SimpliFire Inception Size Guide
Framing dimensions, electrical requirements, clearances, and decorative front options for the SF-INC36 — the only size in which the Inception is made.
Overview
One model, one size — everything a contractor needs to frame it correctly
The SimpliFire Inception (model SF-INC36) is manufactured in a single size: 36 inches wide. The appliance measures 43-3/4" wide overall, with a 34-1/2" wide by 19" tall viewing area. The minimum framing rough opening is 42" wide by 34-7/8" tall by 8-3/4" deep.
The Inception is a traditional masonry-style firebox, not a linear panel fireplace. The appliance body measures 8-7/8" deep overall, and the framing cavity must accommodate a minimum depth of 8-3/4". Unlike linear electric fireplaces that can slide into a 2x4 or 2x6 wall, the Inception requires a purpose-built framing cavity or installation via the optional Wescott Mantel Kit on a finished wall surface. A standard 2x4 stud wall (nominal 3-1/2" cavity depth) does not provide sufficient depth for a built-in installation.
The physical refractory media bed — which includes four individually positioned logs and a black ember base sitting in a refractory-lined cavity — accounts for the Inception's traditional firebox character. The installation manual documents an overall appliance depth of 8-7/8" and a minimum framing depth of 8-3/4"; these are the complete depth values published in the manual.
Sheathing adjustment required
The installation manual states: adjust framing dimensions if sheathing the interior of the cavity with sheet rock or another material. Build the rough opening to the minimum dimensions, then account for any interior lining when calculating the finished opening size.
Decorative front required — order at time of purchase
The SF-INC36 requires an installed decorative front to act as a safety barrier and must not be operated without one. Three fronts are compatible: Folio (SF-FOL-36), Halston (SF-HAL-36), and Chateau Forge (SF-CHAF-36). Each is sold separately and must be ordered at the time of appliance purchase. Your choice of front affects the finished wall opening dimensions — confirm your front selection before finalizing framing.
Framing Dimensions
Minimum rough opening — all dimensions from the SimpliFire installation manual
SF-INC36 — Minimum Rough Opening
Full Minimum Framing Table
| Dimension | Label | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Opening Height | A | 34-7/8" | Minimum — adjust for interior sheathing |
| Rough Opening Depth | B | 8-3/4" | Minimum framing depth |
| Rough Opening Width | C | 42" | Minimum — adjust for interior sheathing |
| Combustible Floor | D | 0" | Zero clearance design — no hearth required |
| Minimum Hearth Required | E | 0" | No hearth extension required |
| Behind Appliance | F | 0" | Zero clearance to combustibles at rear |
| Sides of Appliance | G | 0" | Zero clearance to combustibles at sides |
| Front of Appliance | H | 36" | Required clearance to combustibles — both 120V and 240V |
| Mantel Clearance | I | See Clearances section | Depends on mantel projection depth |
⚠️ Front clearance — 36 inches required at both voltages
Combustible materials, furnishings, drapery, and electrical cords must be kept at least 36 inches from the front of the appliance at both 120V and 240V. This is a mandatory safety requirement from the installation manual, not a recommendation.
Appliance Dimensions
Overall shell size and viewing area — from the SimpliFire installation manual
Overall Shell Dimensions
Viewing Area
Complete Dimension Reference
| Reference | Description | Inches | mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | Overall width — outer shell | 43-3/4" | 1111 |
| W2 | Inner shell width | 41-1/4" | 1048 |
| W3 | Viewing area width | 34-1/2" | 876 |
| H1 | Overall height — outer shell | 35-3/4" | 908 |
| H2 | Inner shell height | 34-3/8" | 874 |
| H3 | Viewing area height | 19" | 483 |
| D1 | Overall depth — outer shell | 8-7/8" | 225 |
| D2 | Inner depth | 8-3/4" | 222 |
On the Inception's firebox depth
The overall appliance depth of 8-7/8" is the complete depth value published in the installation manual. The Inception's realistic firebox appearance is produced by a physical refractory media bed — four individually positioned logs, two refractory pieces, and black embers — combined with a digital display system. This physical media configuration, not the dimensional depth, gives the Inception its traditional hearth character.
Installation Types
Two methods documented in the SimpliFire installation manual
Method 1 — Built-In New Construction
The Inception installs into framing built before the wall is finished. The framing cavity must meet the minimum rough opening dimensions: 42" wide, 34-7/8" tall, 8-3/4" deep. The appliance is secured using six pre-drilled mounting brackets with two #8 construction screws per bracket — twelve screws total.
- All wiring must be completed before the wall is finished.
- A built-in appliance may have a maximum of 1" of flooring brought to the front edge if mounted directly to sub-flooring.
- Adjust rough opening framing dimensions when sheathing the cavity interior.
- The junction box master switch must be in the ON position before installing the decorative front.
- Copper wire only. All wiring must comply with the NFPA 70 National Electric Code and local building codes.
Method 2 — Finished Wall Mount with Optional Wescott Mantel Kit (MK-WS-INC36)
The Inception can be attached to an existing finished wall using the optional Wescott Mantel Kit (MK-WS-INC36), with no wall framing or construction required. Wall mount bracket placement and electrical outlet location guidance for this method are in the separate Wescott Mantel Kit instructions (document 4200-935).
- Wescott Mantel Kit installations must be on finished floors only.
- Refer to document 4200-935 for wall mount bracket and electrical outlet placement — this information is not contained in the appliance installation manual.
The Wescott Mantel Kit (MK-WS-INC36) includes a power cord. Mantel Kit installations connect to a standard grounded 120V outlet — no hardwiring and no electrician required. Outlet placement guidance is in the separate Wescott Mantel Kit installation document (4200-935). Mantel Kit installations operate at 120V only (1,500W / up to 5,000 BTU); the 240V / 3,000W option is available for built-in installations only.
No insert installation documented
The SF-INC36 installation manual does not describe installation into an existing masonry or factory-built fireplace opening. The Inception is documented for new construction built-in framing or finished-wall mount via the Wescott Mantel Kit only. If you are replacing an existing fireplace, consult SimpliFire directly before proceeding.
Decorative Fronts
One front required for operation — choice affects finished wall opening dimensions
The SF-INC36 requires a decorative front as a barrier between the heater and the room. Three fronts are available, each sold separately and ordered at the time of appliance purchase. The Folio front is inside-fit only. The Halston and Chateau Forge fronts support both inside-fit and overlap finishing methods. The fitting method determines the finished opening dimensions your surround or facing material must accommodate.
Folio Front (SF-FOL-36) — Inside Fit Only
Inside-fit finishing dimensions: 34" H x 36-1/8" W. Noncombustible finishing material greater than 1" may be installed adjacent to the decorative front sides and top. The Folio front does not support overlap fitting; finishing material must finish up to the appliance opening on sides and top.
Halston Front (SF-HAL-36) — Inside Fit and Overlap Fit
Inside-fit finishing dimensions per the installation manual: 34-3/8" H x 37-1/4" W. In overlap fitting, finishing material of 1" or less (such as marble or tile) installs up to the fireplace opening on sides and top; the back of the decorative front contacts the face of the finish material. See overlap finishing thickness limits below. Verify the shipping bracket has been removed from the back of the Halston front before operating the appliance.
Chateau Forge Front (SF-CHAF-36) — Inside Fit and Overlap Fit
Inside-fit finishing dimensions per the installation manual: 34-3/8" H x 37" W. Overlap fitting method is the same as the Halston front. Verify the shipping bracket has been removed from the backside of the Chateau Forge front before operating the appliance; the bracket can block heater output and damage the display.
Overlap Finishing Thickness Limits by Voltage
| Voltage | Combustible Finishing — Max Thickness | Non-Combustible Zone Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 120VAC | 1-3/8" maximum | Not restricted at this voltage |
| 240VAC | 1/4" maximum (combustible) | 1-1/8" at top — non-combustible material only |
At 240V, all overlapped finishing material behind the decorative front in the non-combustible zone must be non-combustible only. This is a stricter requirement than at 120V. Plan finishing material selection and thickness before choosing voltage.
Clearances to Combustibles
SF-INC36 is a zero clearance design on all sides — 36" required at front
Minimum Clearance to Combustibles
| Location | 120VAC | 240VAC |
|---|---|---|
| Sides | 0" | 0" |
| Floor | 0" | 0" |
| Top | 0" | 0" |
| Back | 0" | 0" |
| Front | 36" | 36" |
Mantel Projection Clearances
Mantel clearance is measured from the appliance top reference height of 34-3/8". The installation manual documents the following:
- Mantel projection up to 24" deep: clearance above appliance top = 0"
- At 6" from the appliance face: 2" clearance shown in the installation manual diagram
A mantel is not required. If used, confirm the mantel projection depth against the clearance diagram in the full installation manual before proceeding. A mantel can also reduce operating temperatures for a television mounted above the appliance.
Television Above the Appliance
The installation manual states there are no required clearances for wall mounting a television above the SF-INC36. Because every home has different airflow characteristics and TV models have varying maximum operating temperatures, validate actual TV surface temperatures at the time of installation and refer to the television manufacturer's technical specifications.
Flooring at Appliance Base
Flooring materials must not extend higher than 1" from the base of the appliance when mounted at floor level. For built-in installations mounted directly to sub-flooring, a maximum of 1" of flooring may be brought up to the front edge. Wescott Mantel Kit installations require a finished floor — flooring must be complete before the mantel kit is installed.
⚠️ Finishing materials and heater discharge openings
Facing and finishing materials must not interfere with airflow through the decorative front, the removal of the decorative front, or access for service. Materials that obstruct the heater or its discharge openings could ignite or cause overheating. Comply with all minimum clearances specified in the installation manual.
Electrical Requirements
SF-INC36 accepts 120VAC or 240VAC through an automatic junction box — no hardware changes required to switch voltages
Electrical Specifications
| Specification | 120VAC | 240VAC |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 1,500W | 3,000W |
| Amperage (rating plate) | 12.5A | |
| Minimum breaker | 15A | 20A |
| Minimum wire gauge | 14AWG (NM-B, 3-wire) | 12AWG minimum |
| Frequency | 60Hz | |
| AFCI / GFCI compatible | Yes — tested and confirmed | |
| Dedicated circuit | Not required, but recommended | |
| Conductor material | Copper only | |
| Connection method | Hard-wired (built-in installation only) | Plug-in via included power cord (Wescott Mantel Kit — 120V only) |
Automatic voltage selection
The SF-INC36 junction box accepts either 120VAC or 240VAC through a simple wire connection — no switching or changing of internal components is required. For 120V, connect the black (L1), white (neutral), and green (ground) wires; leave the red (L2) wire disconnected. For 240V, connect all four wires. The appliance detects and adapts to the connected voltage automatically.
Electrical connection method depends on installation type
Built-in installation: Hard-wired only. Built-in installations require permanent wiring by a qualified electrician in accordance with the latest edition of NFPA 70 and local building codes. No plug-in is available for the built-in method. All wiring must be completed before the wall is finished. Extension cords and power strips are prohibited.
Wescott Mantel Kit installation: Plug-in at 120V. The Wescott Mantel Kit (MK-WS-INC36) includes a power cord and connects to a standard grounded 120V outlet. No electrician required. Refer to document 4200-935 for outlet placement requirements. Extension cords and power strips are prohibited regardless of installation method.
Certifications
- Listed to UL Standard 2021 (3rd Edition)
- Certified to CSA Standard C22.2 No. 46-13
- Intertek ETL Listed
- FCC Part 15 compliant (Wi-Fi module)
- AFCI and GFCI breaker compatible — tested and confirmed
Frequently Asked Questions
All answers sourced from the SimpliFire installation manual
What is the minimum rough opening required for the SimpliFire Inception SF-INC36?
The SF-INC36 requires a minimum rough opening of 42" wide, 34-7/8" tall, and 8-3/4" deep. These are the minimum framing dimensions from the installation manual. If the interior of the cavity is sheathed with sheet rock or another material, adjust the rough opening dimensions so the finished opening meets the minimums. The Inception is made in one size only — there are no other size variants to plan for.
Does the SimpliFire Inception require a dedicated electrical circuit?
A dedicated circuit is not required but is recommended to prevent breaker trips. At 120V, the SF-INC36 requires a minimum 15-amp circuit wired with 14AWG copper wire. At 240V, a minimum 20-amp circuit with 12AWG copper wire is required. The appliance has been tested to be compatible with AFCI and GFCI breakers. All electrical work must be performed by a qualified electrician.
Does the SimpliFire Inception require a decorative front to operate?
Yes. The installation manual states that a decorative front is required as a barrier preventing direct contact with the heater. The appliance must not be operated without one installed. Three fronts are compatible: the Folio (SF-FOL-36, inside-fit only), the Halston (SF-HAL-36), and the Chateau Forge (SF-CHAF-36). Each must be ordered separately at the time of appliance purchase. The choice of front and fitting method affects the finished wall opening dimensions.
What are the clearance requirements for the SimpliFire Inception?
The SF-INC36 is a zero clearance design. Clearance to combustibles on the sides, top, back, and floor is 0 inches at both 120V and 240V. Clearance from the front of the appliance to combustibles is 36 inches at both voltages. Overlap finishing materials behind the decorative front are subject to additional thickness restrictions that vary by voltage and front type — see the Decorative Fronts section of this guide for those limits.
Can the SimpliFire Inception SF-INC36 be installed in a finished wall without new construction?
Yes, using the optional Wescott Mantel Kit (MK-WS-INC36). This kit attaches the appliance to an existing finished wall without framing or drywall work. Wescott Mantel Kit installations must be on finished floors only. Wall mount bracket placement and electrical outlet location guidance for this method are in the separate Wescott Mantel Kit instructions (document 4200-935). Insert installation into an existing masonry fireplace is not documented for the SF-INC36.
Does the SimpliFire Inception need to be hardwired by an electrician?
It depends on the installation method. Built-in installations — framed into a wall before it is finished — require permanent hard-wired electrical connections by a qualified electrician, at either 120V or 240V. The optional Wescott Mantel Kit (MK-WS-INC36) is an alternative that requires no construction and no electrician: it includes a power cord and connects to a standard grounded 120V outlet. Wescott Mantel Kit installations operate at 120V only (up to 5,000 BTU). Refer to HHT document 4200-935 for Mantel Kit outlet placement requirements.