Modern Flames Orion Traditional Size Guide
Framing dimensions, electrical requirements, and clearance specifications for all five Orion Traditional models — sourced from the Modern Flames installation manual.
Overview
Models OR26-TRAD through OR54-TRAD — key planning facts
The Orion Traditional is available in five sizes: 26", 30", 36", 42", and 54". All five models share a uniform overall depth of 9-7/8" and a uniform minimum framing depth of 10". The OR36-TRAD, OR42-TRAD, and OR54-TRAD include an optional 240V circuit upgrade; the OR26-TRAD and OR30-TRAD operate on 120V only.
This guide documents the framing dimensions, electrical requirements, and clearances from the Modern Flames Orion Traditional installation manual. All dimensions are stated in inches with millimeter equivalents as documented. For purchasing information, see the Orion Traditional product page.
Not doing your own framing?
Send this page to your installer — they will know exactly how to use it. The key numbers they need from you: minimum wall depth is 10", and a dedicated 20-amp circuit is required for all models. Everything else on this page is for them.
All five models: 10" minimum framing depth
Minimum framing depth is uniform across all Orion Traditional sizes. A standard 2×6 partition wall (5-1/2" stud depth + 5/8" drywall each side = approximately 6-3/4" finished) does not meet the 10" requirement. Verify framing depth before ordering.
Installation Types
Two installation types explicitly supported in the installation manual
The Orion Traditional is designed for two installation types:
- Built-In: Framed into new wall construction. Requires a rough opening sized to the model-specific framing dimensions in this guide. The unit can be hardwired or connected via plug-in.
- Insert: Slid into an existing fireplace opening. The insert installation uses the same rough opening dimensions as the built-in installation. See the size-by-size reference below to confirm that your existing opening meets the required minimum dimensions.
Insert installation: opening must meet minimum dimensions
The existing fireplace opening must be at least as wide and as tall as the rough opening dimensions listed for the intended model. The existing depth must also accommodate the 10" minimum framing depth. Verify all three dimensions before ordering.
Framing Requirements
All rough opening dimensions from the Modern Flames installation manual
Rough Opening Dimensions — All Models
| Model | Framing W | Framing H | Min. Framing D |
|---|---|---|---|
| OR26-TRAD | 23" (584mm) |
18-3/4" (477mm) |
10" min. (254mm min.) |
| OR30-TRAD | 28-1/4" (718mm) |
18-3/4" (477mm) |
10" min. (254mm min.) |
| OR36-TRAD | 32-5/8" (829mm) |
23-7/8" (607mm) |
10" min. (254mm min.) |
| OR42-TRAD | 38-3/4" (985mm) |
26-3/4" (680mm) |
10" min. (254mm min.) |
| OR54-TRAD | 50-15/16" (1294mm) |
32-3/4" (832mm) |
10" min. (254mm min.) |
Electrical Requirements
Circuit, breaker, and wiring specifications from the installation manual
Voltage and Heat Output by Model
| Model | 120V Wattage | 120V BTU | 240V Wattage | 240V BTU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OR26-TRAD | 1,465W | 5,000 BTU | Not available | Not available |
| OR30-TRAD | 1,465W | 5,000 BTU | Not available | Not available |
| OR36-TRAD | 1,465W | 5,000 BTU | 2,500W | 8,300 BTU |
| OR42-TRAD | 1,465W | 5,000 BTU | 2,500W | 8,300 BTU |
| OR54-TRAD | 1,465W | 5,000 BTU | 2,500W | 8,300 BTU |
Circuit and Wiring Requirements
- Dedicated circuit required for all models. The installation manual states: "Always connect your electric fireplace to a dedicated circuit(s) only."
- Breaker size: A dedicated 20 Amp (or higher) breaker is required for all models.
- 120V wiring (all models): 3 wires — white (neutral), black (power L1), green (ground). OR26-TRAD and OR30-TRAD use a 3-position terminal block.
- 220–240V wiring (OR36/OR42/OR54 only): 4 wires — white (neutral), black (L1), red (L2), green/bare (ground). These three models use a 4-position terminal block. A qualified electrician must perform this wiring.
240V installation requires a qualified electrician
The installation manual states: "A qualified electrician must wire this fireplace to a dedicated 220~240 volt, 20 amp, circuit." This applies to OR36-TRAD, OR42-TRAD, and OR54-TRAD only when the 240V option is used.
Clearances to Combustibles
All measurements taken from the glass front — applies to all five models
Minimum Clearance Table — All Models
| Direction | Clearance | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom | 0" | All models |
| Sides | 0" | All models |
| Back | 0" | All models |
| Top (to mantel) | 11.8" (300mm) | All models |
| Top (to TV) | 11.8" (300mm) | All models |
| Top (to ceiling) | 11.8" (300mm) | All models |
36" horizontal clearance requirement for built-in framing
The installation manual specifies: "Select a location that is not prone to moisture and is located at least 36" (914mm) away from combustible materials such as curtain drapes, furniture, bedding, paper, etc." This applies to the framing location selection.
Size-by-Size Reference
All dimensions from the Modern Flames installation manual — fractions preserved as documented
OR26-TRAD — 26" Model
Framing / Rough Opening
Overall Unit Dimensions
Viewing Area
Electrical
Optional surround kits: 5" (OTK-OR26-SM) or 7" (OTK-OR26-LG)
OR30-TRAD — 30" Model
Framing / Rough Opening
Overall Unit Dimensions
Viewing Area
Electrical
Optional surround kits: 5" (OTK-OR30-SM) or 8" (OTK-OR30-LG)
OR36-TRAD — 36" Model
Framing / Rough Opening
Overall Unit Dimensions
Viewing Area
Electrical
Optional surround kits: 4" (OTK-OR36-SM) or 6" (OTK-OR36-LG). 240V requires qualified electrician.
OR42-TRAD — 42" Model
Framing / Rough Opening
Overall Unit Dimensions
Viewing Area
Electrical
No surround kit available for OR42-TRAD. 240V requires qualified electrician.
OR54-TRAD — 54" Model
Framing / Rough Opening
Overall Unit Dimensions
Viewing Area
Electrical
No surround kit available for OR54-TRAD. 240V requires qualified electrician.
Safety Restrictions
From the Modern Flames installation manual, Important Safety Information
⚠️ Indoor Use Only
"INDOOR use only! NEVER use this heater outdoors! Doing so may result in electric shock!"
- "Always connect your electric fireplace to a dedicated circuit(s) only."
- "Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes, and curtains at least 3 feet (0.9m) from the front of the heater and keep them away from the sides and rear."
- "ALWAYS plug heaters directly into a wall outlet/receptacle. NEVER use with an extension cord or relocatable power tap (outlet/power strip)."
- "NEVER use this heater in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or any other location where the heater could fall into a bathtub, pool, become damp, or come in contact with water."
- "This product is not intended to be a primary heat source. It is for supplemental heat only."
- "To prevent a possible fire, do not block air intakes or exhaust in any manner."
- "ALWAYS mount to wall bracket before use. DO NOT set on the floor, or other surface, to use."
- "NEVER use a wall mount bracket from another manufacturer."
Certifications
From the Modern Flames installation manual
- ETL Listed. Conforms to UL STD 2021, CSA STD E60335-2-30, and CSA C22.2.
- FCC Part 15 Class B compliance.
- US Patent 11,473,745. Other patents may be pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
All answers sourced from the Modern Flames installation manual
What is the minimum framing depth required for the Modern Flames Orion Traditional?
All five Orion Traditional models (OR26-TRAD through OR54-TRAD) require a minimum framing depth of 10" (254mm). This applies uniformly regardless of size. The overall unit depth is 9-7/8", so the 10" minimum accommodates the unit with a small tolerance. Verify your wall framing depth before ordering.
Can the Modern Flames Orion Traditional be installed as an insert into an existing fireplace?
Yes. The Orion Traditional supports two installation types: built-in (framed into new wall construction) and insert (slid into an existing fireplace opening). The insert installation uses the same rough opening dimensions as the built-in installation. Confirm that your existing fireplace opening meets the width, height, and depth requirements for the intended model before ordering.
What electrical circuit does the Modern Flames Orion Traditional require?
All models require a dedicated 20-amp (or higher) breaker on a dedicated circuit. OR26-TRAD and OR30-TRAD operate on 120V only (1,465W / 5,000 BTU). OR36-TRAD, OR42-TRAD, and OR54-TRAD support both 120V (1,465W / 5,000 BTU) and an optional 220–240V circuit (2,500W / 8,300 BTU). The 240V installation requires a dedicated 220–240V, 20A circuit wired by a qualified electrician.
What is the minimum clearance above the Orion Traditional glass front?
The minimum clearance from the glass front to any combustible material above — including a mantel, television, or ceiling — is 11.8" (300mm). All clearances are measured from the glass front. Side and rear clearances are 0".
What are the rough opening dimensions for each Orion Traditional size?
OR26-TRAD: 23" W × 18-3/4" H. OR30-TRAD: 28-1/4" W × 18-3/4" H. OR36-TRAD: 32-5/8" W × 23-7/8" H. OR42-TRAD: 38-3/4" W × 26-3/4" H. OR54-TRAD: 50-15/16" W × 32-3/4" H. All five models require a minimum framing depth of 10".
Is the Modern Flames Orion Traditional approved for outdoor use?
No. The installation manual states: "INDOOR use only! NEVER use this heater outdoors! Doing so may result in electric shock!" All five models are rated for indoor use only.