Modular assembly for rear projection electric fireplace

An electric fireplace for installation into a cabinet having a cabinet opening, the electric fireplace comprising:

• a heater assembly that is configured to generate heated air;
• a fireplace insert that is configured to be installed into the cabinet opening independently of the heater assembly, the fireplace insert including a simulated flame assembly including a projection screen and a flame illumination system that projects a flame-like image onto a rear surface of the projection screen, the flame illumination system including (i) a flame light source that generates light, (ii) a beam redirector assembly that redirects the light generated by the flame light source toward the rear surface of the projection screen, the beam redirector assembly including an array of reflectors that are mounted on a beam redirector rod having a rod axis, the array of reflectors being rotatable about the rod axis, and (iii) a light shaper that shapes the light generated by the flame light source and redirected by the beam redirector assembly prior to the light being used to project the flame-like image onto the rear surface of the projection screen;
• and
• an electrical connection assembly that selectively, electrically connects the fireplace insert to the heater assembly.