Planning to install an EcoSmart Fire bioethanol burner? Whether you’re working with a traditional firebox surround or an open contemporary setting, getting the clearances right is essential for safe, long-lasting performance. This guide covers minimum dimensions, placement distances, top tray requirements, and environmental considerations for both indoor and outdoor installations.

Clearances & Installation

Ensure that the mouth of the flame is positioned a minimum of 1,500 mm [59.1 in] away from curtains, flammable materials, and other sources of ignition. Be aware of drafts. The floor must be level and the Burner positioned on a flat surface. The Burner must only be placed into non-combustible materials and must be installed in accordance with the outlined safety requirements and clearances. Please send drawings to your local representative to confirm the setting complies with the manufacturer’s requirements prior to installation.

Burner Clearances

EcoSmart Fire Burners can be installed into two (2) types of settings:

A. Those that are encased by non-combustible materials similar to that which you would find in a traditional masonry set-up. We refer to this installation type as “WITHIN A FIREBOX”

B .Those that are not encased by non-combustible materials and set up in a more modern setting without sides or a top. We refer to this installation type as “WITHOUT A FIREBOX”

A. Firebox measurements for “within a firebox” installation (Fig.1)

Fig. 1

*We recommend centering the burner within the firebox (front and back, left and right). If you choose to offset the burner placement, please follow the minimum distances shown on Table AA. Distances are measured from the outer edge of the burner flange.

AA. Burner placement “within a firebox” (Fig.2)

Custom made fireboxes must:

• Be made out of a non-combustible material such as stainless steel
• Be constructed to accommodate a Top Tray
• have built-in spacers of 20mm (0.8 in.) on all sides to ensure that it does not sit directly against any combustible material and an air gap is incorporated for insulation around the box construction. (Fig. 3)
• Must include a static windscreen that is 180-225mm [7”-9”] high (and the full width of the firebox) to control airflow and prevent flames from coming out of the firebox.

Fig. 3

MAD Design Group recommends using the Burner in a firebox manufactured by MAD Design Group only. MAD Design Group is not liable for any injuries or damages sustained through the use of custom made or privately commissioned fireboxes.

VB Burner

The VB2 burner is specially designed as a ‘drop-in’ burner system to a purpose-built, existing or new, fireplace setting. You should seek confirmation from the insert manufacturer and install the fireplace according to the manufacturers instructions before inserting the burner.

B. Burner placement “without a firebox” (Fig.4)

Fig.4

Installation

There are many different variations available for installing the Burner.
In all cases, the Burner must be:

• Installed into non-combustible material ONLY, such as stainless steel, concrete, brick and natural stone.
• Installed after all gas connections or pipelines in the area are disconnected and made safe by an appropriately qualified and licensed professional.
• Installed and operated in a fixed and secure position before filling, lighting and operating. Burners are not meant to be moved because movement creates the risk of accidental fuel spillages. If you move the Burner, make sure no fuel was spilled before you ignite the Burner.
• Models from each range (Grate/Fireplace Inserts/Designer/Outdoor) have varied installation requirements. Refer to the specific section of the manual for the detailed requirements of the model purchased.
• Mounted into a level surface made of non-combustible materials.

The best location for your EcoSmart Fire is:

• In a large, open space at least 1500mm [59.1in] away from any combustible materials, such as curtains, wallpaper, veneer, etc.
• On a level floor – the floor can be made of any material.
• In a firebox made of non-combustible materials, such as steel, concrete, brick, or natural stone.
• Positioned so that any accumulation of weather debris/pooling of water is eliminated.
• Not installed directly beside or near wallpaper, laminate, veneer or any surface that has not been fire rated (the heat will impact the material). Refer to product specification of wallpaper, laminate, veneer or glue for heat tolerances.
• Installed into a setting that has a straight back – the incorporation of angled backs alters the aerodynamics of the flame environment and could lead to an unstable flame behaviour.
• Fitted within a Top Tray that is not more than 200% the size of the total Burner size.

Please note that:

• Any furniture items or fittings directly above or beside the Burner installation must be deemed suitable for heat tolerances by their manufacturer e.g. electronic items including screens and entertainment equipment, wallpaper, laminates, veneers, glues and reconstituted materials.
• A heat reflective panel made of non-combustible material (ideally stainless steel) must be installed as the surround and top of the fireplace setting to assist in heat distribution. MAD Design Group is not liable for any injuries or damages sustained through the use of panels not manufactured by MAD Design Group.
• Glass or mirrored surfaces near the Burner installation must be toughened.
• If inserting a Burner into an existing masonry fireplace, adjust the damper within the existing fireplace in order to keep the heat from escaping through the flue.
• In some countries, national or rural restrictions may apply and/or approvals from building authorities may be required. Please ensure you contact the appropriate parties before installing your EcoSmart Fire.

Fire Screens

If installing a fire screen into your setting there must be a 40mm [1.6in] gap between the burner platform and the under side of the glass edge to enable air circulation around the burner. This assists with fuel efficiency, burner temperature and flame quality.

Top Tray

The incorporation of a Top Tray into your setting protects against heat transference and aids in the collection of accidental spillage.

If installing a Burner INDOORS, a Top Tray must be incorporated into your setting before operating the appliance.

Top Trays can be sourced from your local distributor, if not included in your order at time of purchase.

Each burner must have its own Top Tray.

Top Trays provided by MAD Design Group are fitted directly into the Burner shelf from above. The Burner is then inserted into the Top Tray setting and adjusted (using the levelling screws) to sit flush.

The size of the cut-out should not give more than 5mm [0.196in] clearance. Top Trays must not be more than 200% of the total size
of the corresponding Burner.

For cut out dimensions for your model please contact your local distributor.

Physical model dimensions should be verified against cut out dimensions BEFORE installation begins to confirm tolerances align.

MAD Design Group is not liable for any injuries or damages sustained through the use of Top Trays not manufactured by MAD Design Group.

Environmental Conditions

WARNING: Ensure that your fire is positioned away from flammable materials and other sources of ignition at all times. Pay very close attention to positioning the fire away from items that may move as a result of wind and drafts. For example trees/branches/curtains/paper and the like.

The base and the sides of the burner must never come into direct contact with combustible materials.

Side clearances to fixed and stable furniture items that are not susceptible to movement such as lounges or patio furniture must remain a minimum of 600mm [23.6in] away from the flame at all times.

Overhead clearances to items that are susceptible to movement
(e.g. Curtains/Trees) must remain a minimum of:

- Indoors: 1500mm [59.1in] away from the flame at all times.

- Outdoors: 2000mm [78.7in] away from the flame at all times.

Note: Stainless steel will rust or corrode over time if contamination or debris is not cleaned or removed immediately. When not in use, it is recommended that you protect your fireplace from water damage or corrosion with a protective cover and always use the Burner Lid included with your model to safeguard the burner.

A fire extinguisher is strongly recommended (AB:E in Australia / ABC in USA).

Indoor Clearances

Outdoor Clearances