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Fireplace electrical outlet not working
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Author:  bremer [ Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Fireplace electrical outlet not working
Hoping somebody has an easy answer for me on this one…

I finally got around to getting a fan for my gas fireplace. Installed it, plugged it in, and found that the electrical outlet inside the fireplace has no power. I confirmed this by plugging a hair dryer into the outlet – nothing.

I’ve run an extension cord to the fireplace for now so I can use the fan.

Before I go ripping the outlet apart, I’m hoping somebody might have had the same problem and found a simple fix. All my fuses on the fuse box are on.

Appreciated.
Author:  munchito [ Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
Is the electrical wire for the fan connected to the breaker panel? Maybe the builder treats it like the rough-in electrical for the dishwasher?
Author:  redrider [ Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
munchito wrote:
Is the electrical wire for the fan connected to the breaker panel? Maybe the builder treats it like the rough-in electrical for the dishwasher?

This is how our under counter lights were rough-in wired. The black(hot) was left disconnected at the wall switch. After the lights were installed, I hooked up the black. Pull out the wall switch and check for a disconnected black wire...but shut the power off at the panel first. Not sure why that outlet would be switched but it's worth a look.
Author:  Halton Home Inspector [ Fri Mar 01, 2013 4:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
If it's a Mattamy home then there will probably not be any power / wire to that outlet under the fireplace that is integrated to the cabinet.

Even if you do buy a fan kit via Mattamy then they often just run a wire to some random loose outlet box under the fireplace.

When Mattamy does this, they have often left behind multiple electrical code violations that one day could very easily cause serious problems for an unsuspecting homeowner.

These common electrical code violations (below in photo) are usually a result of the wrong type of outlet box and outlet cover being used, the wire not protected a the sharp metal hole into the cabinet, and they usually leave the outlet boxes loose and not securely attached to the cabinet as required.

Basically hackers, but, as a result of "inspections" by myself and maybe others, this problem has been getting better at the newest Mattamy homes.

Image
Author:  bremer [ Fri Mar 01, 2013 9:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
Yeah, I popped off the cover this morning and found no wires in there at all. It was never connected to anything. Thanks Mattamy.

The kicker is that I have a finished basement, so fixing this will be a challenge. I suppose I could run a wire from the TV plug above the fireplace to the box inside the fireplace, but I draw the line at doing my own electrical work. I’ll get an electrician in to take care of this one.

Thanks for the help everyone.
Author:  redrider [ Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
Another option to running a wire is to run it behind the baseboard to another outlet in the room. If your tv outlet is on an outside wall, you may have trouble with insulation and vapor barrier.
Author:  DRiFT_645 [ Fri Mar 01, 2013 1:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
I think hiding wire that way is illegal and against building code. Pretty sure it is.
Author:  redrider [ Fri Mar 01, 2013 1:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
Sorry, should have clarified....the wire still needs to be run thru the studs, its just easier to do it at the bottom of the wall rather than knocking out drywall half way up.
Author:  redrider [ Fri Mar 01, 2013 1:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
The bottom plate is 1.5" higher than the subfloor. The top of the baseboard is 4-6" higher than the carpet/hardwood. That difference is how much room u have to work. Only a few inches but its enough since ur only working horizontally.
edit: you still have to knock out the drywall, you're just doing it behind the baseboard.
Author:  Halton Home Inspector [ Fri Mar 01, 2013 7:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
Sandeep wrote:
I think hiding wire that way is illegal and against building code. Pretty sure it is.


Ya, that would not be allowed.
Author:  bremer [ Fri Mar 01, 2013 7:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
Guys, woah..common now. This is a mattamy home. Lets be realistic here. There is no vapor barrier, studs, or insulation behind the wall. Just a large cavity, and cold air pouring through.

I’ve fished wires behind here before. The fireplace is an insert, with a large empty cavity above it about 2-3 feet, and 1 foot on either side. I have 2 holes in the wall above the fireplace– one for the plug, another for TV cables. You just drop a wire down the hole, and it will fall down beside the fireplace insert.

Before I finished my basement, this cables would fall straight to the basement (there was a hole in the subfloor to allow for this). Now I’d just need to grab that wire and pull it into the fireplace. It’s easier said than done, but possible.

I just don’t know if it’s legal to run wires from one outlet to another. Even if it is, I don’t do electrical. It’s my only handyman rule. That stuff is too dangerous to screw up.

For now, I happen to have an outlet beside the fireplace, which is also where my AV stand is. I just ran the plug for the fan out the corner of the fireplace and pluged it into the wall. You can’t even see it.

I sense this temporary fix will become permanent. Lol
Author:  Cardinal Electric [ Fri Mar 22, 2013 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fireplace electrical outlet not working
I can come and give you a free quote to do this anytime. Call or PM me.

Yes, it is illegal to run a wire behind only baseboard. Yes cutting back the drywall and drilling the studs behind the baseboard is an option (watch out for the big nails in there!), with precautions to make sure the wire is safe. And yes pulling power from a TV receptacle may be another option.
As the fan option for a fireplace is an upgrade, if no one paid for it it wasn't installed. The easiest method is coming up from the basement but there are other options.

Just remember that apart from a homeowner in his own house, the only people allowed to do electrical work in Ontario are Licensed Electrical Contractors.
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