WINCHESTER ELECTRIC SUITE

This document provides installation and user instructions for the Winchester Electric Suite, available in 870, 1200, and 1600 sizes.

Important Safety Precautions:

• This heater must be used on an AC supply only, and the voltage marked on the rating label must correspond to the supply voltage.
• DO NOT switch the appliance on until it is properly installed.
• The appliance can be used by children aged 8 and above, and persons with reduced capabilities, if supervised or instructed on safe use and hazards.
• Children should not play with the appliance. Cleaning and maintenance should not be done by children without supervision.
• Keep children under 3 years away unless supervised. Children aged 3 to 8 should only operate the appliance if supervised and understanding the hazards.
• CAUTION: Some parts can become very hot and cause burns.
• Check all parts for damage. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or a qualified person.
• DO NOT use the heater in the immediate surroundings of a bath, shower, or swimming pool.
• WARNING: Do not cover the fan to avoid overheating. Do not use with timers or automatic switching devices as this poses a fire risk.
• CAUTION: Do not supply through an external switching device or connect to a circuit switched on/off by the utility to avoid inadvertent resetting of the thermal cut-out.
• WARNING: This heater is not equipped with a room temperature control. Do not use in small rooms with persons unable to leave on their own, unless supervised.
• Keep furniture, curtains, and other fabric materials away from the appliance.
• DO NOT leave the appliance unattended during use.
• DO NOT run the mains cable under carpets or cover/obstruct the heater in any way, as this will cause overheating.
• Never immerse the appliance in water or other liquids.
• DO NOT use the heater outdoors.
• Before cleaning, ensure the appliance is unplugged and completely cool.
• DO NOT clean with abrasive chemicals.
• Never use accessories not recommended or supplied by the manufacturer.
• DO NOT insert foreign objects into vents, as this may cause electric shock, fire, or damage.
• DO NOT install the fire using an extension cord.
• Unplug from the mains supply if the appliance is not used for long periods.
• This appliance is suitable for well-insulated spaces or occasional use.
• DO NOT use this appliance in an open flue.
• The appliance is supplied with a pre-wired 13 Amp fuse rated 3-pin plug and 1.8 meters of cable. Ensure a suitable, accessible electrical socket is within this distance.
• The appliance may be hard-wired into a fuse spur by a competent person.

1.0 IMPORTANT NOTES

• DO NOT clean the appliance with abrasive chemicals.
• Never use accessories not recommended or supplied by the manufacturer.
• DO NOT insert or allow foreign objects to enter the inlet or outlet vents.
• DO NOT install the fire using an extension cord.
• Unplug from the mains supply if the appliance is not to be used for long periods.
• This appliance is only suitable for well-insulated spaces or occasional use.
• DO NOT use this appliance in an open flue.
• The appliance is supplied with a pre-wired three pin plug (13 Amp fuse rated) and 1.8 metres of electrical cable. It is therefore necessary for a suitable electrical socket to be located within this distance and be easily accessible.
• This appliance is suitable for installation in static holiday/park homes.
• The appliance may be hard wired into a fuse spur, providing that the fuse spur is external to the installation and easily accessible; this must be carried out by a service agent or competent person, such as a qualified electrician.

2.0 INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

The appliance is supplied with a pre-wired 3-pin plug (13 Amp fuse rated) and 1.8 meters of electrical cable. Ensure a suitable electrical socket is within this distance and easily accessible.

This appliance is suitable for installation in static holiday/park homes. It may be hard-wired into a fuse spur by a service agent or competent person, provided the fuse spur is external and accessible.

4.0 COMPONENT CHECKLIST

• 1x Heater unit
• 1x Wall bracket
• 1x Top Suite Shelf
• 1x Bottom Suite Shelf
• 2x Bottom Shelf Brackets
• 2x Suite Support Legs
• 1x Remote control handset
• 1x Box of legs
• 1x Bag of state
• 1x Bag of bark
• 1x Bag husk
• 1x Bag of large crystals
• 1x Bag of small crystals
• 2x AAA batteries
• 2x Blanking plates
• 4x Small end trims
• 2x Large end trims
• 12x Firebox screws
• 6x Wall plugs
• 8x Fixing screws

5.0 SITE REQUIREMENTS

The appliance creates warm convected air currents that move heat from the room surroundings up the wall surfaces adjacent to the heater.

If securing to dry-lined or timber-framed construction, confirm the wall's integrity and ability to secure the appliance. Avoid damaging any vapour barrier or structural members.

If unsure about wall fixing, seek professional advice or find a more suitable wall location.

• DO NOT run the supply cable under carpets.
• DO NOT site in a position where curtains or drapes could cover the appliance.
• DO NOT site behind a springbar where mechanical repair, damage or abrasion could occur.
• DO NOT site where the supply cable would become a trip hazard.
• DO NOT site/stand or fortnight, pull on the appliance.
• DO NOT site/rack, cover or force items into the openings.
• DO NOT use the heater to dry clothes.
• DO NOT site/use in an outdoor location(s).

Maintain the following clearances from the appliance to combustible materials:

• Minimum distance to the front: 500 mm.
• No specific clearances are required for above or to the side, apart from ensuring curtains and drapes are clear for a flush wall installation.
• Refer to page 10 for more details.

CAUTION:

This appliance is heavy. Always seek assistance whilst unpacking and/or during installation. Please read all instructions before servicing to ensure a clean appliance.

6.0 CLEARANCES TO COMBUSTIBLES

7.0 UNPACKING THE APPLIANCE

BEFORE STARTING THE INSTALLATION OF THIS FIREPLACE, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

1. Installation should be carried out by two adults to avoid injury or damage. Obtain assistance if the appliance is too heavy.
2. When fitting the electric appliance, keep your back straight. Bend your legs, not your back. Avoid twisting at the waist; reposition your feet instead.
3. Avoid upper body/top-heavy bending. Always bend from the knees rather than the waist. Do not lean forward or sideways while handling the appliance.
4. Always grip the appliance with the palm of your hand; do not use fingertips for support.
5. Keep the appliance as close to the body as possible to minimize cantilever action.
6. Use gloves for additional grip.
7. Unpack the package and gently lift the appliance out of the box. Place it on a flat surface with the front panel facing forward.

IMPORTANT: Please read completely through the instructions and verify that all parts are present before assembly.

8.0 INSTALLATION

British Fires assumes no responsibility for injuries and damages due to improper installation or handling.

Remove any protective film coatings from the appliance's finished/decorative surfaces.

After selecting the final position, considering wall integrity, secure the appliance to the wall.

Ensure the wall and any fixings used are sufficient for the appliance's weight for customer safety. Do not block ventilation holes. The wall must be flat and installation must be on a vertical surface. Avoid sloped surfaces, as this may result in fire, damage, or injury.

If mounting on a dry-lined or timber-framed wall, fix into two or more wooden studs or supporting members using the provided screws. If not achievable, strengthen the wall with appropriate materials.

Ensure correct wall plugs are used for the wall type. Ensure the plug or fuse spur is fully accessible.

The power inlet cable can be installed through two locations on the top, right-hand corner of the appliance, accessed via removable plates.

Position the appliance level and in a clean, dust-free environment.

The wall/stud work must support the full weight of the appliance.

To install into a stud wall, remove the mounting bracket from the rear of the appliance as shown in section 8.0.

Ensure stud framework is turned while the stud work is the wall and the appliance is in its end position. Ensure power is on before cladding, plasterboard, or installation.

WARNING: The wall where the appliance is installed must be capable of long-term support. Measures should ensure sufficient strength against earthquakes, vibration, and other external forces. Plasterboard alone is not considered a structural material and relying on plasterboard fixings alone is not recommended.

Check regularly for the security of wall fixings and supply cable connections. If the supply cable is damaged, it must be replaced by a service agent or competent person.

WARNING: Before enclosing the appliance, test the power in situ to ensure it is working properly.

CAUTION: Do not keep the appliance connected to the electrical supply at this time.

Before installing the appliance sets the wall with the surround, secure the side trim each side of the appliance as shown below.

Secure the small and large trims on both ends of the appliance in line with the corresponding holes of the firebox. Secure into position with the 12x supplied firebox screws, 6x on each side.

Installation Steps:

1. Remove the mounting bracket from the rear of the appliance by moving it down and out.
2. Find the optimal place to mount your appliance, considering room layout and furniture placement.
3. Hold the mounting bracket against the wall to verify location and ensure it is level. Mark the 6x mounting holes with a pencil.
4. Drill 8mm diameter holes at least 50mm deep at the marked points.
5. NOTE: If installing to a wall stud, drilling and plastic wall anchors are not needed.
6. Tap the 6x wall anchors into the pre-drilled holes until flush with the wall.
7. Secure the mounting bracket to the wall using all 6x wall-fixing screws.
8. Re-install the appliance onto the wall bracket.

Floating Shelf Installation:

• With the appliance on the wall, align the floating shelf brackets with the 4x holes on the sides of the firebox. Secure the brackets using 8x firebox screws.
• Mark the wall through the holes in the end of the bracket.
• Remove the appliance from the wall.
• Drill 8mm holes at least 50mm deep where marked.
• Tap the two wall anchors into the pre-drilled holes until flush.
• Re-install the appliance onto the wall.
• Screw the wall screws through the rear of the floating shelf brackets into the wall plugs.
• Carefully slide the bottom of the surround onto the floating shelf brackets.

Surround Assembly:

• Screw the two legs of the surround from the rear onto the back of the top section of the surround.
• Carefully lower the top section of the surround onto the top of the firebox.
• Underneath the appliance, screw the surround screws up through the bottom surround and into the legs of the surround top section. Secure the other 2 screws on either side, up through the bottom of the surround and into the floating shelf brackets.

9.0 PREPARING THE APPLIANCE

To remove the front glass:

1. Use a cross-headed screwdriver to remove the screws from either end of the top bracket holding the glass.
2. Ensure the glass is supported at all times.
3. Gently lower the top of the glass towards you, ensuring full support.
4. Lift the glass up and out from the appliance and place it on a soft, flat surface.
5. Insert your preferred fuel bed options as shown in sections 10.0 - 10.2.
6. To re-install the glass, follow the instructions in reverse order.

10.0 FOREST VIEW FUEL BED LAYOUT

Forest View

1. Scatter a small amount of the small crystals randomly over the frosted base.
2. Use the contents from the Forest terrain bag and place this in formation towards the front and sides of the frosted base, creating a single layer. Keep crystals visible.
3. Using the contents from the Husk bag, cover the exposed frosted bed area, ensuring crystals remain visible.
4. Place the slate pieces randomly on the bed.
5. Place the logs on top of the base layer. Position them as shown. The logs can be placed in any order; larger logs in the center with remaining logs around them.

IMPORTANT: Place logs carefully to avoid contact with the glass, which may cause damage.

10.2 DIAMOND LIGHT VIEW FUEL BED LAYOUT

Diamond Light View

1. Evenly scatter the small crystals over the frosted base, ensuring they are spread across the whole base and form a layer.
2. Take the two types of slate effect pieces and spread them evenly on top of the bed of crystals.
3. Place the logs on top of the base layer, positioning them as shown. Larger logs can be used as centerpieces with remaining logs placed around them.
4. IMPORTANT: Place logs carefully to avoid contact with the glass, which may cause damage.
5. Take the larger crystals and place them in position. For best results, remove a small amount of the small crystals and place the larger crystal directly on the frosted base.

11.0 PAIRING THE REMOTE CONTROL

Within 1 minute of turning the power on via the main ON/OFF switch, press and hold the [Power] and [Flame] buttons on the remote control for 3 seconds. The LCD will display 'bL' and flash 5S, then return to the current display state. The remote is then paired.

12.0 OPERATING THE APPLIANCE

The ON/OFF switch is located on the front, top right-hand side of the appliance. Press the [C/I] button once to turn the fire on.

REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS:

• Standby [Power]: Turns the appliance ON/OFF standby. Default settings: heater to 80°F/27°C, main flame effect F1, fuel bed L1.
• Flame Control [Flame]: Changes flame effect brightness (F1, F2, F3, F4).
• Heater [Thermometer]: Switches to temperature adjustment. Use [+] and [-] buttons to select temperature. Temperature range: 17°C to 29°C (or 70°F to 89°F). Press and hold for 3 seconds to switch between °C and °F.
• Fuel Bed [Log]: Changes the colour of the fuel bed (L1, L2, L3, L4).
• Sleep Timer [Clock]: Adjusts the timer (1H to 9H, 0F).
• Home Light [Lightbulb]: Turns the down lighting ON/OFF.
• Time and Week Settings [Calendar]: Enter time and week timer settings.
• Lower temperature [-]: Lowers the temperature by 1°C.
• Raise Temperature [+]: Raises the temperature by 1°C.
• Mode Set [Mode]: Choose between Monday-Sunday or week timer modes.

Operating Modes:

• Standby Button: Turns the appliance ON/OFF standby.
• Changing Flame Effect: Press the flame button to cycle through flame brightness settings: F1, F2, F3, F4.
• Heating Operations: Press the heater button to turn heating on/off and adjust temperature. Press and hold for 3 seconds to convert between °C and °F. The fan has a 15-second delay after the appliance is turned off.
• Open Window Detection: If the ambient temperature drops significantly within a short period, the appliance will automatically display "Off" and turn off the heating function. Restart the appliance to clear the fault code.
• Fuel Bed Options: Press the "Fuel Bed" button to cycle through fuel bed colours: L1 (Orange), L2 (Blue), L3 (Orange + Blue), L4 (Light).
• Setting Sleep Timer: Press the "Sleep Timer" button to adjust the automatic shutdown time (1H to 9H).
• Control Down Lighting: Turns the down lighting ON/OFF.
• Setting Clock and Timer: Use the data button to select days (Monday-Sunday) or week timer mode.
• Clock Setting: At standby, press and hold the Setting button for 3 seconds. Use [+] and [-] to set the hour and minutes. Press "Setting" again to set the week timer. Press [Mode] to select days. Press "Setting" to save. The current clock must be set for the week timer function to work.

13.0 SAFETY CUT-OUT SYSTEM

This appliance has a non-self-resetting overheat protection device (thermal cut-out). If air inlets or outlets are obstructed, the fire will NOT switch on again automatically. Follow these steps:

1. Switch OFF the appliance at the wall outlet. Leave it OFF for at least 10 minutes, ensuring all obstructions are removed.
2. Switch the appliance ON at the wall.
3. Ensure the appliance is turned ON at its own controls.

NOTE: The flame effect remains operational if the vehicle is activated; only the fan heater is protected.

If the fire fails to operate correctly, repeat steps 1 and 2. If it still fails, check the fuse in the wall outlet. If the problem persists, contact an electrician or maintenance engineer.

14.0 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Cleaning:

• For general cleaning, use a soft, clean cloth. Never use harsh abrasive cleaners.
• Clean the glass panels carefully with a soft cloth. Refer to section 9.0 for cleaning the inside of the glass.
• Wipe the general appliance with a dry cloth. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners.
• Keep the heater outlet and inlet grilles clear of dust, pet hair, and other airborne matter. Vacuum periodically using a brush attachment.
• The LED light strips are designed and tested for 20,000 hours.

Troubleshooting:

There are no internal user-serviceable parts.

The appliance is supplied with a BS1363 3-pin plug fitted with a 13 Amp fuse. Replace with a 13 Amp fuse approved to BS1362 if necessary.

Wiring Colours: Blue (Neutral), Brown (Live), Green/Yellow (Earth).

Specifications:

• Heat output: 1260-1500W
• Supply voltage: 220-240V AC
• Rating power: 50 Hz
• Fuse rating: 13 Amp
• Lighting: LED

Features:

• Easy to install MDF Solid Suite
• 3-pin plug with 1.6 m long cord
• All fuel bed items included
• Remote control included

Dimensions:

Winchester 870

Winchester 1200

Winchester 1600

Winchester 1800

AUTOMATIC 1-YEAR GUARANTEE

A standard one-year guarantee is offered on every electric appliance.

FREE 3-YEAR GUARANTEE WITH REGISTRATION

British Fires offers a three-year guarantee on appliances purchased from an authorized dealer. Register on the website www.britishfires.com/guarantee for an additional two years free. Full warranty terms and conditions are available at www.britishfires.com.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. For claims within three years of purchase, provide original proof of purchase.
2. All appliances must be installed and operated according to manufacturer's instructions.
3. Purchases must be made through an authorized stockist/retailer. Consumable items (ceramics, logs, crystals, etc.) are not covered by the 3-year guarantee.
4. Faulty appliances or components will be repaired or replaced free of charge if authorized by British Fires.
5. Third-party repair costs will not be accepted or reimbursed unless approved in advance.
6. The guarantee period will not be extended by repairs or replacements.

Making a claim:

Submit the following information to the Service Department:

• Name, full address, and contact telephone number.
• A copy of your proof of purchase (receipt or bank statement).

Contact: British Fires, Service Department, Reid Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2BT. Email: service@britishfires.com Fax: 01202588639.

Recycling: Waste electrical appliances should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or retailer for recycling advice.

British Fires reserves the right to amend details and/or specifications without prior notice due to continuous improvement and development.

Compliance:

This product complies with conformity requirements of the applicable UK Regulations (UKCA).

This product complies with conformity requirements of the applicable European Regulations or Directives (CE).

BRITISH FIRES

This appliance is only suitable for well-insulated spaces or occasional use.

All rights, including copyright in the text, images, and layout of this booklet are owned by British Fires. Content may not be copied or adapted without prior written permission. © 2025 British Fires

Models covered by these instructions:

• Winchester Electric Suite
• 870 (EF40-32A)
• 1200 (EF40-48A)
• 1600 (EF40-63A)

Patent applied for: GB 1820239.0

All instructions must be handed to the user for safekeeping.

Revision C – 05/25

British Fires, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2BT. Tel: 0808 169 9911 www.britishfires.com Email: sales@britishfires.com