Electric Fireplace Cut Sheets: A Quick-Reference Guide for Framers

Last reviewed: September 15, 2026

Every electric fireplace has its own rough opening, depth, and electrical requirements, and those numbers differ from the unit's outside dimensions. This page pulls the framing-relevant specs for the models we get asked about most, in one place, so you're not hunting across separate product pages mid-build.

Read this first

Cut sheets change between model years and between sizes within the same series. The figures below are a starting reference for planning purposes only — always confirm the exact rough opening and electrical spec against the manufacturer's current cut sheet for the specific size you've ordered before you frame.

Slim built-in series (shallow wall depth)

The Sustainable Hearth E-FX Slim Line is built for walls that can't be furred out much beyond a standard stud cavity, requiring roughly 7" of depth. It's typically the first thing to check when a 2x4 or 2x6 wall is all you've got to work with.

Standard built-in and insert series

The Modern Flames Redstone Series and similar mid-depth built-ins generally need 9–12" of depth and are designed to plug into a standard 120V outlet positioned inside the framed cavity per the cut sheet — confirm outlet placement before closing the wall.

Deeper architectural and multi-sided series

The Sustainable Hearth E-FX Series, Signal Series, and most three-sided or see-through configurations need roughly 11" of depth or more. If the project involves a corner, bay, or three-sided viewing configuration, budget for the deeper cavity from the start rather than discovering it mid-frame.

Wide linear series for media walls

Models like the Modern Flames Orion Series and Landscape Pro Slim are sized for feature-wall installs and generally run wider than they are deep — confirm the specific width against your framed opening, since these series span a wide range of sizes.

Electrical, at a glance

Most units in this range use a standard 15 or 20-amp circuit; a 1,500-watt heater draws roughly 12.5 amps (1,500W ÷ 120V), which is why a dedicated 20-amp circuit is common guidance under NEC Article 210 branch-circuit sizing for a load in that range. Some larger or hardwired units are 240V and need their own dedicated circuit — check the nameplate rating on the specific unit before running wire. See our full electrical requirements reference for more detail.

Common mistakes on the framing side

Framing to the unit's outside dimensions instead of the rough opening dimensions is the single most common error — the rough opening accounts for the flange and mounting tolerance and is usually larger than the unit itself. The second is closing the wall before the outlet or junction box is confirmed in the exact location the cut sheet specifies.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find the exact rough opening for a specific fireplace?

On the manufacturer's model-specific cut sheet, not the general product page. Rough opening varies by size and configuration within the same series.

Is the rough opening the same as the fireplace's listed dimensions?

No. The rough opening is typically larger to account for the flange and mounting tolerance. Frame to the cut sheet, not the spec-sheet dimensions.

What's the minimum wall depth for a built-in electric fireplace?

Roughly 7" for the shallowest slim series, though most standard built-ins need 9–12", and deeper architectural or three-sided models need 11" or more.

Do all these models use a standard outlet?

Many do, but not all. Some larger or hardwired units are 240V and require a dedicated circuit. Confirm the electrical spec on the exact model before running wire.

How do I get project-level specs or pricing across multiple units?

Our Bulk Purchase & Project Pricing team can confirm current specs, availability, and volume pricing for a full order rather than one unit at a time.

Related guides from Very Good Fireplaces

• Framing an Electric Fireplace: Rough Openings, Depth, and Clearances
• Electric Fireplace Electrical Requirements
• Specifying Electric Fireplaces for Commercial Projects

Final thought

Cut sheets are model- and size-specific, not brand-wide. Pull the exact sheet for what's actually on order before the first stud goes up, and the rest of the install goes smoothly.