A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Air Mixer – Commonly used in propane gas appliances, an air mixer is an orifice that draws oxygen from the surrounding area to mix with the propane gas in the line in order to create efficient combustion. Propane has a combustion ratio of 24:1 (the ratio of oxygen to gas required for complete combustion). Without providing adequate oxygen the resulting flames will produce soot. Using an air mixer helps prevent soot buildup and produce a more pleasant flame appearance. See also: Orifice, Venturi.

B

BTU – Acronym for British Thermal Unit. It refers to the unit of work needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In gas plumbing, BTU is commonly used as a rating for the maximum amount of energy an appliance can put out. In many cases, an appliance's BTU rating not only refers to the maximum output but the ideal amount of energy needed for proper use of the appliance.

Burner Pan – For both gas fireplaces and fire pits, a burner pan is used to harness the burner in order to ensure safe and secure use of the appliance. In propane fire pits, it helps separate the air mixer from the burner to ensure proper oxygen mixing, while for fireplaces it may serve to hold fire glass or other fire media.

Burner Ring – A circular or shaped metal component with drilled ports that distributes gas evenly to create flames.

C

CSA Certification – A safety standard issued by the Canadian Standards Association, often required for gas appliances to be legally installed or sold in North America.

Conversion Kit (NG/LP) – A set of components used to convert an appliance from natural gas to propane or vice versa.

D

E

Enclosure – The structure of your fire pit. Commonly made from paver blocks, stone, concrete, or other non-combustible materials to enclose the fire.

F

Fire Glass – A type of fire media: non-combustible glass used as a decorative accent in a gas fireplace or fire pit. It comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. Ensure your appliance is rated for use with glass.

Fire Media – Decorative enhancements used with gas-burning appliances, including lava rock, fire glass, ceramic fiber river rock, ceramic logs, and others.

Flange Extension – When a ball valve is located inside the fire pit enclosure and controlled with a long key through the sidewall, a flange extension may be required so the decorative flange can be mounted on the exterior wall.

Flame Sensor – A safety device that detects whether a flame is present and shuts off the gas if no flame is detected.

Flexible Gas Line – Corrugated stainless steel tubing or rubber hose used to connect gas appliances to the main supply; allows easier routing during installation.

G

Gas Line – Any pipe that carries gas. Gas lines may be flexible or rigid and vary in diameter. Line size and distance from the gas source impact available output.

Gas Logs – Typically ceramic, used in gas fireplaces and fire pits to provide a realistic wood-burning appearance.

Gas Regulator – Reduces and controls the pressure of gas from a propane tank or natural gas line before it enters the appliance.

Gas Source – The type/location of your gas supply (e.g., portable propane tank or municipal natural gas service at the home).

Gas Supply – The quantity of gas available, often expressed in BTU capacity or pressure.

H

I

Ignition System – The method by which a fire pit is lit: match-lit, push-button, or electronic (automatic/remote).

Inside Dimension – The opening within your enclosure where the burner/burner pan sits; key for ordering correct sizing.

Installation Collar – Supports for a fire pit pan; can be mortared or flexible brackets.

J

K

Key Valve – Manual shut-off valve controlling gas flow to a fire pit, operated with a removable key; often mounted on an exterior wall or enclosure.

L

Lava Rock – Natural, porous, moisture-free rock used as fire media. Avoid ordinary rocks that may contain moisture and can crack/pop when heated.

Liquid Propane (LP) – Gas stored as a liquid in pressurized tanks; common where natural gas is unavailable.

Local Codes – Zoning laws and safety regulations governing gas installations; always consult local authorities.

M

Media – Decorative/functional material over burners (fire glass, lava rock, ceramic logs).

N

Natural Gas (NG) – Primarily methane; typical in municipalities. Burns at roughly a 10:1 air-to-fuel ratio; minimum ignition temperature ≈ 1,150 °F.

O

Orifice – In propane appliances, a fitting with air holes that draw oxygen to mix with propane for efficient combustion (24:1 air-to-fuel). See also: Air Mixer, Venturi.

Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) – Indoor safety feature that shuts off gas flow if oxygen levels drop too low.

P

Pilot Light – Small continuous flame used to ignite the main burner when gas is turned on.

Pressure – The amount of gas available; measured in PSI or inches of water column (WC). See also: Gas Supply.

Propane – Common in rural areas without NG service. Burns at ~24:1 air-to-fuel ratio; minimum ignition temperature ≈ 920 °F.

PSI – Pounds per square inch; pressure unit. 1 PSI ≈ 27.7 inches of water column (WC). See also: Water Column.

Q

R

Regulator – Device installed in a gas line to adjust pressure/volume reaching the appliance; common with 20-lb propane tanks and built-into many appliances.

S

Shut-Off Valve – Device that stops the flow of gas for safety, maintenance, or emergencies.

Spark Ignition – Electronic system that uses a spark to ignite gas; common in push-button or remote-start fire pits.

T

Thermocouple – Safety sensor that detects heat from the flame; if the flame goes out, it signals the valve to stop gas flow.

U

V

Valve – Controls gas flow. Types include ball valves, millivolt valves, servo motor valves, Maxitrol valves, and electronic ignition valves.

Vent – Provides air for combustion and cooling. In fireplaces, refers to intake/exhaust; in fire pits, vents below the burner admit fresh air and prevent propane pooling.

Venturi – Fitting with air holes that draw oxygen to mix with propane for efficient combustion (24:1 air-to-fuel). Helps prevent soot and improve flame quality. See also: Air Mixer.

W

Water Column (WC) – Pressure unit (inches of water). 27.7 in. WC ≈ 1 PSI. Historically measured via column height differential. See also: PSI.

X

Y

Z