Expert: Paul Karthaeuser - 12/14/2011

Question
I have a Majectic MRC42 (model MJ15) fireplace. For the past 20 years I been burning wood. It does not have glass doors or a fan, although I think there is a slot for a fan underneath, and the inside looks to be ceramic. I would like to convert it to a gas burner but have no idea if that would be safely possible. Any ideas?

Answer
The area underneath the hearth panel or bottom refractory panel which is typically made up of steel embedded in a masonry composite material is where oftentimes the fireplace manufacturer locates the blower units.  The "c" in the model designation of your fireplace indicates that it was a circulating model fireplace and that the air was drawn in through the lower louvers and circulated around the firebox and then delivered back out through the top louvers to the room.  Sometimes this was done passively and others it was accomplished by use of a blower system.  The data plate or tag inside the firebox in the upper right corner area usually is replete with information regarding the grate model number, blower kit number, glass door set, clearances and other information about the fireplace and component parts approved by the manufacturer.  Check the fireplace for this data plate riveted to the inside.  This will often tell you if the fireplace was approved for use with a gas log set or not as well.  However, I am having great difficulty in finding the installation manual online from the manufacturer but if memory serves I believe this fireplace was listed and approved for use with the installation of a decorative gas log set or for woodburning.  Please do not rely on my memory but rather on the manufacturers installation manual only.  That is the definitive word as to what this fireplace model was tested and listed for use with.  If you cannot find the manual online at the Majestic website contact them and they will send you a hard copy I'm sure.  They will also tell you precisely what type and/or size gas log set the fireplace is approved for use with.  Please feel free to reply with any follow up question you may have.

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Paul