SimpliFire Scion Size Guide
Framing dimensions, clearances, and electrical requirements for the Scion 43", 55", and 78" models — all values from the SimpliFire installation manual.
Overview
What this guide covers and how to use it
This guide covers the installation dimensions, framing requirements, clearances, and electrical specifications for the SimpliFire Scion Linear Electric Fireplace in all three sizes: 43", 55", and 78". All values are sourced from the SimpliFire installation manual.
The Scion is a built-in appliance designed to be installed into wall framing before the wall surface is finished. This is different from a slide-in fireplace, which drops into a completed wall opening after finishing. With the Scion, framing happens first, the appliance is set and hard-wired, then the wall finish is applied up to the face of the unit — producing a flush, frameless appearance.
Use this guide to verify that your wall framing depth, opening width, and electrical service will accommodate the Scion before ordering. For pricing, available sizes, and feature details, see the SimpliFire Scion product page. To compare all SimpliFire electric fireplace series, see the SimpliFire comparison guide.
Clean Face Installation
How the flush finish is achieved — critical for contractors and installers
The Scion's clean face design is the result of how the finishing material relates to the front of the appliance. The unit is built into the framing cavity. When the wall is finished, the facing material — drywall, tile, stone, marble, or other material — is brought up to the finishing stops on the face of the appliance. The finishing stops are the reference points that define where the wall surface ends and the fireplace face begins.
Two finishing configurations are available:
- Inside fit (without Trim Ring) — The front panel sits flush inside the finished wall perimeter. No frame projects forward beyond the wall surface. This configuration works with decorative mantels, alcoves, marble, stone, or thick tile products. There is no limitation on the thickness of facing materials. This produces the cleanest, most frameless appearance.
- Overlap fit (with Trim Ring) — A 1/2" Trim Ring is installed on the front panel and overlaps the edges of the wall finish by 1/4". This configuration is for walls finished with 1/2" gypsum wallboard or other facing materials not exceeding 9/16" in thickness beyond the framing. The Trim Ring depth is adjustable via screws to accommodate minor variation in wall finish thickness.
Finishing Stop Reference
The finishing stops are the built-in ledges on the appliance face that define where wall finishing material meets the unit. Facing materials must not go beyond the finishing stops — the front panel must remain removable for service access throughout the product life. See the Finishing Stop Dimensions table in the Size-by-Size Reference section for exact values per model.
Wall Finishing Material Thickness Limits
| Configuration | Max Facing Material Thickness | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap fit with Trim Ring | 9/16" beyond framing | 1/2" painted drywall, thin tile, shiplap |
| Inside fit without Trim Ring | No limitation | Mantels, stone, marble, thick tile, alcoves |
Built-In Only — Not Slide-In
The Scion must be installed into open framing before the wall is finished. It cannot be slid into a completed drywall opening after the fact. Plan all electrical rough-in and framing before closing the wall.
Framing Requirements
All dimensions from the SimpliFire installation manual
Framing Opening Dimensions
These are the rough framing dimensions — the opening built into wall studs before any finishing material is applied. All three models share the same framing height and depth; only the width differs.
| Dimension | 43" Model (SF-SC43-BK) | 55" Model (SF-SC55-BK) | 78" Model (SF-SC78-BK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framing Width | 45" | 57" | 80-1/2" |
| Framing Height | 24-1/4" | 24-1/4" | 24-1/4" |
| Framing Depth (min) | 7-5/8" | 7-5/8" | 7-5/8" |
Chase Interior Wall Sheathing
If the Scion is installed in a chase on an exterior wall, framing dimensions must be adjusted for the thickness of any interior wall sheathing applied inside the chase. A standard 2x8 stud cavity (7-1/4" nominal depth) accommodates the 7-5/8" minimum framing depth. A standard 2x6 cavity (5-1/2" nominal) does not — verify your framing before ordering.
Overall Appliance Dimensions
Dimensions include louver projections on sides and top panels. Use these for rough-in planning to ensure no adjacent structures interfere.
| Dimension | 43" Model (SF-SC43-BK) | 55" Model (SF-SC55-BK) | 78" Model (SF-SC78-BK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Width | 44-1/2" | 56-1/2" | 80" |
| Overall Height | 23-7/8" | 23-7/8" | 23-7/8" |
| Overall Depth | 7-5/8" | 7-5/8" | 7-5/8" |
| Viewing Area Width | 41-1/2" | 53-1/4" | 76-7/8" |
| Viewing Area Height | 15" | 15" | 15" |
Exterior Wall Installation
When the Scion is installed in a recessed opening on an exterior wall in cooler climates, a chase may be required by local building codes. The chase must not break the outside building envelope. Walls, ceiling, baseplate, and cantilever floor of the chase must be insulated. Vapor and air infiltration barriers must be installed per regional codes. Insulation and loose materials inside the chase must be secured to maintain airflow clearance between the appliance body and the wall opening — this airflow is required for the thermostat room sensor to function correctly. Always confirm local code requirements before proceeding.
Clearances
Minimum clearance to combustible construction — all models
| Location | Minimum Clearance |
|---|---|
| Sides | 0 in. |
| Top | 0 in. |
| Back | 0 in. |
| Floor | 0 in. |
| Mantel | 0 in. |
| Mantel Depth | Unlimited |
| Front (from appliance face) | 36 in. |
⚠️ Front Clearance Required
Keep electrical cords, drapery, furnishings, and all other combustible materials at least 36 inches (3 ft.) from the front of the fireplace, and away from the sides and rear. This appliance is not intended for use as a primary heat source.
Bathroom Installation
If the Scion is installed in a bathroom, it must be protected by a GFI receptacle or circuit. The receptacle must be readily accessible. The appliance is not water-tight and must be installed away from showers, tubs, and other water sources.
Electrical Requirements
All models — hard-wired 120V installation
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120V AC |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Amperage | 12.5 A |
| Wattage | 1500 W |
| Minimum Circuit | 15 AMP |
| Connection Type | Hard-wired (not plug-in) |
| Wiring Type Required | Type NM-B |
| Dedicated Circuit | Not required, but preferred |
| Certifications | CSA C22.2 No 46-13; UL 2021 (4th Edition) — Listed by CSA International and UL |
⚠️ Qualified Electrician Required
All electrical connections must be performed by a qualified electrician. Wiring must comply with local building codes and the current ANSI/NFPA 70 National Electric Code or CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code. All wiring must be completed before finishing the wall. Power supply service must be installed within proximity of the fireplace prior to wall finishing to avoid reconstruction.
Shared Circuit Considerations
A dedicated 15-amp circuit is preferred. Additional appliances on the same circuit may exceed the circuit's current rating and cause breaker trips. If installing alongside other loads, plan for a dedicated circuit.
Size-by-Size Reference
All dimensions from the SimpliFire installation manual
43" Model — SF-SC43-BK
Framing Opening
Overall Appliance
Viewing Area
Finishing Stop Dimensions
55" Model — SF-SC55-BK
Framing Opening
Overall Appliance
Viewing Area
Finishing Stop Dimensions
78" Model — SF-SC78-BK
Framing Opening
Overall Appliance
Viewing Area
Finishing Stop Dimensions
Frequently Asked Questions
All answers sourced from the manufacturer installation manual
What are the framing dimensions for the SimpliFire Scion?
All three Scion models require a framing depth of 7-5/8 inches and a framing height of 24-1/4 inches. Framing widths differ by model: the 43-inch model requires 45 inches wide; the 55-inch model requires 57 inches wide; the 78-inch model requires 80-1/2 inches wide. These dimensions apply to the rough framing opening before wall finishing. Framing dimensions must be adjusted for the thickness of any chase interior wall sheathing if applicable.
What wall depth does the SimpliFire Scion require?
The SimpliFire Scion requires a minimum framing depth of 7-5/8 inches. This is the depth of the framing opening into which the appliance is built. A standard 2x8 wall framing cavity accommodates this depth. A standard 2x6 wall at 5-1/2 inches nominal depth does not provide sufficient framing depth for the Scion — verify your wall construction before ordering.
How does the clean face installation work on the SimpliFire Scion?
The Scion is designed to be built into the wall framing before the wall surface is finished. Once the appliance is installed and the wall is finished with drywall, tile, stone, or other facing material, the finishing material is brought directly up to the face of the appliance. In the inside-fit configuration (without Trim Ring), the front panel sits flush inside the finished wall opening with no visible frame projecting forward — this is the clean face result. In the overlap-fit configuration (with Trim Ring), a 1/2-inch Trim Ring overlaps the wall finish by 1/4 inch. The inside-fit configuration is suitable for walls finished with mantels, alcoves, marble, stone, or thick tile. The overlap-fit configuration is recommended for walls finished with 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard or other facing materials not exceeding 9/16 inch in thickness beyond the framing.
What electrical circuit does the SimpliFire Scion require?
The Scion requires a minimum 15-amp, 120V/60Hz circuit. The appliance is hard-wired — it does not use a plug. A dedicated circuit is not required but is preferred to prevent circuit breaker trips. All electrical connections must be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with local codes and the current ANSI/NFPA 70 National Electric Code or CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code. Type NM-B wire is required for the hard-wire connection.
What are the clearance requirements for the SimpliFire Scion?
The Scion requires zero clearance to combustibles on all sides, top, back, floor, and mantel. The only required clearance is 36 inches in front of the appliance opening. Mantel depth is unlimited — there is no restriction on how far a mantel projects forward. Keep electrical cords, drapery, furnishings, and other combustibles at least 3 feet from the front of the fireplace and away from the sides and rear.
Can the SimpliFire Scion be installed on an exterior wall?
The Scion can be installed in a recessed opening on an exterior wall, but in cooler climates a chase may be required by local building codes to accommodate insulation. The chase must not break the outside building envelope. Walls, ceiling, baseplate, and cantilever floor of the chase must be insulated, and vapor and air infiltration barriers must be installed per regional codes. Insulation and loose materials must be secured to maintain air clearance between the appliance and the wall opening interior — this airflow is required for the thermostat sensor to function correctly. Always verify local building code requirements before installing on an exterior wall.