Frequently Asked Questions
Gas Usage and Efficiency
What heat Escea fires produce?
DL Series
DL850 = 9.2 kW
DX Series
DX1000 = 8 kW
DX1500 = 10.4 kW
IB Series
IB600 = 7.5 kW
IB850 & IB1100 = 9 kW
ST Series
ST500 = 2.5 kW
ST900 = 3.5 kW
EF Series
EF5000 = 16 kW
How do I convert mega joules per hour (MJ/H) into gas consumption?
50 MJ/H is the equivalent of 1 kg of gas per hour; (please note as Escea fires are thermostatically controlled, this means they will automatically switch to their lowest setting when the desired room temperature has been reached).
How much gas will an Escea fireplace use?
The average 3 bedroom family home will use 7 – 9 45 kg bottles a year for the IB and ST Series; this includes all seasons.
What gas type are all of Escea's fireplaces?
All Escea fireplaces are supplied for LPG but can be easily converted to NG using a conversion kit that is supplied with the fireplace.
How efficient are Escea fires?
Escea'a D Series fireplaces are the most efficient. The DX1500 has a rating of up to 5.0 stars, and the DL850 up to 5 stars (depending on flue configeration)
Flues
Does Escea offer different flue systems?
Yes: Escea use 2 types of flue depending on which fireplace you choose.
IB Series use a natural draft flue system, available in these 3 options
1 Standard timber framed flue system 3.6 meters high
2 Masonry flexi flue system
3 Power flue which enables you to run a flue up to 6 meters horizontally and terminate on a wall or vertically through the roof
ST and D Series fireplaces use a direct vent flue system, available in these 2 options
1 Standard 3.6 meter vertical flue
2 Standard horizontal flue system
What is the difference between a Natural Draft and a Direct Vent flue system?
A natural draft flue system draws air into the fire from the room and then vents it out through the flue system
A direct vent flue system (also known as a balanced flue) is room sealed, it draws it's combustion air from outside the building.
Does a room that a fire is in need to be vented to allow for makeup air for the fire?
The IB Series fireplaces do while the ST and D Series fireplaces do not.
Do the outdoor fireplaces require a flue?
The EF5000 outdoor gas fireplace is flue-less and the EW5000 outdoor wood fireplace requires a flue with a minimum height of 3.6m.
D Series
What is unique about the D Series Fireplaces?
The DL850 and the DX1500 are high efficiency fireplaces with new generation technology and extremely flexible direct vent fluing.
This results in Extra Kw, more stars, more intelligence, web and phone switch, variety of fuel beds.
The DX fireplaces use a unique ducting system that allows heat from the fireplace to be distributed around the house.
If I can’t use a cable to connect the fireplace to the internet , what options do I have?
Escea Agents can sell you a WIFI unit as an optional extra.
Can the DX1500 be recessed further into the wall or must it be installed flush?
Yes, as long as the ‘window cutout’ in the wall remains as per the installation instructions – 1562mm x 362mm.
Can the DX1500 TV or mantle be lowered below 800mm?
Yes, to 600mm from the base of the fire as long as there is adequate framing in place to support them.
Can you buy your own ducting kit?
Yes the DX1500 ducting is based around industry standard duct.
What is the airflow of the duct fan on the DX1500 or DX1000 fireplaces?
The duct fan has a variable speed from 0 to 960 m3/h
What choice do I have for room air ducts.
A plumbers merchant will be able to offer a large variety of ducts
Is it suitable to have the flue built in entirely?
For a vertical flue it is necessary to have access to the PowerFlue unit. For flues finishing on an external wall access to the power flue unit is from outside.
Does the remote come with a timer?
Yes
Does a room need to be vented to the outside allow makeup air (for air used in combustion) for the DX1500?
No the D series fires bring air for combustion from outside the building.
Can the DX1500 be vented into a bedroom?
No
What type of fan does a DX1500 use – is it noisy?
The DX1500 uses two fans - neither of which are in the room with the fireplace som there is minimal fan noise.
Flue fan - The flue fan removes the burnt gas from the fireplace and at the same time draws fresh air from outside the house for combustion in the fire. This allows much greater control of the combustion process and therefore greater efficiency levels. This fan is mounted away from the fireplace to minimise noise.
The Room Air Duct Fan - The room air fan is an inline duct fan. The recommended installation is that this fan should be either in the ceiling cavity or under the floor. This means any noise generated by the fan is away from the living areas. It also allows for vibration free mounting and sound proofing. To further minimise noise we have deliberately used a high capacity duct fan which traditionally only runs at about 20% of its capacity. The fan is infinitely variable speed which also helps keep noise to a minimum.
With no fans in the same room as the fire this fireplace is considerably quieter than most other (fan assisted) fireplaces on the market.
How much air will it deliver per outlet?
The room fans nominal rating is 300 l/sec this equates to baout 30l per second split amoung all ducts
How much clearance from the flue or timber do I need?
The flue system for the DX is zero rated, so no spaces are required between the flue and any timber framing.
What is the Warranty on this fire?
2 year Warranty, 1st year covers ‘parts and labour’ , when goes onto 2nd year ‘ parts only’.
Does the wall surface above the fire have to be non-combustible?
No, it can be normal plaster board, it does not need to be non-combustible.
What is the gas input for the DX 1500?
42Mj/hr at Max Output
What is the gas connection on the appliance?
½ male BSP. On lower right of the appliance. Access is through the bottom of the firebox.
Where should the power supply be located?
Within 1.0 metre of the bottom right of the appliance.
Can the fire be used if the remote is lost or broken?
Yes, the DX 1500 has an auxiliary (manual On/Off) switch
Do I need to get a permit to install the fire?
No, on completion of the installation the installer must issue an Energy Work Certificate (NZ) or a Certificate of Compliance (Aus)
Can the double sided option be used on an internal / external wall?
No, it is only suitable for internal walls.However an interior/exterior effect can be achieved by installing the fire up to a window in the outside wall. Minimum clearence frorm the fireplace to the window is 100mm.
In the event of a Power cut can the appliance be used?
No.
What are the dimensions of the flue wall terminal?
373mm x 373mm. It sits proud of the wall by 63mm.
What is the maximum height of the vertical flue when terminating above a roof?
It must be less than 10 metres.
What is the minimum clearance for a wall terminal below a soffit, balconies and other projections?
200mm.
Where is the appliance thermostat?
The appliance remote contains the thermostat. It senses the room temperature and communicates back to the heater via radio frequency. The supplied wall mount should always be used. The location of this cradle should take into account; access for the user, away from drafts, away from direct sun and ideally 1.2m to 1.5m from the floor.
Q: Is it usual to for the fire to smell.
Yes, the first few times the fire is operated, the appliance might release an odour and the flames will appear orange. This is caused by the curing of the paint on the firebox. This is a temporary curing process which will disappear with use.
Is it normal when the glass fogs up after lighting the fire from cold.
Yes, the condensation will disappear within a few minutes after the glass heats up.
What is the maximum inlet pressure allowed upstream from the appliance regulator.
5.0 kPa. (for both NG & LPG).
If the appliance is operated off LPG cylinders with an auto-change regulator do I remove the appliance regulator.
No.
Why does the appliance go to an E2 code when my Gas hot water system is used.
The gas supply has an incorrectly pipe size. The fire is being starved of gas.
DL850
What are the fuel beds available?
Coals, Crystalight, Crystalight & wood, logs.
How many burners does the DL850 have?
Two burners, but the fire still has three heat settings.
Is there a safety screen (mesh) available for the DL?
Yes
Does a room need to be vented to the outside allow makeup air (for air used in combustion) for the DL850?
No the D series fires bring air for combustion from outside the building.
Can the DL850 be installed into a bedroom?
Yes
What is the star rating of the DL850?
4.5 - 4.6 Stars(Depending on flue configeration)
Can you use a wall terminal with the flue system?
Yes
How much clearance from the flue or timber do I need?
The flue system for the DL is zero rated, so no spaces are required between the flue and any timber framing.
What is the Warranty on this fire?
2 year Warranty, 1st year covers ‘ parts and labour’, when goes onto 2nd year ‘parts only’
Does the wall surface above the fire have to be non-combustible?
No, it can be normal plaster board, it does not need to be non-combustible.
What is the gas input for the DL850?
38 Mj/hr on high output
Can the fire be used if the remote is lost or broken?
Yes, the DL has an auxiliary (manual on/Off) switch.
Do I need to get a permit to install the fire?
No, on completion of the installation the installer must issue an Energy Work Certificate (NZ) or a Certificate of Compliance (Aus).
Could a DL850 be installed into an existing masonry cavity?
Depends on the cavity size
In the event of a power cut can the appliance be used?
No
What are the dimensions of the flue wall terminal?
373mm x 373mm. It sits proud of the wall by 63mm.
What is the maximum height of the vertical flue when terminating above a roof
4 metres flexible, then 1.2 m twin skin duravent above the roof penetration.
What is the minimum clearance for a wall terminal below a soffit, balconies and other projections?
200mm
Where is the appliance thermostat?
The appliance remote contains the thermostat. It senses the room temperature and communicates back to the heater via radio frequency. The supplied wall mount should always be used. The location of this cradle should take into account; access for the user, away from drafts, away from direct sun and ideally 1.2m to 1.5m from the floor.
Is it usual for the fire to smell?
Yes, the first few times the fire is operated, the appliance might release an odour and the flames will appear orange. This is caused by the curing of the paint on the firebox. This is a temporary curing process which will disappear with use.
Is it normal when the glass fogs up after lighting the fire from cold?
Yes, the condensation will disappear within a few minutes after the glass heats up.
What is the maximum inlet pressure allowed upstream from the appliance regulator?
5.0 kPa (for both NG and LPG)
If the appliance is operated off LPG cylinders with an auto-change regulator do I remove the appliance regulator?
No.
Why does the appliance go to an E2 code when my Gas hot water system is used?
A: the gas supply has an incorrectly pipe size. The fire is being starved of gas.
What is the Smart Heat Control system?
The Smart Heat system controlls the whole fireplace. It also allows the fireplace to connect to the internet via a cable. Users can then turn on their fireplace from any location via a secure web screen including a free downloadable app for smartphone users.
IB Series
Do Escea fireplaces come with a zero clearance rating?
Yes all Escea fires are zero rated however the IB series fires requires a zero clearance kit in most installations unless you are installing into a full masonry chimney.
How low can an Escea fireplace be installed so that it does not require a hearth?
As long as the cavity for the fire is 100mm off the floor then you are not required to have a hearth
How many fascia options does Escea's IB series provide?
There are 3 styles of fascia available:
Velo (Bevelled) in 3 or 4 sided
Quadrato (Squared) in 4 sided only
Rado (Inset) which can be recessed into the wall to create a flush surface
How many colours are available?
The IB series are in available in 3 colours
Metallic Silver
Satin Black
Florentine Bronze (Velo only)
How many fuel beds options are there?
There are 4 fuel bed options for the IB Series:
White coals
Black coals
Ceramic Logs
New Zealand River Rock
Does Escea offer a safety screen for the IB Series?
Yes we offer a mesh screen for our IB850 & IB1100 series Velo fascias, we call this a deflector screen which protects little hands from touching the hot glass.
Does the remote come with a timer?
The IB series fireplaces have timer options available that let you set the fire to come on and off twice a day; an example is turning the fireplace on before you get up and off when you leave for work and back on before you get home and off when you go to bed.
The wall I would like to install the fireplace in is not deep enough what are my options?
There is a Free Standing Wall Unit for the IB850 or you can make a chimney breast out of timber to install the fireplace into.
Can I can enjoy the flames and ambience even once the room temperature has been reached?
By default Escea gas fireplaces continue running at their lowest setting when the “Room” temperature has reached the “Set” temperature.
However there is an option you can program into your remote that will have it shut off when the temperature in the room reaches the temperature set on the remote.
I.Con (IB series only)
How can I obtain i.con. remote switching for my fireplace?
i.con. online and text capability is an optional extra for the IB600, IB850 and the IB1100. The recommended retail is $395 and can be obtained through your dealer who supplied you with the fireplace, or any dealer listed on our website under the Sales and Service tab.
Will i.con. work anywhere?
Because it works on the cellular pager network you do not need to allow for a land line to the fire, however pager coverage will be necessary.
How do you operate the i.con function?
For phone activation:
Customers are given two phone numbers (one will turn the fire ON and the other will turn it OFF)
Online activation:
Log into the website (link located on i.con. product page) from there you can turn your fireplace ON or OFF instantly or set a time for it to be turned ON or OFF.
When the gas fire receives the ON or OFF signal it will utilise the thermostat and heat the room to the last temperature that was set on the wireless remote control.
What primarily is the difference between your IB and ST series indoor fires?
The IB series fireplaces are a high output, fan assisted units that are used as a primary heat source heating an area of 100 square meters from 10 – 20 degrees in just 20 – 30 minutes.
The ST series fireplaces are used for ambience or a secondary heat source capable of heating around 30 square meters.
For larger areas the ST’s should be used in conjunction with other types of heating; heat pumps or under floor heating etc
ST Series
How many fascia options are available?
There are 3 fascia types available for the ST900 in various colours
Ferro
Stainless Steel
Powder coated options:
Florentine Bronze
Satin Black
Antique Steel
Suede Cream
Verta
Stainless Steel with Ancient Kauri inserts
Stainless Steel with Travertine inserts
Stainless Steel with Granite inserts
Molaris
Travertine
Granite
There is one type of fascia option available for the ST500 in a variety of colours
Ferro
Stainless Steel
Satin Black
Suede Cream
Antique Steel
Florentine Bronze
How many fuel beds are available?
There are 4 fuel beds available for the ST Series
Black coals
White coals
White stone and Driftwood
New Zealand River Rock
Royal Blue Crystalight (ST900 only)
Black Crystalight (ST900 only)
Transparent Crystalight (ST900 only)
Can the ST Series run if there is a power failure?
Yes the ST series fires have an inexpensive battery backup option available.
Can the ST Series fireplaces be installed into a bedroom or office space?
The ST series are ideal for installation in bedrooms as they are low heat output and no venting is required.
I don't have much space in my living room but would love an Escea gas fireplace what can I do?
The ST500 can be installed in the corner of the room due to the short depth in the firebox. Click here for Manuals & Technical
EF5000 (gas) & EW5000 (wood) Outdoor Fireplaces
Are the outdoor fireplaces weather proofed?
Yes, they are made of quality stainless steel with the internal materials being #304 grade and the Fascia is an architectural grade stainless steel.
I do not have a wall outside to install an outdoor fireplace in, what are my options?
Escea provide an Kitset Enclosure suitable for the EF5000 and EW5000 which is a metal frame that you are able to clad with materials to match your decor
What fascia options are there for your outdoor fires?
Stainless steel
Satin Black (EF5000 only)
Frameless (EW5000 only)
Stainless Steel with Stone Inlay (EF5000 only)
This consists of two horizontal stone panels that slip in to the top and bottom of the fascia
Escea offer Granite and Travertine panels but the user is free to source their own if the prefer
Installing an Escea fireplace
Can all fascias be mounted flush to the floor?
Only the IB series Inset and 3 sided bevelled fascia.
Can a TV be mounted above Escea fires?
Yes; Escea recommend that the the TV is recessed into the wall so that the screen is rebated back 50mm and that the TV cavity is 550mm above the fire fascia.
Can the TV be mounted on the wall or lower than 550mm?
Yes, on the IB series only, however in both instances Escea recommend the use of a mantle
A combustible mantle may be fitted a minimum of 200mm above the fascia and must not protrude beyond 100mm alternatively a 150mm combustible mantle may be fitted 300mm above the fascia
General
Is it possible to purchase a fireplace directly from Escea?
No, Escea does not sell direct. Please click on "Sales and Services" to find a list of dealers in your area.
I am concerned about finger marks showing up on my fascia what can I do to prevent this?
When the gas fitter installs an Escea gas fireplace they get supplied with cotton gloves to put the fascia on and a sachet of Hillmark’s SteelKleen Ezi Wipes which they use to wipe the entire fascia this not only cleans the fascia but it puts a film over which protects the fascia. We recommend Hillmark’s SteelKleen Ezi wipes which can be used if finger marks are a problem. There is no need to touch the fascia at any time unless a service technician is carrying out a service in which they should wear gloves. The trick is to wipe the entire fascia down in long clean strokes when the fire is cold. Hillmark’s Steel Kleen Ezi wipes are available for purchase from Countdown, New World, Pak N Save and other leading supermarkets and hardware stores.
I am interested in a double sided fireplace, is this part of the Escea model range?
Escea offer the DX1500 in both single and double sided depending on your needs. The technology used on the DX1500 is breakthrough in the fact that it is extremely efficient compared to other double sided fireplaces on the market. The DX1500 has been awarded a 5 Star Rating and produces 10.4kW of heat output making it an efficient choice for your home.
