Firegear Outdoors · Ignition & Hot Rod
Firegear AWS All-Weather Electronic Ignition Installation
AWS is Firegear's top-tier electronic ignition system — a weatherproof control box that wires to a 120V transformer and fires the burner on a switch, timer, or smart-home signal. Plan on 1 to 2 hours for wiring on top of the burner install, and an electrician for the dedicated 120V circuit.
By Rob · Updated November 8, 2026
What you need
- 120V GFCI receptacle within 10 ft of the control box location
- Low-voltage wire (included with the AWS kit)
- Wire strippers + crimping tool
- Weatherproof conduit if routing outdoor wiring
- Permit for the electrical connection per local code
Step by step
Plan the control-box location before running wire
The control box needs to be within the AWS kit's wire reach from the burner (typically 10-15 ft of low-voltage wire included) AND within reach of a 120V GFCI outlet. Service access is critical — plan for how an electrician will reach the box in 5 years with the landscape finished.
Have an electrician set the 120V GFCI circuit
AWS needs a dedicated 120V GFCI circuit for the transformer. The electrician should pull a permit and run the circuit per local code. Document the breaker number at the main panel for future service.
Wire the transformer to the control box
Transformer input side: 120V from the GFCI. Transformer output side: low voltage to the control box. Follow the wiring diagram in the AWS installation manual exactly — reversing polarity on the transformer will damage the control box.
Connect the control box to the burner's ignition points
The control box has lead wires for the spark electrode, flame sensor, and gas valve. Each connects to a specific point on the burner. Reference the AWS manual's burner-specific diagram — Pro Series and SS Series burners wire slightly differently.
Test ignition cold, then test again under fuel
First test: with gas OFF, trigger ignition and listen for the spark clicking. Visible spark at the electrode = electrical path is good. Second test: with gas ON, trigger ignition — burner should light within 3 attempts. If no light after 3 attempts, the control box locks out until reset (standard safety behavior).
Common mistakes
- Running the low-voltage wire in the same conduit as 120V. Code violation and a signal-interference hazard. Low-voltage AWS wire runs in a separate conduit from the 120V supply.
- Mounting the control box inside the enclosure. Looks tidier but traps heat and moisture around the electronics. Reduces control-box life from 10+ years to 2-3 and voids warranty.
Hands-on tips
- Buy a spare spark electrode and flame sensor; they're wear items on the AWS system and ship within a few days from Firegear.
- Install a visible on/off switch for the AWS circuit near the fire feature — saves running to the breaker panel for routine on/off.
- If the burner ignites but then drops out, flame sensor is usually the fix (not the control box).
Questions people ask
Can AWS tie into a smart-home system?
Yes, via a low-voltage relay. The AWS trigger is essentially a dry-contact closure, so any smart-home relay (Lutron, Insteon, standard 24V relay) can fire it. Firegear does not sell or support third-party smart-home modules directly, but the interface is standard.
What happens if AWS fails?
The system locks out — gas valve closes, ignition stops. This is a safety feature: AWS will not continue to flow gas into a burner that won't light. Reset by cycling the on/off switch; if the lockout repeats, call Firegear technical support with the error code if your model has a diagnostic display.
Was this guide helpful?
Shopping for Firegear Outdoors?
See Firegear Outdoors products