Help sizing wood insert for small ZC, Prefab (36EC)

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GoldenFire

New Member
Sep 20, 2011
6
Southern, NJ
Hello everyone,

After reading so many great posts, I decided to join in hopes that somebody can help me. I bought a home built in 1989 that has a Fireplace Manufacturers Inc. (FMI?), model 36EC. Hence, I have a ZC, prefab fireplace. When I purchased the home, I did not receive the manual for the 36EC and have been unsuccessful locating one. If anyone has one available, please let me know. Is a 36EC approved for an insert?

Assuming so, can anyone help me size a wood insert that would fit? Below are some rough measurements that I took:

Model: 36EC
Opening Height: 22" - really 21" with 1" bottom lip at front
Width in Front: 36"
Width in Back: 17 1/4"
Depth of Fireplace: 15 1/2"
Hearth to Mantle: 48"
Hearth to Combustible Facing: 37 3/4"
Fireplace Raised above Hearth: 4 1/4"
Width of Hearth: 47 3/8"
Depth of Hearth: 20"

I have read that some inserts allow you to remove the refractory panels and obviously that would add more space but I am unsure if it's allowed with a 36EC? Has anyone ever converted a 36EC into an insert?

OK, here's my main question: What, if any, wood inserts fit? Can you please help me find a brand and model? I would appreciate as many suggestions as possible. I am aware I'll need to upgrade the liner to SS.

Thank you for your time and I really appreciate any respones that would help me locate a wood insert!

Best Regards,
H
 
Your rear width is probably going to limit you as far as inserts go. Have you thought about tearing out the ZC fireplace and putting in a free standing. There are tons of people on this site who have done it. Much safer too.
 
i was in the same boat a few years ago, TEAR IT OUT!! There are so many limitations with the zc fireplace. By removing the metal fireplace it will allow you to build a hearth pad however you want it and allow you to get whatever stove you wanted. Trust me, in the end you will be glad you did. I know i am!!!!
 
+1 Weezer

I had a Superior BR36 and ripped the whole thing out. It was a daunting task but in the end found it was the right thing to do. We found all kinds of code violations with the prefab. I was limited by what I could replace it with due the load carrying characteristics of the framing, so went with a Lennox Ladera (aka BIS NOVA) which is a nice little unit and fit perfectly - it's a nice little heater. If you still want the look and feel of a FP this might work for you as well. Can you post any pics of your current set up ?
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I will try to post some pictures tonight or tomorrow AM.

I had not considered ripping it out. Are there any threads to can guide me along the way? Looks like we have a marble (or some other material) surround that the metal ZC sits behind and I wouldn't want to destroy it.
 
Here are some threads dealing with ZC prefabs that the good folks here are Hearth.com helped me along with. I'm sure there are more ! Some pics from demo to completion as well for my project.

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/75294/
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/76839/
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/77963/

Ask and it will be answered. You might not like the answer but you'll be making informed decisions. Good luck.
 
Dakotas Dad had a very detailed photo journal linked in his sig line, but it's not working anymore. You could PM him and see if he could assist you.
 
Tearing out your current fireplace and going with an freestanding or a ZC build-in isn't a bad idea. However, if you don't want do that I know that the Buck model 18 will fit most prefabs. The depth may be an issue, but the 6" flue exit is only 1" from the back of the stove. U should be able to find a hearth trim that would dress up the front of the stove that overhangs the prefab unit. Buck may even make one for the Model 18. the only down side is that the heating capacity is only 1200 SF. Installation would require a chimney lining running inside your current pipe. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
 
hampton HI200 fits perfect with the offset flue adapter

I have one in my E36 and it looks great.

Aaron
 
Rip it out!!! It's more work but well worth the effort. You will get tired of feeding a small firebox often. I just started my alcove install, replacing the prefab that was there. I found stuff inside that makes me so happy I did this. Look at the pics I posted the other day Here
 
As promised, here are some pictures of my fireplace. Thanks again for all the suggestions and please keep them coming. I am going to also talk to the local shop to see what, if any, ideas they might have.
 

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Aaron Pasteris said:
hampton HI200 fits perfect with the offset flue adapter

I have one in my E36 and it looks great.

Aaron

Hi Aaron,

You have 36EC and a Hampton HI200 fits? Looking online at the schematic, the back width is 21 1/4" at a 15 1/16" depth. With the refractory panels, my width is just over 17" at almost the same depth? How did you get yours to fit? Am I missing something? I know there is a 36EC - II but that's not what I have. Thanks!
 
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