Empire 18" Vented Sand Pan Single Gas Burner, Match Light - Natural Gas
The Empire 18" single sand pan burner (model number VSP18N) is a match-lit, natural gas decorative burner for a vented, wood-burning fireplace with a working chimney. It needs an Empire Tree House 7 or Great Lakes Oak log set, ordered separately, and is rated up to 80,000 Btu/hr.
You light it with a long match or butane lighter laid on the burner pan, then turn on the fireplace gas valve. The burner sits in a sand pan filled with the included vermiculite, with rockwool embers on top and lava rock around the grate.
Key Features
- 18" vented sand pan burner, single
- Up to 80,000 Btu/hr, natural gas
- Match light: no pilot, batteries or house power
- Grate, flex line, damper clamp, vermiculite, rockwool and lava rock included
- Fits Empire Tree House 7 or Great Lakes Oak log sets
- For wood-burning fireplaces with a working chimney
What to Order With It
The carton holds the burner and grate, orifice and orifice holder, 90-degree elbow, pipe cap, flex line, damper clamp, vermiculite (1 bag), rockwool and lava rock (1 bag). The manual says not to add loose material beyond what comes with the burner.
Required – Log set (choose one 18" set, ordered separately):
Specifications
| Model numbers |
VSP18N |
| Size |
18" |
| Type |
Vented decorative gas burner, match light |
| Input, maximum |
80,000 Btu/hr, natural gas |
| Fuel |
Natural gas only; propane conversion kits are not offered |
| Gas inlet pressure |
3.5" minimum, 7.0" maximum water column |
| Ignition |
Match or long butane lighter; the burner is turned on and off at a remotely mounted gas valve |
| Minimum fireplace (masonry) |
26" front width, 22" rear width, 14" deep, 24" high |
| Chimney |
Working flue of non-combustible construction, at least 10 ft tall |
| Log set |
Required, ordered separately: Tree House 7 or Great Lakes Oak |
| Standard |
Install per the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1) and ANSI Z21.84 for manually lighted decorative vented appliances |
Installation Requirements
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Where it can go: only in a solid-fuel-burning masonry or manufactured fireplace with a working flue built of non-combustible materials. Do not burn wood or other solid fuel in the fireplace once the burner is installed.
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Damper: the included damper clamp must hold the chimney damper fully open whenever the burner is installed. Massachusetts requires the damper to be welded open or removed.
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Fireplace prep: have the chimney and firebox professionally cleaned first and every year after; seal any ash dump or fresh-air vent in the firebox floor or walls (not the damper). A sunken fireplace floor must be raised with non-combustible material.
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Firebox size: the fireplace must be at least 26" wide at the front, 22" at the rear, 14" deep and 24" high. The front width allows the log set to be centered.
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Glass doors and screen: keep glass doors open while the burner runs, and keep a fireplace screen in place. Keep combustible material at least 24" from the front of the fireplace.
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Gas: each appliance should have its own manual gas shut-off; Massachusetts requires a T-handle shut-off and limits flexible connectors to 3 ft.
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Media: pour the vermiculite into the pan to cover the burner, spread the rockwool ember mix over it, set the logs per the log set instructions, then place the lava rock around the grate.
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Installation: must be installed by a qualified installer per the installation manual and local codes. In Massachusetts the installation must be done by a licensed plumber or gas fitter.
Downloads
Warranty
Empire limited warranty, from the warranty section of the installation manual:
- Burners and grates: 5 years parts
The warranty applies to the original purchaser; travel, diagnostic and freight costs are not covered. Full terms, including what is not covered, are in the warranty section of the installation manual.
