Gas fireplace insert electrical outlet NEC
A friend and customer called to pick my brain. He is having a gas fireplace installed in a full masonry late 70’s fire place.
The manufacture and the local installer wants an unswitched outlet installed in the right back corner of the masonry firebox. His electrician does not like it and and after he told me I don’t either. It does seem to be a NEC code violation.
I would take an inset to be a permanently installed device. The insert comes corded, is not set up for direct wire.
I don’t see how the outlet could ever be serviced with out removing the whole insert. There is only a 2” clearance on the bottom of insert and existing hearth. And a bit on the sides.
Thing do happen to outlets I have wires on back stab pop out just pushing the outlet in the box. I have had leads break at the strip point.
Replies
Even if you have to put a longer cord on the fireplace put the outlet somewhere that is accessible
You share my feelings exactly!
What I do not get is this insert is a major manufacturer, superior heat and glo. Their electrical requirements seem to violate NEC code. Yet they tell one to follow all NEC codes or Canadian codes!
No wall switch yet the code for appliances states that a means of disconnect is required 1/8 horsepower or less .. a breaker visible from the appliance, a lock on the breaker box or a wall switch.
On ranges even a wall outlet should be accessible by a removable bottom draw according to the NEC
A dishwasher now has to have the outlet in a cabinet adjacent to the space occupied by the dishwasher (Usually the sink cab).
Don’t see way the manufacturer just does not provide a J box in front at the bottom for direct wire. Oh well.