Is there an easy way to turn on / off a gas fireplace via IR? The fireplace is currently turned on via a toggle light switch - no controls for heat or flames, just basic on/off. Pilot light is always on.

I appreciate your help.

Yes, I would talk to the manuf. of the fireplace or a local fireplace shop to find the proper remote for your fireplace. Be sure to specify you want IR most of the fire remotes I've seen are rf and include a thermostat in the remote.

The Xantech CC-12 will work if it is a low voltage switch.
[Link: xantech.com]

I recently approached the company in Beverly Hills that will be selling two such installations to two of my clients who know each other, and was amazed that they first simply did not care about helping me to figure out how to control this from something other than their wall switch, and the more we talked, the more it seemed that they were actually hostile to the idea. Maybe if they can't just go in, work, get paid, and go away, they think they won't get paid. I don't know.

Fortunately, I already solved this one once. ere's the info:

I learned that a switch closure turns on the gas and opening the switch turns it off.

In that case, the client already had curtains being controlled by an SM Automatic remote. To give that client the option of turning his fireplaces (two) on and off with his drapery remote, I got an SM Automatic module for each fireplace.

This module outputs 110VAC for about a minute after you push a remote button, so I had to get a latching relay, but this has worked beautifully. If you do not find another approach, let me know; I can get the SM Automatic part and remote, and supply you a schematic.

Most gas fireplaces can be operated with an IR remote. It is essentially an add on piece that sits in the corner of the firebox and initiates a contact closure. Fireplaces that operate on the millivolt format can be controlled this way.

What brands have this? I pursued this for both customers and the only remotes they came up with were RF.

Also, how good is an IR sensor sitting in a firebox?

Most gas fireplaces that have a switch to control them are simply activated by a low voltage contact closure. Most of the remote control receivers sit at the bottom of the firebox well away from the burner and the heat. The gas log set needs to be millivolt or remote ready. Most remotes available are RF so you will need to get a remote relay or switch. If there is a power source close by, you can use a Xantech IR controled relay to control a remote ready gas log set

bruce nailed it, gas fireplaces are driven by contact closures. funny that the guy has these fancy fireplaces but can't splurge on a control system like a crestron.

This may also work someone used it to run a fan with his pronto.

[Link: electronickits.com]

Seems to me that the RF option is out for his application as there is no remote out there that will learn RF and the issue is whether or not the present switch light switch used to toggle the low voltage (most likely) on off is fed a constant usable 12 or 24 volts DC. If so, then you could remove the switch and install a relay right in the wall box will a dinky link in the middle of the faceplate. Other wise you will have to pull the whole front off of the fire place and install the power supply near the fireplace control assemble, utilizing the original (hopefully 4 conductor) wire to the switch where you will put the dinky link or other related eye. This is either going to be simple or a real pain in the neck depending on what you have to work with. If the manufacturer of the fireplace has an IR option, you will still have to take the front off the unit. Another option might be to just get a remote controlled thermostat try these guys-- http://www.thermostatshop.com or these guys http://www.smarthome.com/ and just use it as an IR switch.