How To Install A Natural Gas Fire Pit Or Propane Fire Pit

Laser cut square Corten steel fire pit

Things to consider before installing a gas fire pit
The first thing to consider is where to install your fire pit.
A gas fire pit can be installed anywhere on a paved patio or deck.
If you want to install your gas fire pit under any roof, pergola or overhang, consider the height clearance.
This depends on the size of the fire pit and it's best to check the manufacturer's guidelines before installing to make sure there's enough room.
Now let's dive into the two types of gas fire pits and how to install them ......

Corten Steel Gas Fir Pit

Gas Fire Pit Installation
Backyard fire pits add beauty and warmth to any landscaping project, but there are some design factors to consider before incorporating them into your yard. Gas type, shape, size, ignition type and functional location (clearance) are the main checklist to consider before purchasing a fire pit.

Construction
While adding a fire pit to your home is not the same level of construction as adding your dream home, there are still logistical factors to consider. As with any building project, there will be permits and inspections, so make sure you follow the permits specified in the instructions or you will fail the inspection.

Gas Types and BTUs
Not all gases are created equal. The type you use can affect the structures and components in your fire pit. For example, all liquefied propane (LP) fire pits require vents to ensure that LP gas does not build up in the fire pit area. Be sure to check which gas type (natural gas (NG) or LP) is present on the site where the pit is to be installed. This will affect how your line is run. Although natural gas is very common, all HPC-approved fire protection features are also available for propane applications. All natural gas piping or propane piping must be properly sized to ensure the proper volume and pressure is delivered to the unit to produce the desired flame pattern and flame height.All HPC fire protection features are not certified and are not recommended to be supplied from a 20 lb. LPG tank (barbecue tank).
We recommend having a certified plumber connect a natural gas or propane line to the mine site. Only a certified plumber can accurately size the pipe to ensure that the correct BTU's are provided, and due to the variety of factors that can affect accurate sizing, our technicians cannot accurately answer these questions without being on-site and seeing the project first hand.
When you run gas lines over long distances, the amount of BTUs can drop dramatically, causing the fire pit to not receive the correct amount of gas, distorting the flame and potentially rendering the fire pit inoperable. This becomes very important if you have multiple gas utilities, grills, torches, swimming pools, etc. using the same gas line. You will also need to install a gas shut-off valve near your fire pit for safety and convenience.

Electric (if applicable)
When choosing a fire pit that requires electrics, it is important to understand the electrical circuitry in order to choose the right voltage. Setup by a trained electrician is highly recommended, as the fire pit will need to run on its own circuit. If the connections are not made correctly, components may short out and require repairs to get the fire pit working again. The fire pit also requires an electrical shut-off switch on the outside of the fire pit or on an adjacent wall for emergency shut-off and maintenance.

Ventilation
Ventilation and drainage of the fire pit is critical to ensure proper working conditions and safety. Vents act as secondary drains and are a major factor in keeping electronic equipment cool and undamaged. The fire pit must not be installed below ground level. If this is done, all certifications and warranties on the product will be voided because the enclosure will not drain properly when installed. This will also prevent the enclosure from venting properly.

Clearance
Clearance is critical to ensuring the successful operation of your fire pit and is directly related to nearby heat generation and combustible materials. If you choose a fire pit that requires electricity, preventing damage to electrical components from heat will ensure that your fire pit is always in working order when you want to open it. Combustible materials are often used when designing fire pits, but inspectors must follow guidelines. If there are any combustible materials near the fire pit, their construction will fail. Be sure to consider these factors before designing and purchasing a fire pit.

Propane Gas Fire Pit
Propane gas fire pits use liquid propane. They are effortless to use, quick to install and very easy to run. They also require very little maintenance, which is a real benefit.
The system they operate is very simple - the propane tank is connected to a regulator, which lowers the pressure in the tank so that it is at the correct pressure and is safe for the fire pit.
The regulator leads to the hose, and the hose leads to the burner. When you turn on the gas supply and add sparks, the fire pit opens.

Rectangular Tabletop Fireplace

How to Install a Propane Fire Pit
One of the great things about propane fire pits is that they are quick and easy to install, and in most cases can be moved fairly quickly if you suddenly decide to change the layout of your outdoor space.
For those who need to connect a hose between a propane tank and a fire pit, it may require a little more thought and attention to not only the piping, but also where the propane tank will be stored.
Propane fire pits come in all shapes and sizes. Some use small propane bottles that can be hidden inside, while others use large propane gas tanks that you have to find a place for in your garden.

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Fashion style corten steel fire pit