Fireplace Glossary: Fireplace termonolgy A to Z

Fireplace Glossary

Glossary of Terms: A to Z

Gas Cock Assembly: This is a valve control system used in gas fireplaces to switch them on and off. When the valve is open it releases gas from the burner and when it is closed the gas flow is shut off. It can also be used to control the amount of gas released which affects the size of the flames.

Gas Logs: These are fake logs made of ceramic fibers, concrete and other durable materials. They are designed to withstand the intense heat of the flames and provide a realistic 'wood burning' look.

Grate: A cast iron structure or frame that holds wood or coal in the firebox.

Hearth: This is basically the floor of the fireplace where the grate would be positioned and is normally made from brick or stone. The term is also used as a general description of the firebox in fireplaces and stoves.

Heat Shield: A non-flammable protective layer that provides a barrier around appliances, and in the vent or chimney to prevent these catching on fire. They work by absorbing or reflecting the heat from the fire.

Hopper: This is a container that is normally attached to a stove or similar appliance and is used to store coal or wood pellets. These fuels are also fed into the burner from here.

Island Fireplace: A fireplace that is traditionally situated in the center of a room. It consists of four glass doors or panels so the fire can be seen from all angles.

Kindling: Slim strips of dry wood, which are easily ignited, used to start a fire.

Limit Switch: This is small device made of a bimetal substance that reacts to the temperature in the fireplace by expanding or contracting. When the temperature becomes too hot the bimetal switch turns off the gas flow, thereby turning off the fire.

Liquid Propane: Sometimes referred to as liquid petroleum gas, propane is colorless, practically odorless and non-toxic. It is a clean burning alternative fuel and is not damaging to soil or water, making it one of the most environmentally friendly fuels around. It is a form of oil that has been refined for use as a fuel.

Mantle: This is a decorative shelf that frames fireplaces that have been built into a wall. They can be made of stone, marble, wood or river rock and provide a beautiful finish ideal for decoration.

Metal Liner: This a lining that is installed into a chimney or vent to protect the building from fire damage and to exhaust smoke or other gases more efficiently. They also make cleaning the chimney much easier.

Masonry: This is a term that describes anything constructed of stone, brick or tiles. In respect to fireplaces structures such as the mantel, hearth, surround and chimney are commonly made from these materials.

Millivolt: This is an ignition system that uses a small electromagnet in the gas valve and a pilot light. The electromagnet allows gas to flow to the pilot light only, until the switch is flipped. The system utilizes a small generator called a thermocouple that, when heated by the pilot light, provides enough power to hold the valve open while in use. So if there is a power outage while the fireplace is in use, it will not go out with the lights.

Mortar: These are the materials used to bond the stone, brick or tiles in masonry. It is normally made using lime and/or sand mixed with cement either on site or in the factory.

Natural Gas: A relatively clean burning fossil fuel that emits much lower levels of combustion waste than other fuels. This is one of the most important and useful sources of energy in the USA . Newly cleaned gas then either goes straight through main pipelines and into cities or it is stored in large tanks as a frozen liquid. Gas is also sometimes burned in power stations to generate electricity.

Non-catalytic Combustor: These are well insulated fireplaces, usually including ceramic glass doors. The insulation increases the temperature inside the firebox aiding a more complete combustion. An extra combustion chamber is used to burn off excess smoke and gases. These are also known as Non-cats.

Pellets: These are made from wood shavings created as a result of manufacturing wood products. They would normally be dumped in a landfill but are a very useful form of fuel for stoves and fireplaces.

Peninsula Fireplace: Similar to an Island fireplace except it has only three glass paneled sides rather than four. It is also known simply as a three-sided fireplace.

Safety pilot system: This is a safety system that monitors the gas flow. It ensures that gas cannot leak into the burner unless a pilot light has been lit. These are standard in gas fireplaces that comply with the American Gas Association regulations.

Seasoned Wood: This is a term referring to fire wood that has been allowed to dry before being burned. This drying process usually takes approximately 12 months but is advantageous as the wood burns easier. Burning dry wood also releases fewer by-products during combustion than freshly cut wood, which holds more than 20% moisture.

Spillage: This term refers to fireplaces with vented systems such as a chimney or direct vent. When these become blocked combustion by-products cannot be vented outside and so 'spill' back into the room. This can be dangerous, particularly with wood burning fireplaces, as carbon monoxide may be one of the by-products leaking back into the home. This gas is odorless, colorless and deadly.

Spill Switch: This is a device that detects spillage from the fireplace vent system. The switch will shut the fireplace off in the event of a spillage to ensure no more gasses are emitted.

Steamers: These are cast iron kettles or pots that are filled with water and placed on stoves or fireplaces to add moisture to the air. These are useful in counteracting the dry heat produced by wood or gas fireplaces and stoves. Click here to learn about these and other accessories.

Unvented, ventelss or vent free: These terms relate to either a gas or a gel fueled fireplace that does not require a flue or chimney for ventilation. These appliances draw combustion air from inside the room and are normally fairly efficient. It is advisable not to use these for more than four hours a day as any by-products, however minimal, will be vented back into the room.

Zero-Clearance: Factory built fireplaces that have been sufficiently insulated to enable them to be placed in direct contact with combustible materials such as walls and floors.

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Fireplace Glossary

Glossary of Terms: A to Z

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