Fan control for receptacle within fireplace - to code?

[Speedy Petey]

Or safe ,

Oh no. I have wired dozens of these.
Use the appropriate parts and they are fine, AND easy.

 

[whistlepigger]

Location of UZY5 thermodisc

Installation of the blower kit
model UZY5
...
3. Install the automatic blower activator on
the side of the firebox (the blower activator
has a magnetic mount).
...

Can anyone help with THE EXACT location of the thermodisc activator? The statement "on the side of the firebox" is really vague.

I have the Lennox ME43 (which Lennox bought from SecurityChimneys) which uses the UZY5 blower kit. But there's no real detail on where to place the thermodisc.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[JeffeVerde]

The DDH16 fan speed control is an electronic device and the fan diagram calls for a rheostat. There is a big difference between the two and the electronic device and motors could suffer severe damage if used together.

I agree that there's a big difference between a rheostat and an electronic motor control (i.e. "electronic device"), but could you explain how an electronic control could cause a motor to "suffer severe damage if used together"? My experience is with industrial contollers so maybe there's something to household devices that I'm missing, but I can't think of any instance where a rheostat would be preferable to a PWM (aside from cost). I suspect the "Rheostat" label on the wiring diagram was just an anachronism - which would seem to be supported by the fact that the actual part the OP eventually received was in fact an electronic motor control.

For those unfamiliar with the two devices, a Rheostat is a variable resistor and works by reducing the voltage delivered to the load - this is inefficient, as the excess current is expended as heat, and running a motor at reduced voltage (think "brown out") typically reduces motor life. An electronic motor control always delivers full voltage -- but for adjustable segments of time (think flipping a switch on and off really fast).

 

[Billy_Bob]

Can anyone help with THE EXACT location of the thermodisc activator? The statement "on the side of the firebox" is really vague.

I would call the manufacturer and ask.

I would think higher up to detect the heat sooner (heat rises), however sometimes manufacturers experience problems with components failing for one reason or another.

It is possible for example that if these are mounted at the very top, the intense heat could cause them to fail, and the manufacturer might then recommend that they be mounted lower down. Or maybe not.

But if there is a best spot to mount it, the manufacturer would know. (They hear about all the problems people have.)

 

[Speedy Petey]

The ones I have done have had a stud sticking down and you install the sensor bracket to that stud with a wing nut.

 

[Jar546]

What you have purchased is a UL listed assembly. The assembly is listed and labeled as tested by UL laboratories. The optional equipment is also UL approved for the specific products that it was tested on.

If you alter or use products that are not listed or labeled for that specific piece of equipment then you are voiding not just the warranty but also taking on all of the liability if something were to happen. In addition, you will be violating the NEC and it will not be able to be approved by the AHJ although I am questioning your AHJ's judgement and competency with what he has already recommended to you.

If you have been waiting for 6 months then maybe you should take it all back and install a better product. They obviously cannot provide adequate service.

The heat sensor and fan on/off switch or rheostat are normally never attached to each other except through wiring. Most switches cannot operate at the same temperature that the heat sensor can anyway.

 

[PeteD]

Most of these rheostats are mounted in metal boxes with side straps. The box mounts inside under the fire box where all the other electronics and gas valve are. Since it mounts to the metal enclosure it is inherently grounded and needs no additional green wire.



While I agree it's steep, it is the box and wiring that you are also paying for.
No one said these fire places were cheap.

Funny that this was revived, but actually, that price was only for the speed control and metal handy box. The other stuff was priced separately. Yes, Ouch!

Double ouch when I could have just installed the Pass and Seymour like I wanted to, which is rated for PSC fans, as is the VRUW.

FWIW, there is noticeable hum when close to the fireplace with the installed VRUW. So, the VRUW is basically a cheap, overpriced POS.

The fireplace rocks though...

Pete