireplace. You mean mounting a receptacle? Can be done I suppose if you have the space / clearance where nothing's going to melt. The thought of having a power cord laying around near something as hot as the insert made me nervous. I just cut the plug off the power cord, ran it under the floor, up the wall, to the switch box, ran romex back to the aforementioned junction box under the house.

I'm no expert, and the best thing to do is consult your local building department to be sure it meets code where you live.