How to Install a 50 Inch Electric Fireplace | Wall or Recess

Installing a 50-inch electric fireplace changes a room fast — but the wrong method means redoing drywork or running new wire. You have two routes: mount it on the wall surface like a TV, or recess it flush into the wall for a built-in look. Both work, and the one you choose depends on your wall structure, whether the space is finished, and how much cutting you want to do. This guide covers the exact steps, clearance rules, and model-specific details you need before opening any tools.

Wall-Mount vs. Recessed: Which Installation Method Fits Your Space?

Wall-mount installation hangs the fireplace on a bracket attached to the wall surface. It moves faster, requires no wall cavity, and works in finished rooms where cutting drywall isn’t an option. The fireplace projects roughly 6 to 8 inches from the wall, and the power cord stays behind it. This method suits renters or anyone who might relocate the unit later. Most wall-mount brackets use five screw positions — three across the top and two near the bottom — and require a level to keep the unit straight.

Recessed installation cuts an opening in the wall and slides the fireplace flush with the drywall. It looks cleaner, saves floor space, and demands a framed cavity with studs on both sides. The Touchstone Sideline 50″ requires a framed opening of 47 inches wide by 20.25 inches high and fits in standard 2×4 walls. Recessed takes more time but delivers the built-in look most people want. Models like the Napoleon NEFL50FH and R.W. FLAME 50-inch handle both mounting styles, so you can switch later if you remodel.

What You Need Before Starting

Before picking up a saw or drill, confirm three things:

• Electrical: A dedicated 15 AMP, 120V, 60Hz grounded outlet within 6 feet of the fireplace location. The power cord is 6 feet long and exits the right side of the unit. Extension cords are never allowed.
• Structural: Wood or metal studs in the wall where the bracket or cavity will go. A 50-inch unit weighs 50 to 200 pounds depending on the model — drywall alone will not support it. Use plastic anchors rated for the weight if studs are unreachable.
• Clearance: 8 inches minimum between the top of the fireplace and the ceiling or mantel. Keep 3 feet of open space in front of the unit and 1.5 feet on each side, free of furniture, curtains, bedding, or anything combustible.

How to Install a Recessed 50-Inch Electric Fireplace

The recessed route takes longer but looks professional when done properly. R.W. FLAME’s official guide and Touchstone’s installation video cover the same core sequence. Remove the glass front before handling the unit — the fixed screw sits in the lower-left corner, and the glass lifts about half an inch before tilting forward.

1. Pre-test the unit. Plug it into a 120V grounded outlet and confirm the flame effect and heater work before mounting anything.
2. Remove the glass front. Unscrew the fixed screw in the lower-left corner. Lift the glass frame about 0.4 to 0.8 inches vertically, then tilt it forward. Disconnect the FFC connector between the glass and the body.
3. Remove the mounting bracket. Unscrew the two fixed screws on each side of the bracket at the back of the fireplace. Remove the bracket and set the screws aside — you will reuse them.
4. Frame the cavity. Cut an opening that is 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 inches) larger than the unit on each side. For a Touchstone Sideline 50″, the framed opening must be 47 inches wide by 20.25 inches high. Confirm the cavity depth matches the fireplace depth.
5. Install the unit in the cavity. Slide the fireplace into the opening. Mark the screw hole positions on the studs. Remove the unit, drill 7mm (7/25 inch) pilot holes, and insert wall anchors. Reinsert the fireplace and secure it with the provided screws — four total on a Napoleon NEFL50FH or six wood screws on a Touchstone Sideline.
6. Reattach the glass. Reconnect the FFC connector. Slide the glass frame back into position in reverse of removal. Secure it with the lower-left and upper-left screws.
7. Route the power cord. Run the cord through the reserved opening in the cavity to the nearest outlet. Make sure the cord never touches heating elements or sharp edges.
8. Final test. Press the switch in the upper-right groove. A steady red light confirms standby mode. Use the touchscreen or remote to test flame and heat settings.

What Clearance Does a 50-Inch Electric Fireplace Need?

Clearance is the single most common mistake in electric fireplace installation. Every 50-inch unit needs specific distances from combustibles, and those distances vary depending on whether heat vents from the top, front, or bottom. The table below shows the minimums from the R.W. FLAME guide and the Napoleon manual.

Wall-Mount Installation Steps

Wall-mount is simpler and works in finished rooms without cutting into the wall. The bracket must be level and anchored to studs — skipping that step risks a 100-plus-pound unit pulling loose over time.

1. Mount the bracket. Use a level to align the bracket horizontally. Mark the screw holes — typically five positions. Drill pilot holes into studs or insert rated wall anchors. Fasten the bracket securely with the provided screws.
2. Hang the fireplace. Lift the unit onto the bracket slots or hooks. Make sure it engages fully. The R.W. FLAME guide shows the hooks seating into matching slots on the back of the fireplace. Secure the bottom of the unit to the bracket with two screws.
3. Route the cord. Keep the power cord at the back of the unit, running it downward behind the fireplace. Never let it contact hot surfaces or sharp metal edges.
4. Reattach accessories. If your model uses a separate trim kit or decorative media — crystals, logs, driftwood — install them per the manual before the final power-on.
5. Test operation. Confirm the flame, ember bed, and heater all function before calling the job done. A steady red LED in the upper-right groove means the unit is in standby and ready.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced DIYers hit the same few snags with 50-inch electric fireplaces. The most frequent is cutting a recessed cavity too small — the unit needs 1 to 2 cm of extra space on every side, and forcing it into a tight opening can warp the frame or block airflow. Always test-fit the fireplace before drilling anchor holes.

The second most common error is relying on drywall alone for support. A 50-inch unit can weigh over 100 pounds. Use a stud finder to locate solid framing, and when a stud isn’t where you need it, use plastic toggle anchors rated for at least twice the unit’s weight rather than skipping the fastener. The third is leaving the FFC connector disconnected when reinstalling the glass — the unit powers on but no flame effect appears, which sends people back to the manual unnecessarily. Check that connector clicks into place before securing the glass screws.

Choosing the right fireplace for your space matters too — different models have different cavity requirements and heat outputs. Our roundup of the best 50-inch electric fireplaces compares the top models so you know what fits before you frame.

Popular 50-Inch Electric Fireplace Models Compared

Each model has specific installation needs. The table below summarizes the differences so you can match the unit to your wall construction and mounting preference.

Safety Checks Before First Use

Before you flip the switch, run through this final checklist. Each item prevents a common failure or safety hazard, and checking them all takes about two minutes.

• Clearance zones are clear — 3 feet front, 1.5 feet sides, 8 inches above
• Power cord is routed without touching heat elements or sharp edges
• Fireplace is secured to studs or rated anchors — no wobble when pushed gently
• Glass front is fully seated and both retaining screws (lower-left and upper-left) are tight
• Circuit is a dedicated 15 AMP, 120V with proper three-prong grounding
• No insulation, drywall debris, or building materials touch the fireplace body

When all six pass, test the flame and heat on each setting. If the unit trips the breaker or throws an error code, unplug it and consult the manual before proceeding. A stable install with these checks done runs reliably for years without service.