Question:
I am installing a new wood stove into an existing alcove that was poured in the foundation of the house, then never used, they just built a wall over it and ignored. During the installation I found that I would not be able to meet the ceiling clearence requirements given in the installation manual, but the manual said that I could reduce these clearences via protection and to see NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) code 211. I have ordered the code from NFPA, but I was hoping to that somebody might already have it and could tell me something of what the ceiling clearences can be reduced to and what sort of protection is required. I have called around locally and the building dept, fire prevention, and local libraries did not have a copy of this particular code. I am going to use this long weekend to work on building the alcove, so I would appreciate any info that anybody might have to offer.

Answer: Can only offer generalities, since my copy of NFPA211 is the 1992 version, which was the current version when I did some chimney and flue connector work. You will have to get the latest version for your installation. Perhaps either yopur building department, or large local fire department has a subscription to the National Fire Codes, and NFPA211 is included in those binders. NFPA211 has a lot of material in it, covering a lot of different appliances, and since my copy is superceded, I'm not going to post specific numbers or installation techniques. The clearance reduction systems generally consist of a non-combustable material (NFPA211 will go into specific materials) spaced a certain distance from the surface to be protected, with a certain air gap between the surface to be protected and the protecting material. With a suitably-sized protecting system, the clearance between the appliance and the surface can be reduced SOMEWHAT. The required distance between the appliance and the ceiling is still rather substantial - when you find a current NFPA211 you can see what the current distances are.