Monessen Hearth BR400 Mounting instructions

WF553
BR/BC36
11/10/97


For Models:





87D1500 6/09 Rev. 2
For use in U.S./Canada
Underwriter's Laboratories
Report No. MH7603
Homeowner's Installation
and Operating Manual

2
BR/BC Series Woodburning Fireplaces
87D1500







Read all instructions and warnings carefully before starting installation. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in a possible fire hazard and will void the warranty.

The BR/BC Series fireplaces are solid fuel, woodburning
fireplaces. The BR400/500 (Builder Radiant) is a clean-
face fireplace and the BC400/500 (Builder Circulating)
unit has fixed grilles.

MHSC fireplaces and component parts have been highly
tested and will operate safely when installed in accor-
dance with instructions provided in this manual. Carefully
read and understand all instructions  beginning
installation.
If you notice any damage to fireplace or component parts,
immediately report damage to your Monessen dealer.
Only use MHSC components or the warranty will be
voided and a fire hazard may be created.
MHSC warranty will be voided by and MHSC disclaims
any responsibility for the following actions:
• 

• 

• 
(except for chase
flashings as detailed in Chimney Top installation
instructions).
• 

• 






Consult local building codes to ensure that you are in
compliance installing the fireplace.
Fireplaces must be vented to the out-of-doors.







Fuels used in gas, wood-
burning or oil fired appliances, and the products of
combustion of such fuels, contain chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects
and other reproductive harm.
California Health & Safety Code Sec. 25249.6

The fireplace should not be located in areas that create
drafts (ie: frequently opened doors and central heating air
inlets/outlets) that hamper the normal flow of air into the
fire.

If you plan to install a gas log, the gas line should be
installed  framing the fireplace. The gas line must
be installed by a certified gas line installer.
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Specifications and Framing . . . . . . . . . . 3
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chimney Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Planning Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installation ....................... 8
Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Accessories .....................20


3
BR/BC Series Woodburning Fireplaces
87D1500

BR400 Series specifications and framing.
36"
(914mm)
6"
(372mm)
56M"
(337mm)
40" (1016mm)
366"
(930mm)
6"
6" (16mm)
456M" (1162mm)
456M"(1162mm)
56O" (13mm)
56O"
6M" (1645mm)
6"
(187mm)
20"
(508mm)
56O"
(521mm)
" (559mm)
6M"
(502mm)
"
(533mm)
406M"
(1035mm)
56O"
(241mm)
6M"
(167mm)
56O"
(191mm)
56O"
(191mm)
Outside
Air
Gas Line
Access
Gas Line
Access
Electrical Access
Recessed
Nailing
Flange
FP526
BR36 SPECS
10/28/98
11" Dia.
(279mm)
Rough Opening Width 41"
Rough
Opening
Height
Rough
Opening
Depth
3" (76mm)
*
(1041mm)
6" (822mm)
8" Dia.
(203mm)
*If elbows are offset to the back of the unit, chase depth will be 22⁵⁄₈" (575mm).
BC400 Series specifications and framing.

6" (16mm)
56O" (13mm)
56O"
36"
(914mm)
346"
(880mm)
40" (1016mm)
6"
6M"
(502mm)
56O"
(64mm)
56O" (902mm)
"
(533mm)
6M"
(197mm)
56O"
(191mm)
Recessed
Nailing
Flange
FP527
BC36 SPECS
10/28/98
11" Dia.
(279mm)
Rough Opening Width 41"
Rough
Opening
Height
Rough
Opening
Depth
Gas Line
Access
456M" (1162mm)
456M" (1162mm)
6M" (1645mm)
6"
(187mm)
20"
(508mm)
56O"
(521mm)
" (559mm)
406M"
(1035mm)
6"
(372mm)
56M"
(337mm)
366"
(930mm)
3"
(76mm)
56O"
(241mm)
56O"
(191mm)
Outside
Air
Gas Line
Access
Electrical Access
*
(1041mm)
8" Dia.
(203mm)
6" (822mm)
*If elbows are offset to the back of the unit, chase depth will be 22⁵⁄₈" (575mm).

4
BR/BC Series Woodburning Fireplaces
87D1500
BC500 Series specifications and framing.

42"
(1067mm)
346"
(880mm)
46" (1168mm)
6"
6" (16mm)
56O" (13mm)
56O"
6M"
(502mm)
56O" (64mm)
" (965mm)
"
(533mm)
6M"
(197mm)
56O"
(191mm)
Recessed
Nailing
Flange
FP545
BC42 SPECS
10/28/98
11" Dia.
(279mm)
Rough Opening Width 47"
Rough
Opening
Height
Rough
Opening
Depth
Gas Line
Access
49" (1245mm)
49" (1245mm)
56O" (1765mm)
6"
(187mm)
20"
(508mm)
56O"
(521mm)
" (711mm)
406M"
(1035mm)
6"
(372mm)
56M"
(337mm)
366"
(930mm)
3"
(76mm)
56O"
(241mm)
56O"
(191mm)
Outside
Air
Gas Line
Access
Electrical Access
*
(1194mm)
56M" (895mm)
8" Dia.
(203mm)
*If elbows are offset to the back of the unit, chase depth will be 22⁵⁄₈" (575mm).

 BR500 Series specifications and framing.
42"
(1067mm)
46" (1168mm)
366"
(930mm)
6"
6" (16mm)
56O" (13mm)
56O"
6M"
(502mm)
"
(533mm)
6M"
(197mm)
56O"
(191mm)
Gas Line
Access
Recessed
Nailing
Flange
FP546
BR42 SPECS
10/28/98
11" Dia.
(279mm)
Rough Opening Width 47"
Rough
Opening
Height
Rough
Opening
Depth
49" (1245mm)
49" (1245mm)
56O" (1765mm)
6"
(187mm)
20"
(508mm)
56O"
(521mm)
" (711mm)
406M"
(1035mm)
6"
(372mm)
56M"
(337mm)
3"
(76mm)
56O"
(241mm)
56O"
(191mm)
Outside
Air
Gas Line
Access
*
(1194mm)
Electrical Access
56M" (895mm)
8" Dia.
(203mm)
*If elbows are offset to the back of the unit, chase depth will be 22⁵⁄₈" (575mm).

5
BR/BC Series Woodburning Fireplaces
87D1500
WF554
BR/BC
Combo of IWF261 AND IWF265
11/10/97

Insulation methods shown are optional
for cold climate, not a requirement for
unit operation.
FP554
 Fireplace and chase parts identification.
Termination Cap
Storm Collar
Pan Flashing
Draftstop
Standoff
Surround
Damper Control
Gas Line Knockout
(both sides)
Screen
Grate
Firebox
Metal Safety Strips
(1,2 or 3 pieces)
Outside Air Cover Plate
Electrical Access
Gas Line Access
(both sides)
Nailing Flange
Ceiling Level
Firestop
Batt Insulation
(cut our around firestop)
A
B
C
FP1531
hearth dimensions
9/04 djt
  
    
BR/BC400 33Z⁄v" 19⁵⁄₈" 15Z⁄v"
(845 mm) (499 mm) (387 mm)
BR/BC500 39Z⁄v" 25⁵⁄₈" 15Z⁄v"
(997 mm) (651 mm) (387 mm)
FP1531
 Hearth dimensions.

6
BR/BC Series Woodburning Fireplaces
87D1500
 

0 0 0 0 0 3" 11"
1 0 0 0 0 8Z⁄v" 20"
0 1 0 0 0 11Z⁄v" 25Z⁄v"
2 0 0 0 0 13Z⁄₂" 29Z⁄v"
1 1 0 0 0 16Z⁄₂" 34Z⁄v"
0 0 1 0 0 20Z⁄v" 40³⁄v"
2 1 0 0 0 21³⁄v" 43Z⁄₂"
0 0 0 1 0 26Z⁄v" 51Z⁄v"
0 1 1 0 0 28Z⁄₂" 55Z⁄v"
1 0 0 1 0 31Z⁄₂" 60Z⁄v”
0 1 0 1 0 34Z⁄₂" 65Z⁄₂"
0 0 2 0 0 37Z⁄₂" 70³⁄v"
1 1 0 1 1 41Z⁄₂" 77³⁄v"
0 0 1 1 1 45" 83³⁄v"
0 1 2 0 1 47Z⁄v" 87Z⁄₂"
0 0 0 2 1 51" 94"
0 1 1 1 1 53Z⁄v" 98"
0 0 3 0 1 56Z⁄v" 103Z⁄v"
0 1 0 2 1 59Z⁄v" 108Z⁄₂"
0 0 2 1 1 62Z⁄v" 113Z⁄₂"
0 1 3 0 1 64Z⁄₂" 117Z⁄₂"
0 0 1 2 1 68Z⁄v" 124"
0 1 2 1 1 70Z⁄₂" 128"
0 0 0 3 1 74Z⁄v" 134Z⁄₂"
0 1 1 2 2 78" 140³⁄v"
0 0 3 1 2 81" 146"
0 1 0 3 2 84" 151Z⁄v"
0 0 2 2 2 87" 156Z⁄₂"
0 1 3 1 2 89Z⁄v" 160Z⁄v"
0 0 1 3 2 93" 166³⁄v"
0 1 2 2 2 95Z⁄v" 170³⁄v"
0 0 0 4 2 99Z⁄v" 177³⁄v"
0 1 1 3 2 101Z⁄v" 181³⁄v"
0 0 3 2 2 104Z⁄v" 186Z⁄v"
0 1 0 4 2 107Z⁄v" 191Z⁄₂"
0 0 2 3 2 110Z⁄v" 196³⁄v"
0 1 3 2 3 114" 203Z⁄v"
0 0 1 4 3 117³⁄v" 209³⁄v"
0 1 2 3 3 120" 213Z⁄₂"
0 0 0 5 3 123³⁄v" 220"

 ¹⁄₂   
 G + H cannot exceed 20 feet.
Air space clearances: SK8 (2-wall = 1Z⁄₂" and "S" Series (3-wall) = 2"

The following safety rules apply to
offset installations (letters correspond
with illustration above):
 Height of the chimney is measured
from the hearth to the chimney exit.
BR/BC400 BR/BC500
Maximum: 90'0" 90'0"
Minimum:
Without Elbows 12' 6" 12' 6"
With 2 Elbows* 14' 6" 14' 6"
With 4 Elbows* 21' 0" 21' 0"
 Do not use more than 4 elbows per
chimney.
Attach the straps of the return (top)
elbow to a structural framing member.
The offset (first) elbow of any pair does
not have straps.
FP269
The chimney cannot be more than 30°
(45° in Canada) from the vertical plane in
any installation*.
The maximum length of the angled run
of the  chimney system is 20 feet. (G
plus H cannot exceed 20 feet.)
 A chimney support (Model SKCS8)
is required every 6 feet of angled run of
chimney. Chimney supports are required
for every 30 feet and 60 feet (SK8 pipe)
or 20 feet and 40 feet (3-wall pipe) of ver-
tical chimney height above the hearth.
Determine the offset distance of your
chimney arrangement from the centerline
of the fireplace to the centerline of the
chimney where it is to pass through the
first ceiling.
 This offset distance may not be
your full offset distance. See Examples 2
and 3.
FP282
MBUF
5/26/96
OFFSET
RISE
FP282
 Chimney system requirements.
D
RISE
BG
H
B
OFFSET
C
E
6 FT.
G
H
A
HEARTH
FLOOR
CHIMNEY
SECTION
CHIMNEY FLUE EXIT
ELBOW
FP269
MBUF
5/16/96
rev. 5/25
30˚
OFFSET
ELBOW
30˚
OFFSET
ELBOW
30˚
RETURN
ELBOW
30˚
RETURN
ELBOW
SKCS8
SUPPORT
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

7
BR/BC Series Woodburning Fireplaces
87D1500


Major U.S. building codes specify a minimum chimney
height above the roof top. The “Ten Foot Rule” is a fire
safety rule and not a draft rule. To ensure proper draft,
it is recommended that you always meet or exceed the
“Ten Foot Rule,” especially when installing a termination
on a high pitch roof. (Fig. 8)
The key points of the "Ten Foot Rule" are:
1. If the horizontal distance from the chimney to the
peak of the roof is 10' (3 m) or less, the top of the
chimney must be at least 2' (610 mm) above the
peak of the roof, but never less than 3' (914 mm)
in height above the highest point where it passes
through the roof.
2. If a horizontal distance from the chimney to the peak
of the roof is more than 10' (3 m), a chimney height
reference point is established on the surface of the
roof a distance of 10' (3 m) from the chimney in a
horizontal plane. The top of the chimney must be
at least 2' (610 mm) above the reference point, but
never less than 3' (914 mm) in height above the high-
est point where it passes through the roof.
Determine how the chimney will be run, length of run
and chimney components required to complete the
job. (Fig. 6)  install a chimney below minimum
heights.
In planning a chimney system, it is important to know:
1. The height of a chimney is measured from the
hearth to the exit point on the termination.
2. A chimney cannot be offset more than 30° from a
vertical plane.
3. A chimney may run straight up or it may be neces-
sary to offset it to avoid obstructions.
4. The maximum length of an angled run (total chimney
system) is 20' (6 m).
5. No more than 2 offsets (4 total 30° elbows in U.S./or
2 total 45° elbows in Canada) per fireplace may be
used.
6. A guy wire stabilizer is required for chimneys extend-
ing more than 6' (1.8 m) above a roof line.
L1
L1
LTMODEL SK
2 WALL CHIMNEY
TOTAL
LENGTH
(LT)
INSTALLED
LENGTH
(L1)
SK81
SK818
SK83
SK84
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
FP288
MBUF-INSTALLED LENGTH
6/17/96
 Installed lengths of chimney sections.
FP288
AC246
 Ten Foot Rule illustration.
2’ Min.
2’ Min.
3’
Min.
0 To 10’
3’
Min.
0 To 10’
AC246
4/1/96
Reference
Point
Preplanning an installation is very important to ensure
safety and to save time and money. An installer must
predetermine where a fireplace will be set and how the
chimney system will be run.

A fireplace may only be mounted on the following sur-
faces:
1. A flat combustible surface.
2. A raised wooden platform.
3. A concrete block or other solid object placed beneath
each of the four (4) corners of the fireplace.
The fireplace  be spaced 1/2" (13 mm) from a
combustible back wall and 1/2" (13 mm) from a com-
bustible side wall or support. (Page 14, Fig. 20)


8
BR/BC Series Woodburning Fireplaces
87D1500




The chimney system is supported by the fireplace for
vertical chimney heights less than 30' (9 m) above the
hearth. Chimney supports are required if the vertical
height exceeds 30' (9 m) with SK8 chimneys or 20' (6
m) with 3-wall chimneys. Locate chimney supports at
ceiling holes or other structural framing at 30' (9 m)
(SK8) or 20' (6 m) (3-wall) heights. Spacing between
chimney supports  exceed 30' (9 m) (SK8)
or 20' (6 m) (3-wall). Use Chimney Support Model
SKCS8. 
 Support provided by elbow
straps fulfills the support requirement only if they are
spaced as previously described. (A chimney support is
2Z⁄₂" (64 mm) long when installed.)
Angled chimney runs require a support every 6' (1.8 m)
in addition to the elbow straps. Chimney supports are
used for this function. (Fig. 9)

A chase is a vertical box-like structure which encloses
the fireplace and/or chimney. Chases are typically built
on the outside of the house with fireplace opening cut
into the outer wall of a room. (Page 5, Fig. 5)
If you need help in determining fireplace location or
how the chimney system should be run, contact your
Monessen dealer for assistance.
If you live in a cold climate, it is not required but
 that you insulate fireplace
enclosure to eliminate cold air penetration as much as
possible.
Insulate base of fireplace with a noncombustible
insulation rated for a minimum of 300°F. Insulating
is  for outside wall installations over
a concrete slab. If fireplace is installed on a platform,
insulation should be placed on top of the platform
fireplace is set. (Fig. 10)
When a fireplace is installed in a chase or on a
outside wall, enclosure should be treated like any
outside wall in a home. Insulation should be installed
on the inside wall as well as the outside wall(s). In a
chase, it is also a good idea to install a firestop at the
first ceiling level above the fireplace and enclose the
chase with sheeting material. Insulation may then be
installed above sheeting material to assure the space
around the fireplace is totally protected. (Fig. 5)
When installing the chimney,  caulk between
outer pipe and firestop. It is vital that some air be al-
lowed to flow through this very thin gap.




FP284
 Chimney support installation
IWF284
MBUF
5/25/96
Chimney Sup-
port Strap
SKCS8

9
BR/BC Series Woodburning Fireplaces
87D1500

Framing can be constructed before or after the fireplace
is set in place, however, most installers build the frame
before setting the fireplace.
Frame fireplace with 2 x 4 lumber or heavier materials.
Refer to framing dimensions in Figures 1, 2, 3 or 4 for
basic fireplace specifications.





Framing should be positioned to accommodate
wall covering and fireplace facing material.


If a circulating fireplace is to be installed, run the 120
VAC, 60 Hz wiring to the left side of installation. Wiring
must be completed  the fireplace is secured and
finish material applied.
Remove the cover plate and electrical knock-out on the
lower left side of the fireplace and set aside. Follow the
instructions on Page 10 for proper wiring and installa-
tion of the EB1.
If the fan kit is not being installed with the fireplace, it
is highly recommended that 120 VAC supply be made
available since someone may elect to install a blower at
a later date.


• Wiring should be installed by a certified
electrician.
• Turn off circuit breaker before wiring models.
Once fireplace is secured, complete wiring the fan
kit. Remove knockout in the center of the back of the
EB1 and install listed cable clamps. Feed electrical
wire through listed cable clamp leaving approximately
6" (152 mm) of wire exposed through the EB1. Se-
cure listed cable clamp to the wire.
Attach white wire from power source to one (1) wire
of receptacle and secure with nut. Attach black wire
from power source to the other wire of receptacle and
secure with nut. Be sure nuts are secured tightly.
Secure EB1 assembly to inside of electrical box
coverplate using two screws. Attach cover to face of
the EB1 while being careful to position excess wire
completely within the EB1, then attach coverplate to
fireplace.

Refer to optional Model FK12 fan kit assembly instal-
lation instructions for field installation.

Since you have already preplanned the chimney run,
you should know exactly how the installation is to be
accomplished — how much pipe is required, the num-
ber of elbows, if any, and type of termination to be used.
REPORT TO YOUR DEALERS ANY
PARTS DAMAGED IN SHIPMENT, SPECIFICALLY
CHECK THE END CONNECTION OF CHIMNEY SEC-
TIONS AND ELBOWS.
 Fireplaces may use MHSC Model SK8, or
Model S (three wall) chimney systems. The BR/BC
Series Fireplace will accept the SK8 chimney system as
is; but a TWABR adapter collar is required when using
the Model S (triple wall) chimney system. The installa-
tion procedure described in this manual applies  to
the SK8 system. Either chimney system may be used,
but  be mixed.
FP555
 Insulating between platform and fireplace.
FP555
Platform, insulation
11/10/97
5/11/99 djt
Hard Flat
Surface
Insulation
Platform

10
BR/BC Series Woodburning Fireplaces
87D1500
Determine offset distance of your chimney arrangement
from centerline of fireplace to centerline of chimney
where it is to pass through ceiling.
Locate center point of the chimney on ceiling as though
a straight up chimney arrangement is to be used. Mea-
sure your offset dimension from straight up chimney
center point on ceiling.


The size of the hole in ceiling will vary with the angle at
which the chimney passes through ceiling.
Drive a nail up through ceiling at marked chimney
center point. Go to floor above and see where hole
will be cut. Check to see where existing ceiling joists
and other possible obstructions are located...i.e. wiring,
plumbing etc... If necessary, re-position chimney and/or
fireplace to avoid obstructions.

Cover fireplace collar opening and cut proper sized
chimney hole in chimney. The SK8 pipe allows you to
run pipe through a typical 16” on center joist without
cutting joists.

Frame the ceiling chimney hole as shown in Figure
12. It is good practice to use framing lumber that is the
same size as the ceiling joists; this is a requirement at
attic level.

In order to clear an obstruction, it may be necessary to
offset chimney from vertical. This is accomplished by
using MHSC elbows. Use the 30° Offset Elbow table on
Page 6 to determine proper offset and parts required.
Each offset requires two (2) elbows. The second elbow
is equipped with support straps. It is very important to
install the second elbow in each offset as close to the
ceiling or support as possible so that the elbow straps
can be secured to framing members to help support the
weight of the chimney.

To mark the centerline of the flue, put the fireplace
in final position and measure out from the wall: 8Z⁄v"
(210 mm)
Mark a spot on the ceiling directly above the fireplace.
Draw a line parallel to the back wall through this mark.
(Fig. 11)
Using a plumb bob positioned directly over center point
of fireplace flue collar, mark the ceiling to establish the
chimney center point. (Fig. 11)
FP556
BR/BC
LOCATE CENTER LINE
11/10/97
56M"
(210mm)
FP556
 Locate centerline of chimney with plumb line.
Chimney Centerline
Actual Centerpoint
Plumb Line
Plumb Bob
Imaginary
Centerpoint
 Typical frame for ceiling chimney hole.
FP551
FP551
BR/BC
9/29/97
AB AB
A"SK" Series framing = 14Z⁄₂" X 14Z⁄₂" (368 x 368mm)
B"S" Series framing = 17Z⁄₂" X 17Z⁄₂" (445 x 445mm)
Existing Ceiling
Joists
Ceiling
New Framing
Members
Chimney
Hole