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GFCIs in Outdoor Fireplace

D

dddcar

New member
I had a question about conduit. Masons are installing the fireplace but I’ll run the electric. I already install a box outside the house and have trenched and laid the conduit underground. My question is about what to use inside the fireplace (brick/concrete). I bought CPVC because of the higher heat tolerance. However I should be far away from the heat source. I would rather use that flexible conduit as it would be easier to run.

ANY ISSUES USING THE FLEXIBLE LIQUID TIGHT CONDUIT WITHIN THE BRICK (OUTDOOR) FIREPLACE?

Thanks!
 
This is really a building code issue. You gotta check your local codes.

As for being an issue, I don't see conduit really insulating heat any better than anything else, like the blue flex stuff. Heat will win if it is high. You are saying your run is far enough from the heat to not be an issue, so I discount the heat and have to ask about future replacement of the wires. You can pull out and repul wires in conduit, so that is a big advantage if you ever need it
 
I agree with MD's recommendations. I would add that you use metal pipe as it will transmit any heat away from the source. Also, use larger pipe than required giving more air space and flow inside the conduit.

I am not an electrician learned of all the codes. However, I used to remodel houses and built my own. Plenty of time with inspectors trying to find something, anything, to justify their visit. It has been my experience they seldom check a licensed electricians work with the scrutiny they place on armatures. But always a good chance to learn more about local codes.

You mentioned GFCI'S I hope you use them, always for outside. However, in this application, I would have the GFCI inside the house not at the box that is outside. Assuming local code allows that. If you do have a fault due to heat the GFCI should be on the source side of the circuit, not the service side.

But again, local codes may prefer the GFCI be in the service box.
 
Thanks MD and everyone! Really appreciate it. I’m going to go with the flexible conduit in the fireplace (away from the fire/flue). It will make it much easier to run. Will then run one or two GCFIs off of those…with covers.

And yes…of course I always use GCFIs.

Below is the pic of where I’m coming out of the house from. Just happy the trench is done.
Thanks for the help!!
 

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And it's against all codes. That's why i suggest breaker GFCI.
Especially outdoors. Duplex GFCIs don't like moisture outside.
 
waybomb said:
And it's against all codes. That's why i suggest breaker GFCI.
Especially outdoors. Duplex GFCIs don't like moisture outside.
Click to expand...
Agreed. I have one GFCI outside. It is in one of the "H" posts that eventually will be a stud of an outside wall.
Being outside, and despite somewhat protected, it occasional goes off when it rains.
 
Thanks for the suggestion Waybomb and FrancSevin and everyone. I agree with the GFCI breaker suggestion. My only issue is that this is a main circuit for the house (it controls the main TV as well as modem/router). We’re going to do work on our house later this year and I’ll be able to run a new/dedicated line through the basement. I’m just worried that it will trip a lot and if we lose the modem, all the WiFi stuff (ie cameras) will frequently go down…of course safety first! So I appreciate the suggestions.

I’m not sure if you were suggesting this but is it better if I add a GFCI on the house (per illustration “GFCI A”) or does this not help?

If I did this I’m not sure it I should
A) run two lines from the GFCI (add a junction box) one to each GFCI in the fireplace; or

B) just run a single line and go from one GFCI (in the fireplace) to the 2nd GFCI).

I can draw what I wrote if it was confusing. I attached a picture though in case you think adding a GFCI on the house is helpful or that not change the fact that multiple GFCIs are not to code.
Thanks!
 

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Is put the gfci breaker in and run a new seperate line to the outside when convenient.

If you need to make a partial run now, simply coil up enough wire to termination point and leave it hang.
 
I will repeat. Do not, DO NOT, put two GFCI's on the same circuit.
The duplex GFCI's are modestly expensive. For nearly the same money a GFCI main Breaker will do a better job protecting the entire circuit.
Further, it may be code where you are.

A single GFCI Duplex device at the first point of the circuit "inside" the house, is likely the easiest and costliest safe way to accomplish the circuit protection you want. As WAYBOMB has suggested do not put a duplex GFCI outlet outside. And I would agree 100%.
 
FrancSevin said:
I will repeat. Do not, DO NOT, put two GFCI's on the same circuit.
The duplex GFCI's are modestly expensive. For nearly the same money a GFCI main Breaker will do a better job protecting the entire circuit.
Further, it may be code where you are.

A single GFCI Duplex device at the first point of the circuit "inside" the house, is likely the easiest and costliest safe way to accomplish the circuit protection you want. As WAYBOMB has suggested do not put a duplex GFCI outlet outside. And I would agree 100%.
Click to expand...
Grammatical error

costliest
Rong word, it should be "Least Costly"
Sorry.
 
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