Fireplace is nice and looks great, but haven't been able to run it more than 15 minutes and finish the initial cure. Every time it kicks on, it causes the breaker to flip (arc fault). This is a 1960s home. The circuit panel was upgrade in 2017/2018 and as a result is now configured with arc fault breakers to meet current code. The fan for this fireplace, is on the same circuit as lights and is on an arc fault breaker to meet code.
Spoke with an electrician. First option would be to put a higher quality fan in the unit, one that is designed to work with an arc fault breaker. I called my Installer (Jack Pixley Sweeps) to see if there is a higher quality fan option I can upgrade to which won't trip an arc fault breaker. Unfortunately this is not an option. The Liberty LRI4 only comes with one motor. There is no upgrade option available to me.
I am now hiring an electrician to run a separate circuit to the fireplace which code will allow me to have on a non arc fault breaker which won't trip due to the lower quality motor.
My request to Regency is to put higher quality fans in their units, ones that can be on arc fault breakers, and pass the cost onto the consumer. I would gladly have paid a little more on this unit which replaced a 25+ year old fireplace insert to have avoided having to hire and coordinate a separate electrician in order to meet code. I expect you will hear more and more complaints like these as the years go on and more existing homes have their services changed/upgraded which requires meeting code at the time. Please put higher quality motors in your fireplaces, ones that are certified to work on arc fault circuits, and pass through the costs. The cost of a higher quality motor is going to be less than the cost of an electrician running a separate line/circuit in older homes.
I have been very happy with the installer who offered to come out and help troubleshoot with the electrician when he is here. I would have welcomed their calling out this possibility during the sales process as I have to think this is a common occurrence in older homes that have been remodeled. The sales process and install process was great as this was a plug and play install to replace a 25+ year old existing gas insert. I would use this installer again, but I will have hesitations about using your products in the future. We are planning on putting a wood insert at a future point in our basement fireplace. I am certain I will hit this same issue again given the age of my home and the upgrade to the pane to meet modern electrical code.
4 years ago
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