Gas Log Lighter in Insert

[turkeyvulture]

Has anyone tried putting a gas log lighter in their wood burning insert to make it easier to light? The plumbing has let the log lighter and nipple come out so the insert can be removed if necessary of course.

 

[jotulguy]

The term "voided warranty" screams out here.

 

[Wood Heat Stoves]

The term "voided warranty" screams out here.

lol, the one i hear is BOMB, errrrr BOOOOM

 

[BrotherBart]

If you can't light a wood stove with a piece of fire starter or some kindling and newspaper, stick with the central heat furnace.

 

[98dingo]

If you can't light a wood stove with a piece of fire starter or some kindling and newspaper, stick with the central heat furnace.

I agree!

 

[yooperdave]

i used to work for a money hungry sob that would take just about any job that paid. yes, we installed gas log lighters....also refered to as bombs. the very thought of turning on the gas and then waiting for the ignition from whatever source (crumpled up newspapers already lit, for ex.) reminds me of those old cartoons where someone tries to light a stove or grill...POOF! anyway, the boss would always have the homeowner or general contractor sign off on the liability of said install due to the way too many possibilities of improper use. he had told me that his own insurance carrier would not cover the business in the aspect of installing log-lighters. just too many idiots and novices out there. can't you just imagine the babysitter or some inept visitor????"gee, i think i'll turn the fireplace on---i wonder how long it takes to light? i'll try a little longer and then if i don't see a flame, i'll shut it off; oh wait-theres the phone, i'll be right back."
anyway, log-lighters are out there but you may have trouble finding someone to install one.

 

[nate379]

How is that different than a BBQ grill or even a gas kitchen stove as far as running the gas and not lighting it?

I don't know how all kitchen stoves are, but mine I have to turn it to a spot that says "light" for the striker to do it's thing. If I don't turn it to that it will just flow gas.

 

[webby3650]

i used to work for a money hungry sob that would take just about any job that paid. yes, we installed gas log lighters....also refered to as bombs. the very thought of turning on the gas and then waiting for the ignition from whatever source (crumpled up newspapers already lit, for ex.) reminds me of those old cartoons where someone tries to light a stove or grill...POOF! anyway, the boss would always have the homeowner or general contractor sign off on the liability of said install due to the way too many possibilities of improper use. he had told me that his own insurance carrier would not cover the business in the aspect of installing log-lighters. just too many idiots and novices out there. can't you just imagine the babysitter or some inept visitor????"gee, i think i'll turn the fireplace on---i wonder how long it takes to light? i'll try a little longer and then if i don't see a flame, i'll shut it off; oh wait-theres the phone, i'll be right back."
anyway, log-lighters are out there but you may have trouble finding someone to install one.

I believe the OP is refering to a fireplace insert, not a traditional fireplace. There is nothing wrong with a log lighter at all, the valve is in close proxciminity to the fireplace opening and is lit with a match, pretty straight forward. We install loglighters all the time and have never even heard of a problem. Installing one into a fireplace insert is completely illegal and should never be done. If you are putting one in a Masonry or Factory made fireplace there is no problem with it.

 

[turkeyvulture]

Thanks to those with a considered response vs. wise guy comments. Yeah I can light a fire with some paper...and some kindling...maybe a little fire starter.....now just a little more kindling... I believe this is the 21st century correct, what's the matter with using gas to get it going instead of squatting there with your butt in the air fiddling with matches and kindling?

Webby3650, if it's legal with a masonry fireplace or zero clearance type unit, what's wrong with putting it in an insert (Jotul 550 in my case)? Is it the airtight-ness of the insert maybe? Of course you have to light the gas. You have to light it in a fireplace too. I have one in a zero clearance fireplace and it works fine.

BTW, most gas explosions around here are via utilty (PG&E) screw-ups, not homeowners. There's your cartoon.

 

[BrotherBart]

This dangerous and probably highly illegal idea has had all the discussion it deserves.