Potential Fire Hazard on Greystone Fireplace

**PeterandDianne** · 12-06-2018, 08:12 AM

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We have a Greystone electric fireplace in our Reflection 337, model WF2613R. A couple of days ago we turned on the fireplace and a few minutes later, smoke was billowing out of the fan assembly and I could also see sparking behind the coils in the assembly. I think we were fortunate not to have a major fire. I have contacted GD to make them aware of the potential problem. I also have been in contact with the distributor for Greystone to make them aware of a possible problem. Heads Up! Don’t run your fireplace unless you are in the immediate vicinity and know what to do when something like that happens as it did to us.

**gbkims** · 12-06-2018, 07:01 PM

Maybe that quick disconnect terminal had a weak/loose grip causing overheating.

**PeterandDianne** · 12-06-2018, 08:13 PM

I should point out, that the fan and heater elements still work with no problem. The terminal was tight. What I did notice is that the power wire itself was glowing from overheating.

**Canyonlight** · 12-07-2018, 06:34 AM

That's a little unnerving. Good thing you were there when it occurred. This is the first report on the forum of this particular issue as I recall. Please share any feedback you get from GDRV or Greystone, if you would be so kind.

Dan

**huntr70** · 12-07-2018, 09:49 AM

I had that happen as well. Same Greystone fireplace.

The wires actually melted through on mine.

I believe the problem is the push on terminals. My plan is to replace the wires that burnt, and actually solder the wires directly to the connector instead of using push on terminals (the wire that melted was the hot wire and was connected to a dual spade fitting terminal).

**TucsonJim** · 12-07-2018, 10:10 AM

Since there are now two reported incidents with similar failures, I've notified GDRV management of the trend.

Jim

**EStahley** · 12-07-2018, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by TucsonJim

Since there are now two reported incidents with similar failures, I've notified GDRV management of the trend.

Jim

Thank you Jim. If you have experienced a concern with your greystone fireplace we would urge you to reach out to our support team immediately so we can document this and start researching on our end.

You can call us at 574-825-9679 Monday thru Friday 8-5 eastern time.

Be sure to have your VIN ready so we can properly document.

Thank you and we apologize for the concerns you have seen.

Emily

**gbkims** · 12-07-2018, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by huntr70

I had that happen as well. Same Greystone fireplace.

The wires actually melted through on mine.

I believe the problem is the push on terminals. My plan is to replace the wires that burnt, and actually solder the wires directly to the connector instead of using push on terminals (the wire that melted was the hot wire and was connected to a dual spade fitting terminal).

I know some of the QC terminals have looser grip than some name brand like Sta-Kon/Molex/3M Scotchlock, so that's why I wondered about it.
I'd still want a crimp connection along with the solder.

Copper wire glow/incandescent and melting point of a poor connection would be higher than solder's melting point.
Lead free solder melts ~188°C / 370°F
Copper glows ~800°C to 900°C
Copper melts ~1083°C / 1981°F

**huntr70** · 12-07-2018, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by gbkims

I know some of the QC terminals have looser grip than some name brand like Sta-Kon/Molex/3M Scotchlock, so that's why I wondered about it.
I'd still want a crimp connection along with the solder.

Copper wire glow/incandescent and melting point of a poor connection would be higher than solder's melting point.
Lead free solder melts ~188°C / 370°F
Copper glows ~800°C to 900°C
Copper melts ~1083°C / 1981°F

Good call.

I have to rethink how I'm going to put it back together. The heater and blower still work after bench testing (the heaters do have high temp limiters to shut them off at a certain degree), so I just need to spend the time to clean it up and rewire it.

**Cate&Rob** · 12-07-2018, 01:22 PM

PeterandDianne - Thankyou very much for this “heads up”.
We typically leave our fireplace heater on when we are not home . . . but not any more !!

I have had this fireplace apart before to replace bulbs and align the motor shaft . . . this is not difficult. Tomorrow’s list of things to do now includes disassembly for inspection. I will take pictures and create a “process” for others who may want to do this.

Rob