Dimplex Vital Spark Built-In Electric Firebox
The Dimplex Vital Spark Built-In Electric Firebox comes in five sizes — 26" (SPK26), 28" (SPK28), 33" (SPK33), 36" (SPK36) and 42" (SPK42). Unlike the linear fireplaces in the Dimplex range, this is a traditional fireplace shape — taller than it is wide in the larger sizes, with a moulded log set and a glowing ember bed rather than a ribbon of flame.
It is the firebox to specify when you are replacing a wood or gas fireplace and want the result to still read as a fireplace: same proportions, same log pile, none of the flue. Thirteen flame colours, three speeds, three brightness levels and five ember-bed colours, plus optional crackling fire sound, and all of it controllable from the Glen Dimplex Connect app.
Check Your Wall Depth First
Every size in this range needs a framed opening 9" deep. The firebox itself is under 8" — the rest is circulation space for the heated air, and it is not optional.
In practice that means a 2x8 wall is not enough. A 2x8 gives 7 1/4" of actual depth. You need a 2x10 (9 1/4" actual), a furred-out wall, or a masonry opening of that depth. If you are fitting into an existing masonry fireplace, measure the depth before anything else.
Will It Fit? Rough Opening by Size
| |
26" SPK26 |
28" SPK28 |
33" SPK33 |
36" SPK36 |
42" SPK42 |
| Framing width |
24" |
26 1/2" |
31 1/2" |
34 3/4" |
40 3/4" |
| Framing height |
17 3/8" |
23" |
22 3/4" |
26 1/4" |
30 3/4" |
| Framing depth |
9" — every size |
| Firebox (W x H x D) |
26 1/2" x 17 3/4" x 7 1/2" |
27 3/8" x 23 1/2" x 7 1/2" |
33" x 23" x 7 3/4" |
37 1/8" x 26 5/8" x 7 3/4" |
43 1/4" x 31 1/8" x 7 3/4" |
| Order number |
500005113 |
500005114 |
500005115 |
500005116 |
500005117 |
Two things worth reading twice.
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The model number is not the opening. A "26-inch" Vital Spark needs a 24" hole; a "42-inch" needs 40 3/4". The firebox face is wider than the opening in every size, and that overlap is what covers the cut edge. Frame to the opening figure, never to the model name.
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The 26" is much shorter than the rest. At 17 3/8" of framing height it is barely half the height of the 42", and it is shorter than the 28" by more than five inches. The 26" and 28" are quite different shapes despite their neighbouring names — if you are choosing between them, compare the heights, not the widths.
Dimplex does not publish a viewing area for the Vital Spark series in any of their current documents, so we have not put one on this page rather than estimate it.
Key Features
-
13 Flame Colours
Three flame speeds and three brightness settings on top, so the fire can be as traditional or as contemporary as the room needs.
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Moulded Log Set and Glowing Ember Bed
Five ember-bed colours beneath a detailed log pile.
-
Crackling Fire Sound
Optional audio to go with the flame, at your chosen volume.
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Plug Kit Included
Hardwire it, or use the 120 V plug kit that comes in the box — no extra accessory to buy.
-
Flame Without Heat, and Heat Without Flame
Both modes run independently, and the heater can be disabled entirely at installation.
-
Louver-less Fan-Forced Heat
1,500 W with a built-in thermostat, no visible vents to break the look.
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Smart Controls
Glen Dimplex Connect app, multi-function remote, and hidden on-appliance controls.
-
Smart Self-Diagnostics
Built-in diagnostics that make troubleshooting straightforward.
Electrical Requirements
| Voltage |
120 V — no 240 V option on any size |
| Power output |
1,500 W (5,118 BTU/h) — identical across all five sizes |
| Current draw |
12.5 A |
| Circuit |
Dedicated, properly fused 15 A circuit |
| Connection |
Hardwired, or plug-in using the included plug kit |
| Heat type |
Louver-less, fan-forced circulation, thermostatically controlled |
| Heating coverage |
Up to 1,000 sq ft |
At 12.5 A against a 15 A breaker this wants a dedicated circuit even when you use the plug kit. And note that the heater is the same 1,500 W in all five sizes — a 42" Vital Spark gives you a bigger fire, not a warmer room.
Location and Clearances
This is an indoor appliance. The owner's guide states "Do not use this firebox outdoors."
Dimplex does not print ceiling, floor or combustible clearance figures for this series, nor a maximum mounting height, and we are not going to invent them. If you are planning a mantel close above the opening or a TV over it, call us and we will get a position confirmed with Dimplex before you build.
Specifications
| Models |
SPK26, SPK28, SPK33, SPK36, SPK42 |
| Series |
Dimplex Vital Spark™ |
| Fuel |
Electric — no venting, gas line or chimney required |
| Installation type |
Fully recessed, built-in |
| Location |
Indoor only |
| Flame effect |
LED — 13 colours, 3 speeds, 3 brightness settings |
| Ember bed |
Moulded log set over a glowing bed, 5 colours |
| Sound |
Optional crackling fire effect |
| Flame-only and heater-only modes |
Both, and the heater can be disabled at installation |
| Thermostat and timer |
Both built in |
| Controls |
Glen Dimplex Connect app, multi-function remote, hidden onboard panel |
| Remote battery |
One 3 V DC CR2032 or equivalent |
| Self-diagnostics |
Yes |
| Warranty |
1 year limited on electrical components |
About that warranty. Twelve months is the shortest term Dimplex offers — most of their range is two years and the Ignite lines run to five. We would rather say so here than have you find out later.
Documents & Downloads
Dimplex has not published a standalone technical specification sheet for the SPK26 — its framing dimensions above come from the owner's manual, which covers all five models. If your architect needs the single-page spec for the 26", call us and we will request it from Dimplex.
Warranty
1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY on electrical components, running 12 months from the date of first purchase. Download the Dimplex warranty document. Note that Dimplex excludes Hawaii, Alaska, Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories from warranty coverage.
