Outdoor fire features have become a focal point of modern landscape design, combining ambiance, comfort, and technological innovation. Among these, electronic ignition fire pits stand out for their safety and convenience. However, designing these systems for real-world outdoor conditions demands more than aesthetics it requires engineering solutions that address environmental challenges. Water can pose a problem without proper water mitigation technology. This article will highlight HPC Fire Inspired’s Electronic Ignition systems designed to manage water intrusion and ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions.
HPC’s water mitigation technology offers consumers layers of protection from the harshest outdoor elements. Here is an inside look at all the components that play a crucial role in making HPC’s design withstand the test of time.
HPC’s Burner’s Raised Hub Design With Weep Holes:
Outdoor gas fire features face constant exposure to rain, snow, and ambient moisture. Effective water mitigation begins at the burner level.
All HPC Fire Inspired burners are designed with a raised hub and weep holes. The raised hub sheds water away from the center of the burner; specifically directing water toward the bottom lobe on our Penta burners where strategically placed weep holes allow water to drain out.
This design prevents water from pooling inside the burner and keeps it from entering the valve train through the burner inlet. The key benefit of the raised hub design with weep holes is to protect internal gas components as well as maintain conditions for clean and dry combustion pathway.
Burner Pan: Perimeter Weep Holes
Even when water doesn’t enter the burner itself, it can potentially collect in the burner pan.
To address this, every HPC burner pan includes ¼” weep holes placed around the outer perimeter. These weep holes allow water to drain away from the pan and electronic components below, preventing standing water from accumulating. Proper weep hole placement ensures water drains effectively through the media, out of the burner area, and away from ignition components.
Drip Leg/Manifold: Protection Below the Pan
Water mitigation continues beneath the burner pan. All HPC Fire Inspired electronic ignition models include a drip leg/manifold assembly.
This drip leg serves two vital functions:
- This feature catches any residual water that may bypass the pan or burner.
- It also prevents water from entering the gas valve, protecting the core fuel system.
Additionally, the manifold includes a pressure tap, which serves both as a tool to measure manifold pressure and as a drain port for any internal moisture. This layered defense system ensures both gas flow and electronic integrity remain unaffected by environmental exposure.
Electronic Ignition Control Module: Outdoor-Rated and Potted for Protection
All HPC electronic ignition control modules are engineered specifically for outdoor use.
Each module is:
- Potted or encapsulated in rubber to protect delicate circuitry from moisture and corrosion.
- HPC utilizes Dielectric grease on all electrical connectors, forming a moisture-resistant barrier that prevents shorts or corrosion over time.
Solenoid Valve Assembly: Offset and Water-Resistant
HPC Fire Inspired uses an outdoor-rated offset solenoid valve assembly to manage gas flow with precision and protection.
- The specially curated offset layout prevents water from dripping directly onto the gas line or valve body.
- HPC uses the best materials. Constructed with high-grade aluminum and stainless steel, the valve resists corrosion and stays operational even if minimal water ingress occurs.
Outdoor fire features face real-world environmental challenges, and water intrusion is among the most common threats to performance and safety. HPC Fire Inspired’s engineering team has addressed this challenge at every level of the system—from burner and pan, to drip leg, to the electronic components and valves.
By choosing HPC Fire Inspired, you’re choosing a fire feature system designed to thrive outdoors—rain or shine. Contact our team of certified NFI experts at 937-436-9800
