Code Compliant Fireplace Blower Wiring?

[DC73]

Doing a bit of interior remodeling. I'll be replacing a builders grade zero clearance fireplace. Leaning towards a direct vent natural gas fireplace but may end up with another wood burning model. In either case, I want to plan for a blower and any other electrical need.

The garage is on the other side of the wall the fireplace is on. There is a GFCI outlet in the garage just behind the fireplace. It's in a perfect location to get power to the fireplace. This particular GFCI outlet has nothing connected to the load terminals. There is one feed to the line terminals and nothing else in the box.

Questions:

1) Can I get the power for the fireplace from the load side of the existing garage GFCI outlet?

2) Would it be better to pigtail the GFCI outlet and tap for the fireplace ahead of the GFCI?

3) I am assuming the fireplace will have to hard wired. Correct?

4) Bare romex okay inside the fireplace chase or do I need wire in conduit?

5) Any other issues to be aware of?

Thanks much,

DC

 

[rburke65]

No idea here. Is there any instructions?.....manual?

 

[DC73]

No idea here. Is there any instructions?.....manual?

No instructions yet as I haven't picked out the new unit. Old fireplace instructions say only to have an electrician provide wiring to the appliance.

DC

 

[tailshaft56]

We just converted our fireplace from wood to gas. we were lucky as there was a gas log lighter already there. The fireplace had a metal insert and was pre staged for a blower. I just used the conduit to run an outlet inside the old firebox. the insert was set up for plug and cord connection.

 

[jkeyser14]

Our was run in MC (flexible metallic conduit). Not sure what the exact code requirements are, but it was supplied like this to our builder.

 

[DC73]

Bump.

 

[CADPoint]

1) Can I get the power for the fireplace from the load side of the existing garage GFCI outlet?

You can now buy a AFCI /GFCI combination Receptacle and swap out the one close to the existing GFCI.

2) Would it be better to pigtail the GFCI outlet and tap for the fireplace ahead of the GFCI?

No, because your on 2017 NEC electrical code, this will be picked up in home inspection(when you sell), IE any modified circuit to living room now needs AFCI protection.

3) I am assuming the fireplace will have to hard wired. Correct?

The cord will be a higher grade thermo plastic casing for higher temperature usage.

4) Bare romex okay inside the fireplace chase or do I need wire in conduit?

No, I'd use THHN in a sleeve or race way like PVC to backside and use an elbow to back of box flush mounted to inside of fire place.

5) Any other issues to be aware of?

I'd use a PVC run to the low back center of fire place and a metal box in the center of FP, and a single receptacle and cover. You can buy an extension box to raise the existing box to allow for pvc pipe work. Or exposed, "as said use MC"

 

[DC73]

No, because your on 2017 NEC electrical code,

Actually, we're so far behind the times, my locale is still on the 2011 NEC. They are just now looking into adopting the 2014 code.

DC

 

[CADPoint]

Actually, we're so far behind the times, my locale is still on the 2011 NEC. They are just now looking into adopting the 2014 code.

DC

If you work it right now you won't have to worry about the past, later.

"The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) ... In 2017, TDLR will be adopting the 2017 NEC as the electrical code for the state of Texas ... The proposed effective date will be September 1, 2017"

 

[aandpdan]

Actually, we're so far behind the times, my locale is still on the 2011 NEC. They are just now looking into adopting the 2014 code.

DC

Do it now for another reason. Under 2011 NEC you can tap the garage circuit but in 2014 that was changed.

2014 NEC "The branch circuit supplying this receptacle(s) shall not supply outlets outside of the garage." NEC 210.52(g)

 

[DC73]

If you work it right now you won't have to worry about the past, later.

"The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) ... In 2017, TDLR will be adopting the 2017 NEC as the electrical code for the state of Texas ... The proposed effective date will be September 1, 2017"

Texas is a "home rule" state. This adoption would only apply to non-incorporated areas. Lubbock can stay on the 2011 code if they so choose.

Do it now for another reason. Under 2011 NEC you can tap the garage circuit but in 2014 that was changed.

2014 NEC "The branch circuit supplying this receptacle(s) shall not supply outlets outside of the garage." NEC 210.52(g)

Good to know. It'll be done long before any change in code is made locally.

DC