Gas Fire Fake Coals.

[woofgang]

Some of the loose fake coals in my gas fire have become damaged. They are very light and the inside is white fibrous stuff. The difference between getting the manufacturers own replacements and generic ones is huge...90 quid and 15 quid! Will it be ok to buy the generic ones or should I stick to the manufacturer's? The fre is well out of warranty.

[Old_Geezer]

If generic ones are legal then I don't see why you'd not buy & use them.
Do they look as realistic as the originals ?

[Old_Geezer]

They are flame proof I take it. Not for electric fires only.

[woofgang]

They are for gas fires like mine. The set that came with the fire had a sort of underlayer which were moulded into particular shapes and then top, more rough shaped ones to arrange as you like. They look about the same online, but the originals don't look particularly realistic until the fire is on and they start to get hot and glow.
I mean the next bit respectfully but I am looking for knowledgeable technical advice rather than what people "think" I don't propose to risk my safety because I (or someone else) thinks it will be ok.

[dannyk13]

Some here Woofi:-
Amazon.com User Recommendation

[Togo]

I replaced the "pebbles" in our gas fire with generic ones. I believe that the most important thing is to replace the coals or pebbles in exactly the same pattern as the manufacturers instructions show, or you will get poor heat radiation and soot build up on the coals. You should be able to find the installation manual online.

[Togo]

Good idea to hoover up the gubbins of the fire when you have removed the coals as well. I do it every winter, around the pilot light and ignition system and underneath the fire with the front grill removed.

[woofgang]

danny thanks but yes I have found plenty on amazon and on other websites.

[woofgang]

Togo, I don't currently use the fire and its always been for decoration only so don't care about heat radiation or soot. I have got the installation and operation manuals. Neither mention anything about relacement coals but when I look on the manufacturers website I find the set for 90 quid....my sole question is can I use generic ones instead.

[Togo]

I would say yes. But with caveats. You must install the coals as per manufacturers specification. The issue is not just a bit of unsightly soot, as this is an indication that the fire is not burning the gas efficiently and is producing carbon monoxide. You will get this happening with the manufacturers recommended "coals" if they are not placed as per. Must say that £90 seems a bit steep. Are you sure that this is just for the coals or is the price for a full set of coals and the coal bed and possibly the side linings? If you are saying that you don't use the fire and that it is just for show, I should think you are as well getting a new one. You can get a new fire for about a £100.

[woofgang]

Togo its just for the coals. I don't want to have a fitter in changing out fires. I just want to put the fire back into good nick in case I sell the house. The one i would change it out for if I did change it out would cost around 300.

[woofgang]

and that's 300 plus fitting

[Togo]

Strewth Woof that is steep. Can I ask what is the make and model of your fire? Ohh and ignore my £100 punt for a fire. They have gone up massively since I bought one. The model that I paid £120 for a little while back is now £350.

[woofgang]

I can't remember offhand and the paperwork is upstairs and filed...I will pull it out on monday

[woofgang]

Togo, the top coals on my fire, the damaged ones, don't have a set pattern. There are base ones all moulded together at their bases like false teeth and they only fit in one way. the top ones, around 5 are loose and you arrange them to suit yourself.

[Bazile]

If you don't use the fire , then surely you buy the generic ones ?

[woofgang]

not necessarily. I don't want a buyer or surveyor or gas safety person to say oh no those are not safe coals, that fire must be removed. I am also aware that spares and accessories are not made forever and if I need the real thing I should get on and buy it.

[woofgang]

Togo, its a Legend spirit Turbo.

[Togo]

Does it give you a part number in the manual Woof? No rush. I am on the case. I have found a site that can supply the loose coals for Legend(nice kit) fires but there are 3 or 4 different types and it does not list them in fire type Market "name".

[Togo]

Just a thought.... you may prefer to have a look for yourself. You will recognise the right ones I should think.

https://www.gas-spares.co.uk/Catalogue/Fires/LEGEND-FIRE-SPARES/FIRES-ng/Spirit-16in-Remote-Coal/CERAMIC-SET-OF-LOOSE-COALS

[woofgang]

Bless you togo you are a star!