Thread: Log lighter hole orientation?

Which way should the flame holes face on a log lighter? I wrote one up for the holes facing straight back and the builder said this is correct. I saw one recently with the holes pointed straight down. 99% of the time they face straight up. Is there an official answer to this, i.e. something in writing? Haven't seen anything in the books yet.

Similar Threads:

• Hole in foundation
• How to check gas log lighter valve
• Pin Hole Leaks in Copper Pipes
• On the lighter side...
• Weep hole diameter

Originally Posted by Eric Laney

Which way should the flame holes face on a log lighter? I wrote one up for the holes facing straight back and the builder said this is correct. I saw one recently with the holes pointed straight down. 99% of the time they face straight up. Is there an official answer to this, i.e. something in writing? Haven't seen anything in the books yet.

I saw one that had the holes pointed forward and shot out at the individual lighting it (me). Never seen them installed with the holes oriented down (seems pointless), pointing upward would be more likely to clog with ashes. Toward the back wall with a slight upward tilt seems logical to me, but I don't know if it is correct. Maybe the manufacturer has the installation instructions on a website.

This varies by mfr. I will tell you that sand pan burners have their ports oriented downwards to prevent clogging and cause better dispersion of the gas.

What I would look for would be two shutoffs: one 1/4 turn ball valve within 6 feet of the Fp then a throttling valve that controls the burner flame downstream of the shutoff. The burner pipe should have an air shutter. The burner pipe should be hard piped with steel piping only. The burner should be set back so it is centered under the grate and centered L/R. The pipe penetration through the side firebrick/ refractory should be properly sealed. Keys for the shutoffs must be readily accessible within 6 feet of the fireplace.

Other than that, there ain't much else you can do about these things being present unless: you have a local ordinance prohibiting them or you can determine it to be homemade and thus, not CSA- 8 design approved.

Side note: if the gas pressure in the house is above 7 wci, there must be a MP regulator upstream per the code unless the mfr. publishes a higher acceptable inlet pressure.
HTH,
Bob

Other than that, there ain't much else you can do about these things being present unless: you have a local ordinance prohibiting them or you can determine it to be homemade and thus, not CSA- 8 design approved.

Side note: if the gas pressure in the house is above 7 wci, there must be a MP regulator upstream per the code unless the mfr. publishes a higher acceptable inlet pressure.
HTH,
Bob[/QUOTE]

Bob
In all due respect do you really think the average inspector knows what in hell you're talking about, CSA Design - 8 and pressure above 7 wci ?

LOL--that's my point Jerry. You don't and are not expected to know this sort of info. Therefore, it would seem the best approach would be to recommend a qualified hearth techniician to inspect it and evaluate it for use.
Bob