coal effect gas fire, flame below burner - this doesn't look right

[GeX]

I have a nu-flame coal effect gas fire in the lounge, it was serviced less than a year ago and needed nothing beyond a clean and test.

I noticed last night when turning it off that there was flame below the level of the burners. This seems quite wrong to me, but I don't know if I've just never noticed. It only appears once it has warmed up. It also goes away if I turn the gas up to full from the minimum setting.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QUrAtQlGeg00R9g42

I've turned it off for now, and we are actually waiting on a fireplace fitter to make some alterations to the fireplace so I'll of course get his view on it - just wondering if anyone on here can advise, or suggest a way to stop this from happening if it is not normal.

 

[FlyingFish]

It's certainly not normal. Do not use it!

Get a Gas Safe person out, (I'm one) and don't be surprised if it gets condemned.

Flames exiting the burner underneath could be as simple as needing a good clean or serious like a split gas pipe or burner assembly.

If you ask your fireplace man, make sure he's registered and also qualified in 'Gas Fires & Heaters'

Mick

 

[GeX]

Thanks for the confirmation, it is going to remain off.

Fireplace man fits these kinds of fires, I assume he'd be qualified to diagnose this one. He was originally going to have to move it slightly as the insert needs moving to suit the depth of the new surround.

 

[hondo]

Totally unqualified response.

Are you sure that it's not a pilot light, which for whatever reason isn't going off after the main burner is lit?

 

[GeX]

Totally unqualified response.

Are you sure that it's not a pilot light, which for whatever reason isn't going off after the main burner is lit?

It is not the pilot light, that is at the front centre and can be seen in the picture showing the flame.

 

[hondo]

Like you I'd definitely leave it off then, until further investigations have taken place.
Good luck with it.

 

[FlyingFish]

Thanks for the confirmation, it is going to remain off.

Fireplace man fits these kinds of fires, I assume he'd be qualified to diagnose this one. He was originally going to have to move it slightly as the insert needs moving to suit the depth of the new surround.

Good stuff
You can see the distress in the metal work from the discoloration, caused by the flame. Hopefully it's just in need of a 'proper' service
Without getting too involved that metal box is where the gas from the brass injector mixes with the air from atmosphere, it then carries on into the burner, and THEN is burnt on top of the burner surface, with the flames coming through the coals, happy days.
Mick

 

[GeX]

Good stuff
You can see the distress in the metal work from the discoloration, caused by the flame. Hopefully it's just in need of a 'proper' service
Without getting too involved that metal box is where the gas from the brass injector mixes with the air from atmosphere, it then carries on into the burner, and THEN is burnt on top of the burner surface, with the flames coming through the coals, happy days.
Mick

Just to follow up, had my usual gas safe plumber come out and look. He thought it needed a new burner tray, spoke to the manufacturer who said it probably doesn't - just needs throughly cleaning out and the vermiculite replaced as dirt can collect in there and block the burners - causing gas to exit at the back.

Had the fire serviced, new vermiculite and some new coals as well - he even gave all the rest of the metal work a good clean. It's good as new now

 

[ChroniC]

Ignore.