Outdoor fire features are long-term architectural installations.
The ignition system you choose affects convenience, safety integration, environmental durability, and overall user experience.
This guide explains the ignition systems offered by The Outdoor Plus and helps you select the right system for your installation.
• How the fire is lit
• Whether electrical power is required
• Whether the system monitors the flame
• How the system responds if wind or weather extinguishes the fire
• Whether automation, remotes, or timers can be added
• Safety redundancy
• Code compliance
• Budget
Choosing the correct system ensures safety, convenience, and long-term reliability.
| Ignition System | Power Required | Flame Monitoring | Automatic Gas Shutoff | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match Lit (standard) | None | No | No | Basic installations. Residential only. Manual key valve. |
| Match Lit + Flame Sense | None | Yes | No | Safety without electricity. Wind exposure. Residential & Commercial. Poolside ready. Integrated key valve. |
| Spark Glow (Push Button Spark) | AAA Battery | No | No | Convenience without matches. Residential & Commercial. Poolside ready. Manual key valve. |
| Fire Glow (Spark + Flame Sense) | AAA Battery | Yes | No | Manual convenience with added safety. Residential & Commercial. Poolside ready. Integrated key valve. |
| Flame Sense Spark Ignition | AAA battery | Yes | Yes | Residential & Commercial. Poolside ready. Integrated key valve. |
| Low Voltage Electronic | 12 volt | Yes | Yes | Modern patio builds with accessible water. (Pools and fire & water bowls) Residential & Commercial. Integrated key valve. |
| Plug & Play | 110 volt | Yes | Yes | Modern patio builds with accessible power. Residential & Commercial. Integrated key valve. |
These systems operate mechanically or on battery power and do not require electrical wiring.
These systems connect to 12V or 110V power and provide automated ignition and flame monitoring.
The simplest and most traditional ignition system.
How it works:
Gas flows when the key valve is opened. Flame is introduced manually using a lighter or match.
Best For:
• Budget-conscious installations
• Areas without electrical access
• Owners comfortable with manual lighting
Advantages:
• No electricity required
• Minimal components
• Easy servicing
• Most cost-effective
Considerations:
• No automatic flame sensing
• Requires manual shutoff
• Not ideal for high-wind locations
An upgraded manual system with automatic gas shutoff.
How it works:
A thermocouple detects flame presence. If flame is extinguished, gas flow stops automatically.
Best For:
• Wind-prone areas
• Residential installations seeking added safety
• Installations without electrical access
Advantages:
• No electricity required
• Automatic safety shutoff
• Greater peace of mind
Considerations:
• Still manually lit
• Slightly more components than standard match lit
Manual ignition with built-in spark generator.
How it works:
Gas flows via valve. Push-button creates spark to ignite flame.
Best For:
• Users wanting convenience without electrical wiring
• Backyard installations
Advantages:
• No match required
• Simple battery-powered spark
• Easy operation
Considerations:
• No flame sensing
• Battery maintenance required
Fire Glow provides convenient ignition with a visible pilot flame.
How it works:
A small standing pilot flame remains lit and allows the main burner to ignite quickly when the gas valve is opened.
Best For:
• Installations where quick ignition is desired
• Residential settings with frequent use
Advantages:
• Quick and consistent ignition
• Simple operation
• No electronic components required
Considerations:
• Pilot flame consumes a small amount of gas continuously
• Requires periodic inspection of pilot assembly
A spark-ignited system that also includes flame monitoring for safety.
How it works:
A spark ignites the burner when the system is activated. A flame sensing component monitors the burner flame and automatically shuts off the gas supply if the flame is extinguished.
Best For:
• Installations where added safety is desired
• Residential installations with moderate wind exposure
Advantages:
• Spark ignition convenience
• Automatic flame failure protection
• Does not require continuous pilot flame
Considerations:
• Requires battery or ignition module maintenance
• Slightly more complex than basic spark systems
Designed specifically for fire-and-water combination features.
How it works:
Sealed ignition system resistant to moisture exposure. Uses a 12V low-voltage power supply.
Best For:
• Fire & water bowls
• Fire tables with scuppers
• Installations near pools
Advantages:
• Moisture-rated design
• Automatic ignition and monitoring
• Safe low-voltage operation
Considerations:
• Requires transformer
• Requires professional installation
Direct AC-powered electronic ignition.
How it works:
Connects to standard household 110V power and provides automatic spark and monitoring.
Best For:
• Permanent residential installations
• Home builds with planned electrical routing
Advantages:
• Reliable ignition
• Automatic shutoff
• Consistent performance
Considerations:
• Requires licensed electrical installation
• Weatherproof housing required
Choose Match Lit If:
• You want simplicity
• You have no access to power
• You prefer minimal components
Choose Flame Sense If:
• You want manual simplicity with added safety
Choose Electronic Ignition If:
• You want push-button convenience
• You prefer automatic shutoff
• You want integration with switches or automation
Choose CSA Certified If:
• It’s a commercial installation
• Your municipality requires certification
Choose Low Voltage Water-Rated If:
• Your fire feature includes water elements
In colder climates:
• Electronic systems should be properly weather-protected
• Drainage must be designed correctly
• Transformers should be installed in dry locations
• Wind exposure may favor flame-sensing systems
Compatibility varies by ignition type and installation configuration. If you are planning automation integration, consult Fire Goddess prior to ordering to confirm system compatibility.
Yes. Electronic systems monitor flames and attempt to re-ignite if extinguished.
Only the Flame Sense version provides automatic shutoff..
No. Match Lit and Flame Sense systems do not require power.
Not easily. It is best to choose correctly at the time of purchase.
Ignition selection depends on:
• Access to electrical power
• Installation environment (dry vs near water)
• Desired level of automation
• Burner capacity
• Local code requirements
If you are uncertain which system is appropriate for your project, contact Fire Goddess before ordering. We are happy to assist.
Visit our full Fire Feature FAQ for installation, drainage, materials, and climate guidance.