Empire direct vent install question

[JSK76]

I'm in the process of installing and Empire DV-215 vented wall heater and can't find out any info on if I can insulate with spray foam between the hole in my wall and the air inlet tube. My guess is it should be safe to do since its got fresh outside air coming into the heater and that should make it not get too hot.

This is a pic from the outside of the house. The part I'm talking about is the space between the wood and the long aluminum pipe (haven't cut the pipe to size yet) the exhaust runs in another pipe inside this one.

[Jigging Joe]

Yes, you can spray foam.

[spear foot 1]

You should be fine, I have same furnace and have had no issues in 3 seasons with the foam

[Thermos]

I will disagree with the last two posters. If you look at your install manual it calls for a minimum 6 1/4" opening. The outside air inlet pipe is 5" in diameter. The back side of the mounting bracket also acts as wall thimble. If the manual requires minimum 6 1/4" clerance, than spray foaming around the pipe would be against their requirements. I have installed at least 10 of these units in the past. I wouldn't worry about the extra 3/4" of air space, it's obviously required for a reason.....FIRE. A simple silicone caulking job around the outside vent termination should take care of any air infiltration.

[spear foot 1]

Thermos is right, if you ever go out side by your exhaust vent it is so hot that you cant touch it.So Im sure even the outer fresh air pipe is hot. I guess wouldnt recommend insulating that close, but mine was that way when I got it and havent had any problems but I guess its a possability.

[JumpStart73]

like stated above. Its not a good to put any sort of insulation on or around the pipe. Any direnct vent heater , fireplace, ect. needs to have a air gap between pipe and combustables. Silicone the outside termination kit to whatever siding you have and you should not have any cold air draft coming into the house.

[JSK76]

Emailed Empire and the response was I can not insulate, the space needs to be there for clearance to combustibles.

[DRH1175]

I agree on not to insulate. There should be 1" clearance. You could probably caulk the gap with a hi temp RTV silicone for air. You won't loose much heat out of that hole. At times your house will become hot you may end up cracking a window. So that little gap isn't going to make much difference. IMHO