Gas Piping

[Richard Roshak]

Is there a pre-fab fireplace manufacturer out there which allows the gas line to go thought the side vents? This wood burner was upgraded to gas and approved by the local plumbing official. The other photo's show additional problems with this install.

[Billy Stephens]

Richard,

You need to look at the Manufactures Installation Instructions for the install to be sure.
.
As the Manufactures Installation Instruction is suppose to be kept with the appliance
* without a Name Plate to search for, or The Installation Instructions,

I would flag it as A Safety Hazard until proven to be approved for a Vent less install. :)
.

[A.D. Miller]

Other than the lackluster gas piping installation I seen nothing wrong with the intallation.

[Bob Harper]

I gave this a while to see if anyone would pick up on the issues:

The mfr. provides a dedicated conduit for the passage of a gas line into the firebox. Cutting or modifying the fireplace voids the warranty and listing.

The location of the hole in the side of this fireplace could constitute a fire hazard from several ways. First, it is located at the nailing tabs, which is typically hotter than the sidewalls of the Fp where there is better air circulation in the chase cavity to cool the box. The pipe must pass within close proximity to a combustible framing member. This pipe will asborb and conduct a fair amt. of heat, which could accelerate pyrolysis of the jack stud. The amt. of heat flux is not a tested or known value, therefore should not be allowed.


The gas line is interefering with the cooling louvers. Should an unfriendly fire occur, the mfr. will claim this pipe reduced the cooling capacity of the fireplace.

The damper clamp is in the wrong position if this is a vented logset. Regardless, the damper must be wide open during operation. Look at the front top of the firebox at the screen rods. There are signs of heat damage. If you were to open this damper most likely the reverse of the damper plate will be relatively clean as further evidence of improper operation. That means this fireplace has been operated as a ventfree. You would need to consult the Fp listed instructions to see if this Fp is approved for VF logs and if those logs are listed for use as either vented or VF. If the FP is not approved for VF, then I would recommend a Level III inspection of the framing and combustibles around this fireplace. The occupants have probably been exposed to combustion gases and Black Particulates, which could now be all over the home. That alone could cost $10-20K to clean up. If anyone is suffering from low level CO poisoning effects, what is that cost?

A qualified tech needs to inspect those logs to ensure proper installation and performance as well as verifying the listing.

If the area of the gas pipe penetration comes under negative pressure, you are pulling heat directly onto a combustible jack stud.

Is there an approved shutoff within 6'? If they drilled the studs and ran this pipe laterally, they probably weakened that wall and they probably would need strike protection even though it is steel pipe. Do we know if 2x4 or 2x6 wall?

No, this is not an acceptable installation.
Bob

[A.D. Miller]

The mfr. provides a dedicated conduit for the passage of a gas line into the firebox. Cutting or modifying the fireplace voids the warranty and listing.

The location of the hole in the side of this fireplace could constitute a fire hazard from several ways. First, it is located at the nailing tabs, which is typically hotter than the sidewalls of the Fp where there is better air circulation in the chase cavity to cool the box. The pipe must pass within close proximity to a combustible framing member. This pipe will asborb and conduct a fair amt. of heat, which could accelerate pyrolysis of the jack stud. The amt. of heat flux is not a tested or known value, therefore should not be allowed.


The gas line is interefering with the cooling louvers. Should an unfriendly fire occur, the mfr. will claim this pipe reduced the cooling capacity of the fireplace.


BH: I believe I said just that, only in fewer words.



The damper clamp is in the wrong position if this is a vented logset. Regardless, the damper must be wide open during operation.

BH: But, the log set is NOT in operation.



Look at the front top of the firebox at the screen rods. There are signs of heat damage. If you were to open this damper most likely the reverse of the damper plate will be relatively clean as further evidence of improper operation. That means this fireplace has been operated as a ventfree. You would need to consult the Fp listed instructions to see if this Fp is approved for VF logs and if those logs are listed for use as either vented or VF. If the FP is not approved for VF, then I would recommend a Level III inspection of the framing and combustibles around this fireplace. The occupants have probably been exposed to combustion gases and Black Particulates, which could now be all over the home. That alone could cost $10-20K to clean up. If anyone is suffering from low level CO poisoning effects, what is that cost?


BH: Though your suggestions are meaningful, they are based solely upon conjecture.



A qualified tech needs to inspect those logs to ensure proper installation and performance as well as verifying the listing.


BH: Agreed.



Is there an approved shutoff within 6'? If they drilled the studs and ran this pipe laterally, they probably weakened that wall and they probably would need strike protection even though it is steel pipe. Do we know if 2x4 or 2x6 wall?


BH: There you go again with conjecture.


No, this is not an acceptable installation.

BH: Agreed, but only as regards the gas piping. OK, maybe the ceramic logs too.