What are the Gas Considerations for AWEIS installation for natural gas and liquid propane?

Do you have a fire feature which lights with help of gas or are you planning on getting a gas connection for your fire feature, but you are not really impressed with the traditional way of lighting fire in your fire feature? We have a solution for you which is completely hassle free and quick. You can light up your fire feature with just one click. Fire by design is the manufacturer of the AWEIS system. They have introduced the automatic ignition for the fire features to ease out the procedure of lighting fire. The AWEIS system is hassle free and completely safe if installed properly. For proper installation of AWEIS systems, fire by design recommends few considerations related to gas, electrical ignition, fire bowls, etc. Here, we will look into the gas considerations to ensure safe and correct installation of the AWEIS system.

1. Gas pressure –

Generally, the gas pressure you will be working with is 7” W.C. (1/4 psi) for natural gas or 11” W.C. (1/3 psi) for propane. However, in some cases, you may be working with higher gas pressures upwards of 2 psi. The AWEIS can operate with gas pressures of 2 psi or less however for proper functioning both the main burner orifice and the pilot burner orifice must be the correct size for the gas pressure being supplied. Indicate the gas pressure you are working with when placing your order to ensure the AWEIS you receive is configured properly.

2. Gas type –

Natural gas or propane are commonly used gases in fire features. Natural gas is lighter than air whereas propane is heavier than air. Due to these differences in gas “weights” these two gases are handled differently when it comes to ventilation.

3. Gas volume –

First determine the amount of gas needed for the burners and then refer to the table below to determine the gas line size needed to supply that amount of gas. Note: the table below is only a rough estimate of gas line size. Consult your licenced plumber for more accurate determination of gas line size who is trained on determining gas line size based on additional factors not considered in the table below.

Table 1: Gas Requirements for round / spiral / square / rectangle burners

Table 2: Gas capacity of pipe for low pressure gas (0.5 psi or less)

Table 3: Gas capacity of pipe for medium pressure gas (2.0 psi)

4. Manual gas shutoff –

The national code related to the gas plumbing of a fire feature requires a manual gas shutoff be located within 6 feet of the fire feature and be easily accessible. The principle behind the code relates to all fire features even though the code was adopted specifically for manually lit fire features. It was determined that at a distance of 6 feet the average person could turn the gas on and light the feature quick enough so that gas accumulation would be minimal and therefore the hazard of an “explosion” would not exist. Technically automated fire features do not require a person to light the feature by hand so you may think this code does not apply to automated fire features however it does apply and will continue to apply until the code itself is changed.

5. Fire feature venting –

Ventilation is a must for all fire features. The most dangerous situation involving fire features occurs when gas seeps into a feature that has no ventilation. This “trapped” gas is a bomb waiting to explode the moment the fire feature is lit. Rust and debris can enter the AWEIS valve through the outlet port and this debris can collect on the seal inside the valve not allowing AWEIS to close completely, causing the valve to have a slight leak. This leak allows gas to flow to the main burner. Another way gas can seep into a fire feature is if a leak develops in the plumbing leading to the AWEIS.

6. Purging of new gas lines –

It is highly recommended all new gas lines be cleansed of both air and debris prior to installing an electronic ignition system on the gas line. Both the inlet and outlet of the AWEIS has a fine stainless-steel screen installed to prevent debris from entering, yet fine dust and small pieces of debris can get through the screen. All new gas lines that have been buried in the ground must be pressure tested up to 60 psi to ensure there are no leaks.

7. Additional propane precaution –

As mentioned previously propane is heavier than air and as a result unburned propane settles down. Though the proper ventilation of the fire feature helps considerably, additional precautions are highly recommended to ensure the safety of propane powered fire features. It is recommended an electrically operated valve be added to the gas line. This valve turns on and off with the fire features. This extra valve adds a layer that helps to terminate the flow of gas and there will be no leak as the extra valve is closed.

8. Main burner orifice –

An orifice must be installed in the gas inlet of the burner regardless of type of gas you are using. The orifice limits the amount of gas flowing to the burner which in turn ensures the flame is at a safe and reasonable height safeguarding the people and property from risks.

9. Plumbing parts not recommended for use in fire features –

Flexible corrugated gas line and excess flow valve are two plumbing parts not recommended to be installed in automated fire features. Flexible corrugated gas lines that are readily available in most hardware stores will produce a high-pitched whistling sound when the fire feature is turned on. While excess flow valves are typically sold with flexible corrugated gas lines. The purpose of this valve is to stop the flow of gas completely if the flow is excessive.

Fire By Design AWEIS All-Weather Electronic Ignition System - Mini Capacity M44700147	Fire by Design AWEIS All-Weather Electronic Ignition System - Standard Capacity M44700021	Fire by Design AWEIS All-Weather Electronic Ignition System - High Capacity M44700022

Conclusion:

For proper installation of AWEIS systems, the above-mentioned factors are very important to consider for Natural gas and Liquid propane. The above information is accredited from the Fire by design, manufacturer or the AWEIS system. If you are planning to get fire features for your space with the AWEIS system, you can contact us. We are authorized dealers of the fire features and AWEIS system.