Help & Advice

TECHNICAL TERMS & JARGON

We realise that for most people the purchase of a new fire or fireplace will be a new experience. In an effort to ease you through the selection process we detail below a list of Technical Terms and Jargon which are often used by the industry.

If you are still unsure please do not hesitate to contact us on :

Tel: 0845 0090916
E-mail: info@inspiredfires.co.uk

Our friendly fire experts are here to help and will provide clear guidance and advice on a range of available products which may suit your home.

Type of Flue or Chimney

Most fires require connection to a chimney or flue in order to safely dispatch flue gases created by the fire.

For further information on flue types please click here.

Balanced Flue Gas Fires

This type of fire is glass fronted and needs to be fitted to an outside wall – the fire can be wall mounted or fitted to a fireplace.

Fan-flue or Power flue Gas Fires

This type of fire offers the beauty of an open fronted fire with “real” flames without the need for a chimney or flue – these units are supplied complete for installation to a suitable outside wall – an electrical supply is required with these types of gas fire.

Catalytic or Flueless Gas Fires

These fires do not require any chimney or flue or even an outside wall – they use the latest in gas fire technology and can be installed virtually anywhere – the combustion gases produced by the fire pass through a catalytic converter within the appliance which converts the poisonous Carbon Monoxide into harmless Carbon Dioxide and water vapour.

Piezo Ignition

Most gas fires are supplied with manual piezo spark ignition which allows the user to light the fire by simply turning a control knob (usually located discreetly behind the front trim of the fire)

Slide Control

A number of gas fires are available with a mechanical slide control which allows the user to light and control the fire without having to bend down or access the fire itself.

The control lever is located at high level on the side of the gas fire.

A mechanical linkage connects from the lever to the gas control knob beneath the fire.

In most instances this type of control will be available only as an extra cost option.

Remote Control

The great majority of gas fires are now available with hand held remote control which allows the user to light and control the fire without having to bend down or access the fire itself.

In many instances this type of control will be available only as an extra cost option - although more and more fires are now being produced with remote control as standard.

Inset Fires

Designed to fit into a standard fireplace opening – these types of real flame fires are the most popular and replicate the appearance and appeal of a coal fire without the inconvenience associated with burning coal.

Suitable for installation into a traditional (Class I) or pre-cast & Class II flue.

Balanced flue or power flue (no chimney or flue required) versions of some models are also available.

Outset Fires

This type of fire fits onto the wall or fireplace. It will usually have living flames and a glass front to increase efficiency. It is suitable for installation into a traditional (Class I) or pre-cast & Class II flue.

Balanced flue (no chimney or flue required) versions of some models are also available.

Radiant Fires

The traditional type of gas fire with white radiants. Economical to run and very controllable. Most models are suitable for hearth or wall mounting.

It is suitable for installation into a traditional (Class I) or pre-cast & Class II flue.

Gas Stoves

Manufactured from cast iron or heavy gauge steel. All models have a glass windowed door, some models have twin doors. Available to suit Class I and some Class II (125mm) flues – Also available as balanced flue in some models.

Electric Fires & Stoves

The obvious benefit of an electric fire or stove is that they require no specialist installation.

Inset electric fires normally require a fireplace recess to accommodate the back of the fire however spacer kits are normally available for most fires which would allow the fire to be fitted against a flat wall.

Electric Stoves have similar features to electric inset fires and are freestanding.

Most electrical appliances are fitted with 2kW fan heaters, often with thermostatic controls. Remote control is also available as an option on many models.

Hole in the Wall Fires

Today’s Consumer demand for clean, simple furnishings has led to a range of contemporary fires which fit onto or into the wall without the need for a fireplace surround.

Gas models are available to suit Class I, Class II and pre-cast flue blocks.

Further models are available in balanced flue, powered flue and Catalytic versions.

Electric versions are available in both inset and flat wall fixed models.

FLUE TYPES

What type of flue do I have?

Class I

Normally a property older than 1960 will have this type of flue. It will be a brick built chimney, suitable for a solid fuel fire and can be identified by the clay fire back or “chair brick” at the base of the opening. It will have a minimum diameter of 7” (175mm) and will terminate to a clay pot or cowl. The vast majority of fires are suitable for this type of flue.

Class II

There are two main types of this flue:

An older property where the chimney is unsound will be lined with a 5” (125mm) flexible steel flue lining, which will be sealed at the top and bottom. This will terminate to a gas cowl. This type of flue is not suitable for a solid fuel fire or open basket
A modern property without a chimney may well have a 5” (125mm) rigid sectional steel flue system. This will terminate through a short length of steel pipe to a gas cowl. This type of flue is not suitable for a solid fuel fire or open basket

Pre-Cast Flue

Most modern properties will have this type of flue. It is a sectional concrete flue block system and can be identified by the starter block or letter box at the base of the opening. This terminates to a purpose made raised ridge tile. This type of flue is not suitable for a solid fuel fire or open basket.