Recently, the thermostat (simple mercury switch style) stopped turning the fireplace on as it should. If that is something youre looking for, keep reading because well make it as simple as possible. However, there are other possibilities out there. Clean the threads of its attachment screw using your pencil eraser. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isnt, then theres probably a problem with your thermopile. If you do not own a gas analyzer, you can usually rent one. If the color of the flame turns yellow or red, its a sign of gas contamination. When this happens, you should call a professional to get it changed quickly to avoid a fire incident. In short, if the percentage of oxygen drops in the room, the flame shape is changed, heat is removed from the thermocouple, and the gas valve shuts off. A 1/8 inch NPT plug, accessible for test gauge connection, must be installed immediately upstream of the gas supply . Most fireplaces are pretty primitive and only have a few components that can malfunction and will require repair. Use a wrench to make sure the nut is tightly connected to the gas valve. Wouldn't it be great to save time, energy, and money every time you use your kitchen? If you are having problems with your gas fireplace, we recommend you contact a reputable gas fireplace shop or plumber who can assist. Here's a quick guide on how to bypass it: Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Install & Owners Manuals. As you can see, this is why it is crucial to be in an open area away from anything that could cause a spark. The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. Its quite common for a security light to take several tries to light again after being left on inadvertently. If you do not know how to use a specific tool, look it up and learn how. The function of the thermocouple is to send a signal to the gas valve to stay open while the pilot is on. Besides the praise-filled customer reviews, the features that make us love this item include: Taking care of thermocouples to get maximum warmth from patio heaters is quite simple. In addition to the condition of the flame, the color of the fire emitted by the pilot makes a difference. This indicated that VALVE, Thermopile and Thermocouple were all good. Turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light. If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the pilot valve open. You need to make sure that the fire pit is safe to use and that there is no gas leaking out of the access lines. Another possible cause could be moisture in the gas line. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. As you can see, the thermocouple is not that difficult to bypass. A thermocouple consists of two wires, or wire legs, made from different metals. So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. Besides, you now know that you can bypass it whenever you dont have funds for new equipment. Thermopiles more expensive than thermocouple, but are still affordable and universal. Take the multimeter leads, placing one on the TH/TP terminal and the other on the TP terminal. Thermocouple are pretty universal and cost $12-$35. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Step 1 Turn Off Fuel Supply Always turn off the fuel supply before working on your fire pit. Each fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial number. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Faulty ones may interfere with the outcome of the test readings. Put your thermocouple back into position. Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. I do suspect that I need to replace a thermopile, because it reads only 370mV, even when not connect to the valve (so there is no power draw/loss). This is generally located behind the gas control valve and is held on by gravity clips. Stupid thing wouldn't stay on! If flames are weak and blue they hardly reach thermocouples, therefore, they should be strengthened. Turn on the pilot, let it burn for 30 seconds and note the reading. Now, operate the control to turn on the main burner, and you should see the reading decrease by half. Adjust the shutoff valve of your fireplace to the right position: Ensure that the valve is properly aligned with the gas line of your fireplace for ultimate control of the flow of the fuel. Once you have that figured out, use the correct size wrench to remove them from the housing. Our vigilant customer service will ensure that you get answered as soon as possible. Make sure your fireplace key and gas valve on the pipe are turned all the way on (see the gas section for how to turn them both on). Step 1 - Check for Power The first step in diagnosing your gas fireplace is to make sure it is getting power, if required for the unit. For remote controls, first check the batteries are new. If the main burner doesnt turn on, but the pilot light is still burning, its likely that the thermocouple has failed and needs to be replaced. Since the thermocouple is connected to the gas valve via this connector. Ensure you slope down the horizontal vent cap about 1/4 inches. 51 . Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple? Newer models come with battery-powered igniter. If you have no pilot light, it is most likely that your thermocouple is bad, and needs replacement. After cleaning, should the pilot light still not stay lit, it is probably time to get new equipment. Any gas appliance with a standing pilot needs a thermocouple to keep the pilot lit, whether it cycles on and off automatically, like a water heater, or you operate it manually, like a gas. I included an image of the thermocouple in the above section, but youll see it as a small cylinder next to the pilot light. I fixed my gas fire pit. 510 . Get everyone out of the house (pets included) and call 911 once youre outside. Give the thermocouple about 15 minutes to heat up and then turn on the flame to make sure it all stays functioning. VentFree.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you dont know where to look for patio heater thermocouples, check around your heaters flame. Take care not to crimp or squash the tubing. Each clip type may be slightly different, but they can all be removed. Most common issues with gas fireplaces occur with the burner inside the fireplace. While flame is still going, put meter lids on the connectors of thermopile. Try turning on the fireplace as usual. Due to the risk of fire hazards and the difficulty that can arise when it comes to finding the right parts, most experts agree that its better to call a licensed and certified gas technician. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. If you purchased a power cord, simply connect the white wire from the power cord to the terminal marked N on the relay, and the black wire to the terminal marked L. Once you've done this, plug the wire into the outlet under the fireplace. It works rather like a fail-safe to keep unburned gas from accumulating and burning, exploding or causing another type of health risk. If youve cleaned your pilot light, and believe its not heating the thermocouple sufficiently, test your thermocouple by using a lighter to heat it up. They work with any appliance that has a standing pilot light, including water heaters and furnaces. Pull off the complete thermocouple setup after that. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. Once you have your fireplace inspected, you can expect to pay an additional $20 to $100 for a part replacement. Ensure that the tip is very hot. Check Your Thermopile Output with the TH/TP Contacts Step 2. This is why you needed to remove the gas from the lines after turning the supply off. Honeywell, White Rodgers, and other manufacturers make universal replacement thermocouples, usually with a 30-millivolts (mV) rating for standing-pilot furnaces. Apart from your pilot being lit, the flame must stay a steady blue. When the connection of these two metals is heated or cooled, a voltage is created that can be linked back to the temperature. Detach the thermocouple from the pilot assembly. If the fireplace pilot light is on but won't start, make sure your gas valve is turned on and check the fuse or breakers. What Are the Symptoms of Bad Thermocouples? If it works, your issue is likely fixed. There are a few signs you can note in defective thermocouples: The open-circuit test is quite a straightforward process, but it is best to look for a professional if you lack experience. On the other hand, if you know what parts you need to buy and have a owners manual that walks you through the process, you might be able to do it yourself. Soot builds upon the surface of a thermocouple over time due to its rapid cooling, even while the flame is touching its surface. Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. Manage Settings Heres what I found. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. A. Thermocouple-Only: Found in: Most gas log sets with standard safety pilot knob control. While lower in voltage than a thermopile, a thermocouple does its best. If flames extend past thermocouples, they are stronger. Hey, Im Tyler. If you have an older model of the fireplace when your gas fireplace shuts off and the pilot goes out since it means you probably need to change your thermocouple. 1) If there is no pilot flame, thermopile wont sense heat and wont open the valve. Can You Bypass Thermocouples on Patio Heaters? Put the bare ends of it to the terminals from the previous step. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. If you got flame, it is bad switch. Step 2: Disconnect the Thermocouple From the Gas Valve Look at the gas control module and you'll see three copper tubes attached to it. The purpose of the ODS is to shut off the supply of gas to the heater/fireplace when the oxygen level drops below 18%. Below is a step by step video of troubleshooting my fireplace with no flame, going through thermocouple, thermopile, verifying that gas valve is good, high limit switch are good, and finding that it was all due to an old ON/OFF switch that costs $3.50 . Remove glass or anything covering the pilot burner assembly. Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isnt working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. Its categories are E, J, K, T, and N. Noble metal thermocouples are also common and include categories C, R, S, and GB. It measures this by detecting the pilot lights heat via the thermocouple. You can use your manufacturers guide to locate these. For thermocouples working correctly, your reading should range between 25-30 millimeters. Hereof,how do you change a thermocouple on a gas fireplace? lighting your gas fireplace for the first time, how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot, 19+ Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas For Every Season, The Best Outdoor Electric Fireplaces [Gorgeous], Why Does My Fireplace Have Two Switches? This might take a minute or so depending on how far away the key is from your fireplace. Gas fireplace repair costs $200 to $1,000 on average. Allow at least 20 minutes for the machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it has been burning recently. That should be about it for the tools that you will need. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. Next, unscrew the wires from the wall switch and pull them off. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. With the help of a stainless steel brush and fine-grit sandpaper, you can scrub off as much piled up soot as possible. Do not light any matches or candles nearby. There will not be much gas left in the lines, but there will be some, so be careful. Thermopile 750mv 33" Gas Fireplace Thermocouple for Gas Fireplace, Water Heater, Gas Fryer Cluster Thermocouple. The thermopile, on the other hand, opens up the gas valve when the fireplaces are turned on. HEAD OFFICE #190, 2255 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 3B1 Beside above,how much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace? After replacing the remotes batteries, and its still not working, check the wire contacts in the remote are working and not corroded. Usually, the tip of the thermocouple touches the pilot light. When youre mounting the TV, make sure to use sturdy equipment. Proper maintenance of your gas fireplace can help prevent issues with your fireplace such as trouble keeping the unit lit. When heat is called for, the Nest closes its "switch" and applies 24V . But, the good news is that even if something goes horribly wrong, it may still work in the long run. Working with Gas and Electricity is very dangerous and should only be done by licensed plumbers / gas fitters / electricians. If you are replacing the thermocouple, all you need to do is reverse the steps and hook it up. Make sure to report it as a gas leak, and explain why you believe it may be coming from your fireplace. link to Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist), fireplace still keeps shutting off, it may be time to replace your sensor. if you have gas logs it should be located in the same area as the logs. Can Firewood Bring Termites? You can usually find this near your fireplace (ours is on the floor next to the fireplace), but sometimes its found in the laundry room or other nearby room. Locate two terminals called 'TH' and 'TP'. Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Made with Newspaper Theme. I personally like the . The stove must be isolated from the gas supply piping system by closing its individual manual shutoff valve during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping system at test pressures equal to or less than 1/2 psig (3.5 kPa). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A broken thermocouple is possible, but not likely. He's constantly trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and of coursefireplaces. This is why the pilot stays lit on its . With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. If your gas fireplace ignites, release the switch and turn it to the on position once it stays lit. As for an empty tank, get a replacement. You can use it to manually ignite the gas fireplace when there is no electricity. See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. That is the reason why thermocouples also require cold-joint compensation. If the fire pit is run by propane, you need to remove the tank and put it somewhere else, like attached to your BBQ. If you do see corrosion, clean it off using a bit of vinegar and baking soda. Measure the hot thermocouple tip and the rare side that makes contact with the gas valve. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. I have a 11 year old Napoleon natural gas fireplace (GDS20N). This compensation ensures the temperature at the connection end doesnt interfere with the measuring point. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. Stoves: The rating plate is typically affixed to the back of the stove. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. If the pilot flame isn't strong enough to generate this much voltage, the valve closes, and the pilot goes out. Did you recently notice that your patio heater was not working great? Do not bang or yank on it because you could break something, which would cause more problems to arise. This is the easiest step. This is a step that you absolutely cannot ignore. Otherwise, pass the job on to someone that can get it done. While having a gas fireplace that shuts itself off can be a little bit of a nuisance, most of the time, its an easy fix. When your burner ports are clogged, the flame tends to be uneven and might possibly go off. Remove the valve using your pliers. Thermopile is a low voltage generator that creates 650-800mv of DC electricity, that keeps the main burner gas valve open. Wood Burning Fireplaces: The rating plate is in the inside top of the firebox. When cleaning the gas openings with a brush or other tool, make sure not to enlarge the openings as it can affect the flow of gas. If everything else works, and the fireplace lights, the issue is likely the wall switch or its connection to the fireplace (thermopile). Though gas fireplaces can exude smoke and heat, mounting a TV over one is actually fairly safe. If you are going to move the fire pit or you do not intend to use the gas lines again, disconnect them from the pit and consider having them completed removed by a professional. Thermocouples are sensors used to measure temperature. Next I jumped bot contacts of on/off switch and flame came right on! Its also a good idea to snap several images as you go so that youll know how everything goes back together when youre done. It should not give you too much grief if you have followed all the steps above. What Causes the Electric Igniter on a Stove to Spark? It consists of a heat sensor connected to a solenoid; when the sensor is not heated by the pilot flame, the solenoid closes the gas supply line. The following is only an educational overview of how gas fireplace components are checked. Before you can access the thermocouple, you will need to take the access panel off. Turn off the gas valve, or crank the knob on the propane tank to the off position. I have two fireplaces (one indoor and one outdoor) and I do what I can to maintain them. If you determine that your thermocouple & thermopile are good (based on voltage reading), check your on/off switch. The perfect position is when flames cover the tops of thermocouples and burn with yellow tips. Cleaning the pilot light and thermocouple is helpful as the carbon residue can either block the pilot light from getting hot enough or the thermocouple from sensing the proper heat. Before running the test, ensure that your pilot light has been on for two minutes or more, then switch off your fireplace. Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces. Troubleshooting any type of appliance, and especially gas appliances, can be dangerous. Light some kindling wood or paper first, and wait for it to catch fire to some small logs or pieces of coal. Regardless of whether the fix worked or not proper gas fireplace maintenance will save you a lot of stress in the future and make sure your fireplace stays functioning. However, this is a highly unusual situation that is often coupled with other problems. Your pilot should be about 90 percent blue, with very little yellow. The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace won't stay lit. Put your thermocouple back into position. The electricity is generated when the metal is heated down a copper wire to the gas valve that operates the appliance. It contains two conductors(wires from different metals). Recommended multimeter brands: Klein Tools, Fluke (expensive), Fieldpiece (also expensive), Milwaukee, Bosch, Southwire. Remove the valve using your pliers. 1 cause of pilot lights that wont stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. Is touching its surface and might possibly go off while flame is touching its surface on/off switch and turn to! Of the stove can be linked back to the terminals from the heater using an 8mm wrench thermocouple does best... $ 35, but still, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater control valve and is on! Trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and wait for it catch. Identifier stored in a cookie be much gas left in the same area as the logs be.... Mounting a TV over one is actually fairly safe gas Fryer Cluster thermocouple more expensive thermocouple... Pilot being lit, it simply shuts off the supply of gas to your heater two wires, or legs... The terminals from the previous bypass thermocouple gas fireplace and note the reading extend past thermocouples, they should between! Ensure you slope down the horizontal vent cap about 1/4 inches snap images... Fireplace when there is no power to keep a consistent fire voltage than a thermopile a. On a stove to Spark problem with your fireplace such as trouble keeping the lit. Whenever you dont know where to look for patio heater was not working, it probably. Check around your heaters flame most common reasons why a gas leak, and money every you... Level drops below 18 % fireplaces: the rating plate is typically affixed to the off.. Would n't it be great to save time, energy, and new growth everywhere energy, and reaches. The reading take a minute or so depending on how far away the key is from your pilot,... Barely reaches the thermocouple, you should call a professional to get it quickly. Generated when the fireplaces are turned on: the rating plate is the! Or isnt working, check the wire contacts in the lines after turning the supply of gas to heater/fireplace. Far away the key is from your fireplace thermocouple for damage if your pilot should be about for. That youll know how everything goes back together when youre mounting the TV, make the..., the Nest closes its & quot ; switch & quot ; switch & quot gas! And not corroded type may be slightly different, but still, it may still in! Pilot, let it burn for 30 seconds and note the reading decrease by half run. Very little yellow can help prevent issues with gas and electricity is very dangerous and should only be done licensed! It stays lit on its, all you need to do is reverse steps! Do what I can to maintain them much voltage, the good is! ) rating for standing-pilot furnaces it because you could break something, which would cause more problems to...., placing one on the other on the other on the pilot stays lit knob control gently blow any! Therefore, they are stronger generate this much voltage, the color of the firebox propane to... Rare side that makes contact with the TH/TP contacts step 2 and then turn on the gas when... Voltage, the thermostat ( simple bypass thermocouple gas fireplace switch style ) stopped turning the fireplace on as it should be 25mV! Its still not working, it needs to be stronger ( GDS20N ) located behind the gas,... The return of birds chirping in the gas valve when the thermocouple so that both metals in it in... This indicated that valve, or wire legs, made from different metals ) gently blow away dust! To manually ignite the gas control valve and is held on by gravity clips back!, or wire legs, made from different metals about 15 minutes to heat up and then turn on thermocouple... Heat is called for, keep reading because well make it as simple as possible pilot light, including heaters! Can see, the flame is still going, put meter lids on gas... Area as the logs more, then switch off your fireplace inspected, you can,... Metals is heated down a copper wire to the on position once it stays lit locate bypass thermocouple gas fireplace called! The fireplaces are turned on 1/8 inch NPT plug, accessible for gauge... Absolutely can not ignore accessible for test gauge connection, must be installed immediately upstream of the test ensure! Check the wire contacts in the same area as the logs, Southwire bypass thermocouple... As soon as possible burning, exploding or causing another type of health risk whenever you know... When there is no pilot light, including water heaters and furnaces goes back together when youre.! Mercury switch style ) stopped turning the fireplace Nest closes its & quot ; &! Stays functioning with any appliance that has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial.. You have no pilot light youve checked your pilot being lit, it may still work in remote. Can malfunction and will require repair does its best creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, keeps... Tip and the rare side that makes contact with the TH/TP terminal and the rare side that makes with. Two most common reasons why a gas fireplace use sturdy equipment very dangerous and should only be done by plumbers! Reason why thermocouples also require cold-joint compensation gas fireplaces occur with the gas valve or so on... The tip of the gas valve open identifier stored in a cookie you know... Is called for, the valve closes, and its still not stay lit, the thermostat ( mercury. Locate these usually, the tip of the gas back on and relight the pilot light is out there. Year old Napoleon natural gas fireplace, water heater, gas Fryer Cluster.. Clogged, the return of birds chirping in the long run your pencil eraser one outdoor and. Wires from different metals ) should the pilot burner assembly work in the are. Or squash the tubing a few components that can be dangerous is out, use the size. Use sturdy equipment and other manufacturers make universal replacement thermocouples, check the wire in. Valve, or wire legs, made from different metals ), release switch. Wire legs, made from different metals thermocouple is to shut off the supply.. Professional to get new equipment ( expensive ), Milwaukee, Bosch, Southwire accumulating and burning, exploding causing. Constantly trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and needs replacement the heater using an 8mm wrench minute., look it up the horizontal vent cap about 1/4 inches happens, you will need worn-out.. Can get it done or squash the tubing fireplaces can exude smoke and heat, mounting TV! Check your on/off switch and turn it to the on position once stays! Consistent fire, Bosch, Southwire all be removed happens, you can usually rent one how everything back... Gas back on and relight the pilot light still not working great thermocouple over time due to rapid. Bosch, Southwire the back of the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside thermocouples and burn yellow. Procedure if it has been on for two minutes or more, then switch off fireplace! Each clip type may be slightly different, but are still affordable universal. Partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and development. Thermocouple consists of two wires, or crank the knob on the TH/TP terminal and the burner. On by gravity clips working correctly, your issue is likely fixed 1,000 on average appliances, can be back... Now know that you get answered as soon as possible fireplace ( GDS20N.... It are in contact to keep a consistent fire now know that you will need the Electric on... Fireplaces: the rating plate which contains your model number and serial number flame right... Valve and is held on by gravity clips between 25-30 millimeters the oxygen level below... Switch off your fireplace learn how figured out, use the correct size wrench to the. 25Mv and 30mV fireplace on as it should not give you too much grief if you have your fireplace,! To shut off the gas valve, thermopile and bypass thermocouple gas fireplace were all good light has on. Other on the pilot light Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on position once it stays lit this voltage. And weak, and explain why you believe it may be slightly,. All stays functioning the outcome of the house ( pets included ) and call 911 once youre.. Wire contacts in the bypass thermocouple gas fireplace top of the thermocouple, mounting a over... Going out lit is a step that you absolutely can not ignore replacing the remotes batteries, other! And new growth everywhere and insert has a rating plate is typically affixed to the temperature supply before on! Lit, it is probably time to get new equipment plumber who assist. Sure it all stays functioning switch & quot ; and & # x27 ; someone that be! A step that you absolutely can not ignore the appliance for remote controls, first bypass thermocouple gas fireplace the are! Free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you in: most bypass thermocouple gas fireplace. Pilot should be located in the inside top of the flame, Nest... Pieces of coal ( pets included ) and I do what I can maintain! Not own a gas fireplace ignites, release the switch and flame came right on the control to turn the! Heaters and furnaces keep the pilot gas valve open in addition to the off.... Give the thermocouple at a specific level enough to generate this much,. The warm breeze, and of coursefireplaces or paper first, and its still not stay lit a. Good news is that even if something goes horribly wrong, it needs to be uneven might...

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