Superior Fireplaces VCM3026ZTP Owner's manual

INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket permanently located, manufactured (mobile) home, where not
prohibited by local codes. This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indicated on the rating plate. This
appliance is not convertible for use with other gases.
This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the room in which it is installed. Provisions
for adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided. Refer to Air for Combustion and Ventilation
section on page 6 of this manual.
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result
causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
—Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
—WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
—Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
Installation and Operation Instructions
Superior™ Unvented (Vent-Free) Compact Fireplace
P/N 126871-01 Rev.A 02/2014 Models
VCM3026ZTP VCM3026ZTN
P126871-01

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SAFETY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety .................................................................. 2
Local Codes......................................................... 4
Product Identication........................................... 4
Product Features................................................. 5
Unpacking............................................................ 5
Assembly............................................................. 5
Air for Combustion and Ventilation ...................... 6
Installation ........................................................... 9
Operation........................................................... 19
Inspecting Burner .............................................. 22
Cleaning and Maintenance................................ 23
Troubleshooting................................................. 24
Specications .................................................... 28
Service Hints ..................................................... 28
Technical Service............................................... 28
Replacement Parts............................................ 28
Accessories ....................................................... 29
Parts .................................................................. 30
Warranty ............................................................ 32
WARNING: Improper instal-
lation, adjustment, alteration,
service, or maintenance can
cause injury or property damage.
Refer to this manual for correct
installation and operational
procedures. For assistance or
additional information consult
a qualified installer, service
agency, or the gas supplier.
WARNING: This is an un-
vented gas-red heater. It uses
air (oxygen) from the room in
which it is installed. Provisions
for adequate combustion and
ventilation air must be provided.
Refer to Air for Combustion and
Ventilation section on page 6 of
this manual.
This appliance may be installed
in an aftermarket,* permanently
located, manufactured (mobile)
home, where not prohibited by
local codes.
This appliance is only for use
with the type of gas indicated on
the rating plate. This appliance
is not convertible for use with
other gases.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for
purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
WARNING: This product con-
tains and/or generates chemicals
known to the state of California
to cause cancer or birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, operate,
or service this replace. Improper
use of this replace can cause
serious injury or death from burns,
re, explosion, electrical shock,
and carbon monoxide poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs
of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the
u, with headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If
you have these signs, the replace may not
be working properly. Get fresh air at once!
Have replace serviced. Some people are
more affected by carbon monoxide than oth-
ers. These include pregnant women, people
with heart or lung disease or anemia, those
under the inuence of alcohol, and those at
high altitudes.
Natural and Propane/LP Gas: Natural and
propane/LP gases are odorless. An odor-
making agent is added to these gases. The
odor helps you detect a gas leak. However,
the odor added to the gas can fade. Gas may
be present even though no odor exists.
Make certain you read and understand all
warnings. Keep this manual for reference. It
is your guide to safe and proper operation of
this replace.

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126871-01A-01 3
WARNING: Any change to
this heater or its controls can
be dangerous.
WARNING: Do not allow fans
to blow directly into the replace.
Avoid any drafts that alter burner
ame patterns. Ceiling fans can
create drafts that alter burner
ame patterns. Altered burner
patterns can cause sooting.
WARNING: Do not use a
blower insert, heat exchanger
insert, or other accessory not ap-
proved for use with this replace.
Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located out
of trafc and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
ammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objects in the replace.
Fireplace front and screen be-
come very hot when running
fireplace. Keep children and
adults away from hot surfaces
to avoid burns or clothing igni-
tion. Fireplace will remain hot
for a time after shutdown. Allow
surfaces to cool before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with replace.
You must operate this replace
with the replace screen and
hood in place. Make sure re-
place screen is in place before
running replace.
SAFETY
Continued
Keep the appliance area clear
and free from combustible
materials, gasoline, and other
ammable vapors and liquids.
1. This appliance is only for use with type of
gas indicated on rating plate. This appli-
ance is not convertible for use with other
gases.
2. Do not place propane/LP supply tank(s)
inside any structure. Locate propane/
LP supply tank(s) outdoors (propane/LP
only).
3. If you smell gas
• shut off gas supply
• do not try to light any appliance
• do not touch any electrical switch; do not
use any phone in your building
• immediately call your gas supplier from
a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas sup-
plier’s instructions
• if you cannot reach your gas supplier,
call the re department
4. This replace shall not be installed in a
bedroom or bathroom.
5. Do not use this replace as a wood-burn-
ing replace. Use only the logs provided
with the replace.
6. Do not add extra logs or ornaments such
as pine cones, vermiculite, or rock wool.
Using these added items can cause soot-
ing. Do not add lava rock around base.
Rock and debris could fall into the control
area of replace.
7. This replace is designed to be smoke-
less. If logs ever appear to smoke, turn
off replace and call a qualied service
person.
Note: During initial operation, slight smok-
ing could occur due to log curing and
replace burning manufacturing residues.
8. To prevent the creation of soot, follow the
instructions in Cleaning and Maintenance,
page 23.
9. Before using furniture polish, wax, carpet
cleaner, or similar products, turn heater
off. If heated, the vapors from these prod-
ucts may create a white powder residue
within burner box or on adjacent walls or
furniture.

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SAFETY
Continued
10. This replace needs fresh air ventilation to
run properly. This replace has an Oxygen
Depletion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff
system. The ODS shuts down the re-
place if not enough fresh air is available.
See Air for Combustion and Ventilation,
page 6. If replace keeps shutting off, see
Troubleshooting, page 24.
11. Do not run replace
• where ammable liquids or vapors are
used or stored.
• under dusty conditions.
12. Do not use this replace to cook food or
burn paper or other objects.
13. Do not use replace if any part has been
under water. Immediately call a qualied
service technician to inspect the room
replace and to replace any part of the
control system and any gas control which
has been under water.
14. Turn off and unplug fireplace and let
cool before servicing. Only a qualied
service person should service and repair
replace.
15. Operating replace above elevations of
4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.
16. Do not operate fireplace if any log is
broken. Do not operate replace if a log
is chipped (dime-sized or larger).
17. To prevent performance problems, do not
use propane/LP fuel tank of less than 100
lbs. capacity (propane/LP only).
18. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
19. The screen or any other part removed
for servicing must be replaced prior to
operating this heater.
Figure 1 - Vent-Free Gas Compact
Fireplace
Ignitor Button
Screen
Fireplace
Cabinet
Logs
Control Knob
LOCAL CODES
Install and use replace with care. Follow all
local codes. In the absence of local codes,
use the latest edition of The National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54*.
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
State of Massachusetts: The installation
must be made by a licensed plumber or
gas tter in the Commonwealth of Mas-
sachusetts.
Sellers of unvented propane or natural
gas-red supplemental room heaters shall
provide to each purchaser a copy of 527
CMR 30 upon sale of the unit.
Vent-free gas products are prohibited for
bedroom and bathroom installation in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Left
Side
Right
Side
Front

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126871-01A-01 5
PRODUCT FEATURES
ASSEMBLY
Figure 2 - Assembling Fireplace
Log
Screen
Burner Support
with Log
Locator Tabs
Branch
Support
Shoulder
Screw
SAFETY PILOT
This replace has a pilot with an Oxygen
Depletion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff
system. The ODS/pilot is a required feature
for vent-free room replaces. The ODS/pilot
shuts off the replace if there is not enough
fresh air.
PIEZO IGNITION SYSTEM
This replace has a piezo ignitor. This sys-
tem requires no matches, batteries, or other
sources to light replace.
THERMOSTATIC HEAT CONTROL
This replace has a thermostat sensing bulb
and a control valve. The thermostat will auto-
matically modulate the heat output to maintain
a consistent room temperature. This results in
greater replace comfort. This can also result
in lower gas bills.
UNPACKING
1. Remove replace and hood from carton.
Log is wrapped and inside replace. Do
not remove at this time.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied
to replace for shipment.
3. Make sure your replace includes one
hardware packet.
4. Check replace for any shipping damage.
If heater is damaged call INNOVATIVE
HEARTH PRODUCTS at 1-800-655-2008
for replacement parts before returning to
dealer.
WARNING: Always have
branch support and screen in
place before operating replace.
This prevents excessive tem-
peratures on replace surfaces.
WARNING: Failure to position
the parts in accordance with these
diagrams or failure to use only
parts specically approved with
this replace may result in prop-
erty damage or personal injury.
ASSEMBLING FIREPLACE
Tools Required:
• Phillips screwdriver
• 5/16" hex wrench
• slotted screwdriver
Installing Log
1. Lift screen up and pull out to remove.
2. Cut two plastic straps to remove the log
from the rebox cavity.
3. An optional blower is available. See Ac-
cessories, page 29. Install optional blower
now. Follow installation instructions pro-
vided with blower.
4. Remove log packaging material and
discard packaging. Gently place log set
on burner support (see Figure 2). The log
should t at against top of burner support
and log locator tabs t into the slots under
the log. Do not allow log to contact ame.
If ame contacts log, soot will be created.
5. Reattach screen by placing the notches
in the screen frame over the shoulder
screws and pushing down.
Assembling Hood

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ASSEMBLY
Continued
1. Locate four black phillips sheet metal
screws from the hardware packet.
2. Rotate hood as shown in Figure 3. Make
sure hood tabs point toward replace.
3. Insert hood tabs between bafe and lou-
vers (see Figure 3).
4. Gently rotate hood to upright position.
Make sure hood tabs are behind louvers
and hood is resting on rebox top (see
Figure 3).
5. Align screw holes on hood with screw
holes on rebox top.
6. Insert screws as shown in Figure 3.
Tighten screws rmly.
Figure 3 - Assembling Hood
Hood
Louver
Hood Tab
Bafe
Sheet Metal
Screw
Firebox Top
Hood Tabs
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
WARNING: This heater shall
not be installed in a room or
space unless the required vol-
ume of indoor combustion air
is provided by the method de-
scribed in the National Fuel Gas
Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, the
International Fuel Gas Code, or
applicable local codes. Read the
following instructions to insure
proper fresh air for this and
other fuel-burning appliances
in your home.
Today’s homes are built more energy efcient
than ever. New materials, increased insula-
tion, and new construction methods help
reduce heat loss in homes. Home owners
weather strip and caulk around windows and
doors to keep the cold air out and the warm air
in. During heating months, home owners want
their homes as airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy
efcient, your home needs to breathe. Fresh
air must enter your home. All fuel-burning ap-
pliances need fresh air for proper combustion
and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, replaces, clothes dryers, and
fuel burning appliances draw air from the house
to operate. You must provide adequate fresh
air for these appliances. This will insure proper
venting of vented fuel-burning appliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE
VENTILATION
The following are excerpts from National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/ NFPA 54, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three
following ventilation classications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction
2. Unconned Space
3. Conned Space
The information on pages 6 through 8 will help
you classify your space and provide adequate
ventilation.
Unusually Tight Construction
The air that leaks around doors and windows
may provide enough fresh air for combustion
and ventilation. However, in buildings of un-
usually tight construction, you must provide
additional fresh air.
Unusually tight construction is dened as
construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the out-
side atmosphere have a continuous
water vapor retarder with a rating of one
perm (6 x 10-11 kg per pa-sec-m2) or less
with openings gasketed or sealed and
b. weather stripping has been added on
openable windows and doors and

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126871-01A-01 7
c. caulking or sealants are applied to
areas such as joints around window
and door frames, between sole plates
and oors, between wall-ceiling joints,
between wall panels, at penetrations
for plumbing, electrical, and gas lines,
and at other openings.
If your home meets all of the three criteria
above, you must provide additional fresh air.
See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 8.
If your home does not meet all of the three
criteria above, proceed to Determining
Fresh-Air Flow For Fireplace Location.
Conned and Unconned Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.3/
NFPA 54 denes a conned space as a space
whose volume is less than 50 cubic feet per
1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3 per kw) of the ag-
gregate input rating of all appliances installed
in that space and an unconned space as a
space whose volume is not less than 50 cubic
feet per 1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3 per kw)
of the aggregate input rating of all appliances
installed in that space. Rooms communicating
directly with the space in which the appliances
are installed*, through openings not furnished
with doors, are considered a part of the un-
conned space.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only if
there are doorless passageways or ventilation
grills between them.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW
FOR FIREPLACE LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Conned or
Unconned Space
Use this work sheet to determine if you have
a conned or unconned space.
Space: Includes the room in which you will install
replace plus any adjoining rooms with door-
less passageways or ventilation grills between
the rooms.
1. Determine the volume of the space (length
x width x height).
Length x Width x Height =__________cu. ft.
(volume of space)
Example: Space size 20 ft. (length) x 16 ft.
(width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) = 2560 cu. ft.
(volume of space)
If additional ventilation to adjoining room
is supplied with grills or openings, add the
volume of these rooms to the total volume
of the space.
30,000
26,000
56,000
2. Multiply the space volume by 20 to determine
the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support.
________ (volume of space) x 20 = (Maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example: 2560 cu. ft. (volume of space) x 20
= 51,200 (maximum Btu/Hr the space can
support)
3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances
in the space.
Vent-free replace __________ Btu/Hr
Gas water heater* __________ Btu/Hr
Gas furnace __________ Btu/Hr
Vented gas heater __________ Btu/Hr
Gas replace logs __________ Btu/Hr
Other gas appliances* + _________ Btu/Hr
Total = _________ Btu/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances.
Direct-vent draws combustion air from the
outdoors and vents to the outdoors.
Example:
Gas water heater __________ Btu/Hr
Vent-free replace + _________ Btu/Hr
Total = _________ Btu/Hr
4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr the space
can support with the actual amount of Btu/
Hr used.
_______ Btu/Hr (maximum the space can
support)
_______ Btu/Hr (actual amount of Btu/Hr
used)
Example: 51,200 Btu/Hr (maximum the
space can support)
56,000 Btu/Hr (actual amount of
Btu/Hr used)
The space in the above example is a conned
space because the actual Btu/Hr used is more
than the maximum Btu/Hr the space can sup-
port. You must provide additional fresh air. Your
options are as follows:
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an
adjoining room. If the extra space provides an
unconned space, remove door to adjoining
room or add ventilation grills between rooms.
See Ventilation Air From Inside Building,
page 8.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See
Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 8.
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr replace, if lower Btu/
Hr size makes room unconned.
If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support, the space is
an unconned space. You will need no additional
fresh air ventilation.

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WARNING: If the area in which
the heater may be operated does
not meet the required volume for
indoor combustion air, combus-
tion and ventilation air shall be
provided by one of the methods
described in the National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA
54, the International Fuel Gas
Code, or applicable local codes.
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining
unconned space. When ventilating to an
adjoining unconned space, you must provide
two permanent openings: one within 12" of the
ceiling and one within 12" of the oor on the
wall connecting the two spaces (see options
1 and 2, Figure 4). You can also remove door
into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 4).
Follow the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for Combustion and
Ventilation for required size of ventilation
grills or ducts.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation
grills or ducts. You must provide two perma-
nent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling
and one within 12" of the oor. Connect these
items directly to the outdoors or spaces open
to the outdoors. These spaces include attics
and crawl spaces. Follow the National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation for required size
of ventilation grills or ducts.
IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings
for inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a
thermostat-controlled power vent. Heated air
entering the attic will activate the power vent.
Figure 5 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Shown with Optional Mantel
Outlet
Air
Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
Air
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ve ntilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
Figure 4 - Ventilation Air from Inside
Building Shown with Optional Mantel
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
12"
12"
Ventilation
Grills into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 1

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126871-01A-01 9
INSTALLATION
IMPORTANT: Vent-free replaces add mois-
ture to the air. Although this is benecial,
installing replace in rooms without enough
ventilation air may cause mildew to form from
too much moisture. See Air for Combustion
and Ventilation, page 6.
Note: Your replace is designed to be used in
zero clearance installations. Wall or framing
material can be placed directly against any ex-
terior surface of your replace, except where
standoff spacers are integrally attached. If
standoff spacers are attached to your re-
place, these spacers can be placed directly
against wall or framing materials.
Use the dimensions shown for rough openings
to create the easiest installation (see Built-In
Fireplace Installation, page 10).
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only the correct type of gas (natural or
propane/LP). If your gas supply is not the
correct gas type, do not install heater. Call
dealer where you bought heater for proper
type heater.
WARNING: This appliance is
equipped for either natural gas
or propane/LP gas but not both.
Gas type is indicated on the rat-
ing plate. Field conversion is not
permitted.
INSTALLATION ITEMS
Before installing replace, make sure you
have the items listed below.
• external regulator - propane/LP only (sup-
plied by installer)
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)
• equipment shutoff valve *
• test gauge connection*
• ground joint union
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
* A shutoff valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an ac-
ceptable alternative to test gauge connection.
Purchase the optional equipment shutoff valve
from your dealer.
Note: If desired, purchase a four-sided trim
kit for built-in installations. See Accessories,
page 29.
NOTICE: This heater is intended
for use as supplemental heat.
Use this heater along with your
primary heating system. Do not
install this heater as your pri-
mary heat source. If you have a
central heating system, you may
run system’s circulating blower
while using heater. This will help
circulate the heat throughout the
house. In the event of a power
outage, you can use this heater
as your primary heat source.
WARNING: A qualied ser-
vice person must install re-
place. Follow all local codes.
WARNING: Never install the
replace
• in a bedroom or a bathroom
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture,
clothing, or other ammable
objects are less than 36" from
the front, top, or sides of the
replace
• as a replace insert
• in high trafc areas
• in windy or drafty areas
CAUTION: This fireplace
creates warm air currents.
These currents move heat to
wall surfaces next to replace.
Installing replace next to vinyl
or cloth wall coverings or oper-
ating replace where impurities
(such as, but not limited to, to-
bacco smoke, aromatic candles,
cleaning uids, oil or kerosene
lamps, etc.) in the air exist, may
discolor walls or cause odors.

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Top Of
Mantel Can
Be Flush
With Wall
Left
Side
CEILING
Right
Side
36"
Minimum
LOCATING FIREPLACE
WARNING: Maintain the
minimum clearances shown
in Figures 6 and 7. If you can,
provide greater clearances from
oor, ceiling, and joining wall.
You can recess rebox into the wall. You can
also position replace in the optional cabinet
or corner mantels. IMPORTANT: Only use
optional cabinet or corner mantels specied
in this manual. Purchase the optional mantel
from your dealer (see Accessories, page 29).
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 7 - Mounting Clearances As
Viewed From Front of Fireplace Shown
with Optional Mantel
6"
Minimum
From
Sides Of
Fireplace
Left
Side
CEILING
36"
Minimum
FLOOR
Right
Side
0” Minimum
To Top
Surface Of
Carpeting,
Tile Or Other
Combustible
Material
0" Minimum
To Top
Surface Of
Carpeting,
Tile Or Other
Combustible
Material
Figure 6 - Mounting Clearances As
Viewed From Front of Fireplace Shown
Built-In the Wall
Note: When installing replace directly on
carpeting, tile or other combustible material,
other than wood ooring, the replace shall be
installed on a metal or wood panel extending
the full width and depth of the replace.
CAUTION: If you install the
replace in a home garage
• replace pilot and burner must
be at least 18" above oor.
• locate replace where moving
vehicle will not hit it.
For convenience and efciency, install replace
• where there is easy access for operation,
inspection, and service.
• in coldest part of room.
An optional blower kit is available from your
dealer (see Accessories, page 29). If plan-
ning to use blower, locate replace near an
electrical outlet.
BUILT-IN FIREPLACE
INSTALLATION
Built-in installation of this replace involves
installing replace into a framed-in enclosure.
This makes the front of replace ush with
wall. An optional trim kit accessory is available
(see Accessories, page 29). Trim will extend
past sides of replace approximately 1/2".
This will cover the rough edges of the wall
opening. If installing a built-in mantel above
the replace you must follow the clearances
shown in Figure 11, page 12. Follow the
instructions below to install the replace in
this manner.
Actual Framing
Height 26" 26 7/8"
Front Width 26 3/4"26 7/8"
Depth 9 1/2"10 1/2"
Bottom 3/4" 3/4"
1. Frame in rough opening. Use dimensions
shown in Figure 8, page 11, for the rough
opening.
If installing in a corner, use dimensions
shown in Figure 9, page 11, for the rough
opening. The height is 26 7/8" which is the
same as the wall opening above.