Firegear Outdoors · Installation
Firegear Kalea Bay LED Outdoor Fireplace Installation
The Kalea Bay is a factory-sealed LED-illuminated outdoor fireplace — 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches wide, open-front, with integrated LED accent lighting and a choice of standard or battery-backed electronics. Plan on 3 to 4 hours for the structural set and a licensed installer for the gas and electrical.
By Rob · Updated November 8, 2026
What you need
- Framing hardware per the fireplace's rough-opening dimensions
- Level (48 inch for linear fireplaces)
- Gas pipe-thread sealant
- Adjustable + pipe wrenches
- 120V GFCI electrical supply within reach of the LED transformer
- Permits for gas AND electrical per local code
Kalea Bay Model Codes
- 36" Open Front
- OFP-36LECO-NLED or -PLED
- 48" Open Front
- OFP-48LECO-NLED or -PLED
- 60" Open Front
- OFP-60LECO-NLED or -PLED
- 72" Open Front
- OFP-72LECO-NLED or -PLED
- Electrical
- 120V GFCI for LED transformer + optional battery pack
- Fuel
- Natural gas (N) or propane (P)
- Doc
- Installation manual #20-024 (REV. F)
Step by step
Frame the rough opening to the fireplace's exact spec
Each Kalea Bay size has a specific rough-opening dimension and a required clearance to combustibles. Frame to the exact dimensions in the manual — a 1/4 inch tight on either side means you'll be fighting it into the opening with the finished facade already up.
Set the 120V GFCI outlet in a reachable spot
The LED transformer needs a dedicated 120V GFCI outlet within the enclosure. Battery-pack models still need the outlet for charging. Route the outlet so an electrician can service it without demolition.
Position the fireplace and secure to the frame
Lift the unit into the opening (72" models require 2-3 installers), confirm level in both axes, and fasten per the manual's fastening diagram. Do not use expanding foam or caulk to 'glue' the fireplace in place — thermal expansion will crack the joint.
Connect gas and electrical
Licensed gas installer handles the fuel connection and pressure test (10-15 psi for 15 minutes). Electrician connects the 120V GFCI and LED transformer per the wiring diagram. Both inspections should be scheduled at the same visit.
Finish the facade AFTER commissioning
Do not tile, stucco, or veneer the fireplace facade until you've commissioned it with a full ignition and leak test. Catching a leak after the finished facade is in place is a demolition job.
Common mistakes
- Installing near a wood overhang without clearance verification. The Kalea Bay has a specified clearance to combustibles above the opening. Beam ceilings, wood pergolas, and tongue-and-groove porch ceilings all qualify. Verify the clearance before breaking ground.
- Running battery-pack electronics without the GFCI outlet. The battery pack is for charging and backup — it still needs the GFCI outlet to recharge. A battery-only install without the outlet will work for one season then die.
Hands-on tips
- Pre-order the See-Through Conversion Kit if you plan to use the fireplace as a divider between two outdoor rooms — retrofitting it later means pulling the fireplace.
- Order the matching Kalea Bay Cover at the same time as the fireplace; it ships via different freight and arrives on a different timeline.
- The LED color is a factory setting — document which variant you ordered in case a replacement module is needed down the line.
Questions people ask
Does the Kalea Bay need a chimney?
No. The Kalea Bay is an outdoor open-front gas fireplace — combustion gases vent naturally through the open front. Do not attempt to attach a chimney or cap the open front; this would trap carbon monoxide and the unit would fail inspection.
What's the difference between the LED and Battery options?
The LED option is the standard model with integrated LED accent lighting powered by a 120V transformer inside the enclosure. The Battery option adds a rechargeable battery pack that keeps the LEDs lit during power outages — useful for areas with frequent brownouts or for off-grid installations with intermittent power.
Can I convert a Natural Gas Kalea Bay to Propane?
Yes, via the Kalea Bay Conversion Kit (sold separately). The kit includes propane orifices and a regulator. Conversion must be performed by a qualified installer — DIY conversion voids the warranty and creates a code violation.
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