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A close-up view of a white, 36-inch Tondo gas fire pit from FlameCraft with black lava rock media and an HPC gas fire pit burner.

How to Install Your HPC Burner System

Safely install your new HPC fire pit burner in five simple steps 

Last Updated: September 12, 2023


When it comes to flame size and presentation, heat output, and gas usage, HPC fire pit burners are some of the best models in the industry.  

Available in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any fire pit enclosure, HPC burners provide full, consistent flames and reliable warmth, so you can enjoy comfortable outdoor gatherings in any season.    

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you properly unbox, install, and test your new HPC fire pit burner to ensure it operates safely and efficiently for a lifetime.  

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED  

To properly install your HPC burner system, you'll need to gather a few basic tools, including:

  • Two open-ended wrenches
  • Heavy-duty work gloves
  • Liquid dish detergent
  • A spray bottle

Make sure your fire pit enclosure is installed above-grade on a stable, level surface and allows for proper water drainage.  

Your enclosure should include at least two vents on opposite sides to allow heat and residual fuel to escape, along with an easily accessible gas shutoff valve for emergency shutoff and maintenance.  

Since Natural Gas is lighter than air, it will rise. If you’re using Natural Gas, make sure the vents are placed at the top of the enclosure.  

Propane is heavier than air and will sink to the ground. For Propane configurations, make sure your vents are placed toward the bottom of your fire pit enclosure.  

We also recommend purchasing an installation collar, which can be mortared between the layers of your fire pit enclosure to ensure a secure fit for your burner system.  

STEP 1: UNBOX YOUR BURNER COMPONENTS 

HPC burners are available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and BTU outputs to achieve the flame pattern and comfort level you desire.  

You can also choose from several convenient ignition options, including match-lit, push-button, and electronic.  

HPC Match-Lit and Push-Button Ignition Series 

With HPC’s Match-Lit Series, you’ll receive a burner, a pan, a flexible gas line, a key valve, and an installation manual. 

HPC Electronic Ignition Series 

HPC burners with electronic ignitions come with a burner, a pan, a built-in ignition system blowout box, and a high/low control box. You’ll also receive a flexible gas line, a remote control, an antenna extension cable, and an installation manual.  

wrench icon Pro Tip:

For the HPC EI Series burners, you’ll need a 120-volt power supply in your outdoor space.

STEP 2: ATTACH THE BURNER TO YOUR GAS SUPPLY  

Propane Configurations 

For Propane configurations, you’ll need to purchase a gas regulator hose. HPC burners don’t require an air mixer valve when connected to a Propane gas supply.  

  1. Connect the regulator hose to your Propane tank by hand 
  2. Feed the hose through the designated hole in the bottom of your fire pit 
  3. Connect the hose to your burner system  

Natural Gas Configurations  

For Natural Gas configurations, you’ll need a permanent gas line in your outdoor space. If a gas line is not already installed, you will need to hire a gas professional to install one and hook up your fire pit. 

  1. Feed the flexible gas line from the burner through the designated hole in the bottom of your fire pit 
  2. Attach the flexible gas line to the gas valve 
  3. Connect your gas supply to the gas shutoff valve using the included flexible gas line 
  4. With two open-ended wrenches, tighten your connection points until they are finger-tight 
  5. Make an additional quarter-inch turn with your wrenches to lock the connection points into place 

wrench icon Pro Tip:

You can’t use a standard Propane tank with the HPC EI Series burners. It must be permanently routed to a gas line. If you don’t have a Natural Gas line on your property, you will need to hire a gas professional to install one for you.

STEP 3: TEST YOUR BURNER  

Once your burner system is installed and connected to your gas supply, you'll need to test-light it and inspect your connection points for gas leaks.  

Inspect your Natural Gas line for cracks, holes, or other damage that could cause a gas leak. If you notice any signs of deterioration, you’ll need to hire a gas professional to replace your gas line before you can use your fire pit again.  

To test for gas leaks: 

  1. Mix a simple solution of water and liquid dish soap in a spray bottle 
  2. With the valve on your fire pit still in the OFF position, slowly open the valve on your Propane tank or Natural Gas supply 
  3. Spray the solution over the connection points and flexible gas line and watch for bubbles, which could indicate a gas leak 
  4. If a leak is detected, immediately shut off your gas supply and wait 5 minutes to allow the gas to dissipate 
  5. Fix any leaks before attempting to light your fire pit again 

STEP 4: APPLY YOUR FIRE PIT MEDIA  

Wearing a pair of heavy-duty work gloves to protect your hands, scatter the fire pit media of your choice on top of the burner pan and evenly spread it across the burner surface

For lava rock, apply the media only deep enough to cover the burner ring and pan—less than 2 inches above the fire ring. For fire glass media, cover the burner with 1/8-1/4 inch of glass. 

Make sure your fire pit media doesn’t cover the burner orifices or the pilot hood assembly. 

wrench icon Pro Tip:

Please refer to your HPC burner manual for a list of approved fire pit media.

STEP 5: ENJOY EASY OPERATION  

HPC Match-Lit and Push-Button Ignition Series 

  1. Ignite a match or lighter and hold the open flame directly over your burner, with your gas valve and key valve still in the OFF position 
  2. Slowly turn the gas valve to the ON position, which will cause gas to flow through the line to the key valve 
  3. Carefully turn your key valve to the ON position to release the gas to the burner and adjust the flame to your desired height 
  4. To extinguish your fire pit, simply turn the gas valve and key valve to the OFF position

HPC Electronic Ignition Series 

  1. Turn ON the electronic device you're using as your power supply 
  2. Within 10 seconds of switching the power on, the pilot flame should be visible (at night) 
  3. Within 10 seconds of the pilot flame ignition, the burner should ignite 

Burners with electronic ignitions will include a hand-held remote control, offering quick, user-friendly control from anywhere in your outdoor space. With the remote, you’ll be able to adjust the flame height and heat output to accurately set the mood for any occasion.  

HPC’s electronic ignitions also feature innovative Bluetooth technology, so you can connect your fire pit to a smart device or home automation system, like Google Nest or Amazon’s Alexa, and operate it with an app or voice control.  

INSTALL YOUR HPC BURNER WITH AN APP  

Take all the guesswork out of installing your new burner system with the BILT app, which offers detailed, easy-to-understand instructions for all HPC burner models.  

Offered for both iOS and Android devices, BILT is the industry’s first 3D interactive installation and troubleshooting software. It allows you to view full-color, 3D renderings of your product to ensure you know exactly how to assemble it.  

Through the app, users can access a full selection of troubleshooting tips for common issues, allowing for a simpler diagnosis and repair. It will also identify any special tools or parts you’ll need to fix your HPC product.  

Additionally, BILT stores important information about your products, such as the model number, serial number, and purchase date, ensuring warranty protection.  

To use the BILT app, type in the name of your HPC product in the search bar and click on the appropriate result. You’ll be directed to a detailed product page that highlights the amount of time it will take to complete your project, each step of the installation process, and a list of components or tools you’ll need to get the job done.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP  

Need some help finding and installing the right burner for your fire pit? We're here for you! Call our team of NFI certified experts today at 800.919.1904

MORE RESOURCES:  

Find out what a fire pit burner is, how it works, and how to determine the best size for your fire pit. 

Looking for a one-of-a-kind fire feature with a powerful heat output? Meet our exclusive FlameCraft Quadro Gas Fire Pit!  

Use our in-depth maintenance guide to keep your gas fire pit operating safely and efficiently for many seasons to come.