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Chimney & Fireplaces/pellet stove insert and routing wires and air intake

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Expert: - 7/7/2008


Question
Hi Randy,
I am converting an existing fireplace to burn wood pellets. The new insert requires 2 things, a fresh air intake(1"), and electrical from inside of the fireplace. I am considering using the square hole that leads down from the fireplace itself, to the basement as a means of getting both requirements. Problem is, the door that is used for cleaning out the ash is covered by pine paneling in the finished basement. So access that way would not be easy. Would code be violated if holes were drilled directly through the cinderblocks that house that ash pit? What precautions would be needed to route wire up from those holes into the ash drop from the fireplace? would we cement the air hole and electrical hole? Also, if we returned the fireplace back to the way it was originally, what would we need to do to the electrical and air holes? I thank you for looking at this question, and sorry it was so many!

Thanks,
Gerry

Answer
Gerry,

The NFPA-211 standard, requires a level II inspection of the existing fireplace system in this circumstance. Without being able to see the proposed area for such a breach, its clearance to combustibles, structural integrity of the system, and exact requirements of your proposed appliance, It would be impossible to advise you safely. Feel free to use the links at the bottom of my home page at www.brooks-hearth.com, and find an inspector in your area that performs level II inspections. Your idea sounds reasonable, but there may be additional concerns that have have not presented themselves to to and this is the reason for such an extensive inspection at this time. Good luck to you.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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