- Q: How do the Remote Electronic Fire Pit Inserts work?
Answer: We use our exclusive Hot Wire Ignition (HWI) system. Once power is applied to the unit (120vac or 24vac), the system will allow gas to flow to the pilot assembly- the hot wire igniter will glow igniting gas. The thermocouple on the pilot assembly will sense this pilot flame and safely open the valve to main burner- pilot flame then ignites main burner. If at any time pilot flame is lost, the unit will turn off gas for safety, then automatically restart.
- Q: What makes HPC’s Remote Electronic Fire Pit Inserts better than most?
Answer: HPC’s remote electronic control system for our fire features are unlike any available. For ignition we use the technology of a low voltage hot wire coil that is very dependable in outdoor elements and resistant to moisture- it is certified for a minimum of 100,000 cycles (That’s a lot!).
The flame sensing is accomplished through the use of a thermocouple- a device that has been reliably utilized for decades in all types of appliances using flame. The advantage to thermocouple sensing is its stability in unstable conditions such as the outdoors. The effects of wind or moisture are practically nothing due to the fact it is sensing heat thus having a much slower reaction to these elements resulting in stable operation- other manufactures use fast reacting which results in nuisance on & off cycling. The HWI pilot assembly is housed in a patented blowout box designed with adequate venting while protecting from elements.
All of this is monitored by a control module that is truly one-of-a-kind that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. You may find one that uses hot surface ignition or some form of coil and senses the flame unreliably with current, but to find a thermocouple communicating with an electronic module will not be found except on HPC product. It is also worth mentioning our control module is the only module that is truly designed and CERTIFIED FOR OUTDOORS ONLY by CSA International to strict ANSI standards.
- Q: Are your Remote Electronic Fire Pits Inserts a safety certified appliance?
Answer: HPC’s number one priority is user safety. Our engineering group has gone to great lengths to accomplish this in conjunction with CSA International, the most recognized and respectable testing body in North America for the gas industry. HPC has the only fire pit insert certified at 400,000btu in the world. Our electronic ignition gas fire pits are certified for use in the United States and Canada.
- Q: Can the units be linked to a whole house system or automated pool controller?
Answer: YES We build all units as 120v powered which is connected to an outdoor GFI outlet. Also 24v models are built upon request for use in some systems.
- Q: Can more than one fire pit be connected to same power line?
Answer: Yes the units can be powered from the same line and turn on together or can be individually controlled- please work with your electrician to confirm voltage & amperage supplied meets the requirements per label & instructions. For the 24vac models, this is very important.
- Q: How are the Remote Electronic Fire Pits installed into enclosure?
Answer: The fire pits are suspended by resting the lip of the stainless steel pan on bowl style (or pan itself on flat style) either by using one of our install collars or by adding a step / brackets inside enclosure. The step is commonly recessed ~2” below cap of fire pit- then approved media is added covering pan and lip.
- Q: Can the Remote Electronic Fire Pit be installed indoors?
Answer: NO The control module and system is designed and approved ONLY FOR OUTDOOR USE.
- Q: Why install a manual valve on the exterior of the fire pit if using Remote Electronic Fire Pit model?
Answer: Code requires a manual shutoff valve be installed and accessible to turn off gas in case of emergency.
- Q: How large should my gas line be for my fire pit?
Answer: This is not an easy question to answer due to the numerous variables involved. The first major item is the size of the fire pit to be installed- or Btu input requirements for the appliance. Other factors such as gas pressure, length of run, elbows, or other hardware that may affect gas flow must be looked at figured in calculation. Also what is commonly forgotten are other appliances connected to the gas line that will take away gas from the fire pit. We have minimum recommendations for each fire pit in our catalog and in the Support section of website; however we strongly recommend working with your dealer or plumber so they can account for all the factors to ensure proper gas delivery.
- Q: Does a larger fire ring mean taller flame height?
Answer: NO Using a larger ring does not mean taller flame height. Generally a larger ring will broaden the flame and take away from the flame height. Most customers by the way think of large flame as being the height, not so much the width. To increase flame height when using a large ring the delivery of gas must be greater usually meaning larger gas orifice or valve. If delivery of gas cannot be increased, then “reducing” the fire ring size will increase the flame height. See our flame height charts available in the Support section.
- Q: Where does the remote control receiver mount?
Answer: Our receiver is a 120v inline outdoor receiver- one end plugs into an outdoor GFI outlet, the fire pit plugs into the other side of receiver. The outlet can be located inside or outside the fire pit enclosure.
- Q: If I select the use of HPC’s Handheld Remote Control, do I have to install a wall switch?
Answer: YES We recommend this for both safety and convenience. When the fire pit is not in use you can simply turn off wall switch which disables handheld remote and although uncommon prevents potential of accidental start up from common RF signal or noise.
- Q: Do I have to turn off the power or the gas to the fire pit when not in use?
Wall Switch Controlled: If using just a wall switch for the fire pit obviously that disables the power which is enough.
Handheld Remote Controlled: If using the handheld remote control we recommend turning off either the power to the receiver or the gas to prevent any inadvertent start up from unwanted ambient RF noise. A common way to ensure the fire pit does not accidentally light is to remove power to the remote receiver. This can be accomplished by turning off the wall switch or breaker that controls the power for the receiver. The exterior gas valve can also be turned off as added assurance if needed.
- Q: Can the Remote Electronic Fire Pit Insert be used with propane (LP) gas?
Answer: YES The gas type (Natural Gas or LP) should be requested of your dealer at the time of ordering. The factory will build and test the fire pit for proper gas.
- Q: Can the Remote Electronic valve control box normally mounted below burner pan be located outside the enclosure? If so how far away?
Answer: Upon request we can build the fire pit with a 6’ maximum pilot assembly allowing for external mounting of valve control box.
- Q: Why do you recommend covering the fire pit if it is all made of stainless steel?
Answer: HPC uses the highest grade materials available. Unfortunately the heat from the fire changes the chemical composition of the material and accelerates corrosion. This is made even worse when exposed to salt water. It is also recommended to cover the fire pit in order to keep water out of the gas valve. We design and test our products to withstand normal exposures to weather however extreme weather or ice storms may create conditions that could destroy the valve. If the valve fills with water it is not covered under warranty. It is also a good idea to ensure the weep holes are not clogged or blocked during installation and periodically.
- Q: Who should install one of our products?
Answer: We highly recommend someone locally licensed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction in gas piping who has read our install instructions thoroughly.
- Q: How do I get a unit serviced if it is needed?
Answer: We highly recommend someone NFI certified to service our products. In the event your unit does need service the valve box is designed to be detachable from your fire pit and returned for service. For your safety and the safety of others never attempt to open a valve box.
- Q: What are common problems?
Answer: Most of the problems we see are from incorrect installation. This would include things like poor venting, poor drainage, physical damage to components, incorrect media application. Please read the instructions carefully and if you still have questions call our customer service dept.
