Gas Fire Pit Ventilation

What is the purpose of ventilation in a gas fire pit enclosure? HPC Fire Inspired™ specializes in safe fire pit inserts. In order to have a successful installation of an insert, you must build the proper enclosure, which means you must meet the safe and proper product clearances and understand ventilation requirements. An HPC fire pit insert is different than a fire table. An insert is a permanent installation, requires a hard piped gas line, possibly an electric or GFCI outlet run into the enclosure. The enclosure can be built to match or blend with your outdoor area, whether stone, brick, poured concrete, or several other non-combustible materials, as long as it has adequate ventilation. HPC recommends the following min/max ventilation openings:

• 0-200k BTU, min (2) openings 18in², 180° apart
  • HPC recommends (4) openings
• 200-400k BTU, min (2) openings 18in², 180° apart
  • HPC recommends (4) openings

1. No matter what enclosure or BTU you choose, there are 4 reasons you need to build in ventilation:
2. Vent any trace gasses from the enclosure. Whether natural gas (NG) or liquid propane (LP) there will be some residual or trace gas that must not be allowed to accumulate in the enclosure.
3. Remove excessive heat from the enclosure. In the case of electronic fire pits, there is a thermal shut-off switch inside the unit to protect it from heat.
4. Combustion air for the pilot/ignition. Provides fresh air for the pilot and burner and LP provides clean air for the air mixer to pull in for cleaner burn.
5. Allow Condensation and Moisture within the enclosure to evaporate.