The match lit method of igniting a gas fire pit fire ring is just what it sounds like. Strike a match (better to use the longer grill lighters to increase the distance between your hand the igniting flame) and turn on the gas. As discussed in the last blog, there some drawbacks to a match lit gas fire pit. The most important is the lack of a flame control failsafe. If an unattended gas fire pit flame goes out, there is nothing to cut the gas flow. Gas has not fulfilled its destiny until it becomes flame. Therefore, gas will seek an ignition agent, like that cigarette in someone’s hand, to become greater than itself.
In its simplest form, a flame failsafe is a valve and a sensor. The sensor tip sets in the burner flame giving assurance to the valve that the gas is, indeed, burning. Should the flame go out, the sensor quickly cools and signals the valve, “Hey! Got gas. Don’t got flame. Shut down.”
Match lit gas fire pits are just fine for residential applications. People generally don’t light the fire pit unless they intend to enjoy the warm spectacle. Come on. We’re turning money into fire here. My father would get on us kids for leaving the TV on when no one was in the room. “The furniture doesn’t need to be entertained.” Same idea.
Flame control for public applications is an absolute must for liability reasons. The cost to a hotel, spa, or golf course to pay to station someone at the fire pit for the burn duration is much more than building the fire pit using a failsafe system. Ignition is either by using a hand held remote control or a wall switch. Remote controls tend to walk off by themselves. A wall switch works much better for public uses. Unless a fire pit is intended to be on all the time, I suggest adding a timer to the wall switch. This will help keep costs of operating the fire pit down and diminish the need for constant surveillance by paid personnel.
The alternatives to the match lit system are: battery powered, push button grill, electronic ignition kits, and Crossfire.
