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 the appliance has a thermocouple, the problem may be a faulty thermocouple. Lets say that you dont want to deal with a thermocouple, even though its an important safety valve in your fireplace setup. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. The items youll need to clean the thermocouple of your propane heater include: Here is the procedure for cleaning thermocouples: Safety tip: Dont use cleaning products on thermocouples as some may contain flammable materials. 5. You can also use a lighter to heat the thermocouple. All Rights Reserved. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. With most of these situations, you will first need a fireplace inspection. Light the pilot and observe the quality and size of the flame. A contractor fixing the thermocouple and the pilot light will usually be able to replace both in one hour, meaning it will be $45 to $150 for both. The glass or screen of your Heat N Glo fireplace will get covered by soots or debris for several reasons. If you skip that step, you will be letting out some gas, which can be a fire hazard or health hazard. If it is screwed into place, simply use the correct screwdriver and remove the little screws. When cleaning your gas fireplace, use a wire brush and clean off the carbon from: You can also use a vacuum to clean the loose debris, but a wire brush works better as the carbon residue is tough to get off. Thermopiles cost $20 $60 for a quality brand name part. Ensure that the tip is very hot. Theres also a chance your thermocouple is working properly, but theres a blockage in the gas openings. ft. of . Its easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Turn on the knob from off to pilot to turn on the gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. Here are steps on how to clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace: Allow at least 20 minutes for the machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it has been burning recently. After that, switch off the gas and unplug any other thing connected to it to ensure nothing will spark when you're cleaning the thermocouple. (Our Experience), 4 Reasons Fireplace Glass Doors Break (& How to Fix It). If you believe there is a serious problem, dont hesitate to contact a professional. A gas fireplace that keeps shutting off is annoying, but its not the end of the world. A DIYer by nature, Deziel regularly shares tips and tricks for a better home and garden at such sites as Family Handyman, Hunker.com, and SFGate Home Guides. If it's yellow or orange, undersized and unsteady, the pilot tube is probably clogged, and it needs to be cleaned. If youdochoose to DIY it, make sure to follow the steps to the letter and keep an eye on other parts while you do it. The most complicated, expensive to buy and/or replace part is the gas valve. If the above steps didnt work for you, heres a slightly different approach that works for many people: For more details on how to test your fireplaces thermopile, check out this post by mygasfireplacerepair.com. Put the bare ends of it to the terminals from the previous step. Some thermocouples can be pulled free, while others require screws to be detached with a screwdriver first. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. Gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability to increase ventilation. Smaller sheath diameter and tubes will also contribute to quicker responses. 99. then you need a resistor in series with the 1.5v battery of value. This is basically the role of the pilot light. 1 cause of pilot lights that wont stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. Remove the valve using your pliers. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. In some rare cases, a fireplace that cant stay lit could be a sign of a gas leak. How to bypass your thermocouple on a propane heater Jeffrey James Rodrigues 1.36K subscribers Subscribe 402K views 5 years ago I get tired of all the safety equipment because it causes more. The Thermocouple and the Thermopile carry out a similar function of converting heat to electricity, but the thermopile generates more electrical current compared to the thermocouple. 2021 tagDiv. It responds to temperature changes by voltage generation. To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. Sometimes, that leads to issues that can make them frustratinglike going out when you want it to stay lit. 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. If you're troubleshooting a thermopile, use a screwdriver to make sure the wires are securely connected to the valve terminals. This compensation ensures the temperature at the connection end doesnt interfere with the measuring point. Set your meter to VOLTS DC, and range to mV (millivolts). 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. The purpose of the ODS is to shut off the supply of gas to the heater/fireplace when the oxygen level drops below 18%. This build-up can very well limit their effectiveness. It is a device used inside a gas furnace in Kansas, to assist the pilot light in keeping your furnace running and safe. If the main burner flame of the fireplace turns on at this . 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. If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the main burner valve open. Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isnt working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. Napoleon F60 On/Off Fireplace Remote Control with Thermostat provides control of gas heating fireplaces with a simple click of a button. Locate the pilot assembly and find the thermocouple. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws on the thermocouple. If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the pilot valve open. Alternatively, use a round object 2-3-inches to bend it. As for an empty tank, get a replacement. More From Doityourself This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. Bad thermocouples or electric ignition can also cause a problem. What makes a thermocouple go bad? You may have to wiggle it a bit before it comes loose. Like the other component parts in your furnace, the thermocouple can wear down over time, producing lower voltage than it should when heated. Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your Do You Need Chimney or Fireplace Cleaning or Inspection? Made with Newspaper Theme. Or fastest delivery Today . However, this may lower the maximum temperature you can attain. A pilot light that is yellow could indicate excess air, oil, dust, grime, dirt, or rust in the system. 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. Stupid thing wouldn't stay on! 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. Mr. Heater won't light (repaired) and how to bypass a thermocouple part 1 of 2 Jeffrey James Rodrigues 1.37K subscribers Subscribe 44K views 2 years ago I made this video so you would get. You might be amazed to find out that the most straightforward fix for this is to light your pilot. Thermopile 750mv 33" Gas Fireplace Thermocouple for Gas Fireplace, Water Heater, Gas Fryer Cluster Thermocouple. The prices can vary greatly depending on the type of fireplace you have as well as the issue that is causing your fireplace to stop lighting. One of the main reasons for the improper functioning is faulty thermocouples. With a thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 seconds to turn on. Video of the Day Step 2 Remove the thermocouple access panel. Its categories are E, J, K, T, and N. Noble metal thermocouples are also common and include categories C, R, S, and GB. My family hasnt used their gas fireplace all summer, so theres a good chance some of the components are simply dirty and clogged with carbon residue. If you need more precision in voltage applied to, or current passed through, the solenoid that's another $1 worth of parts (probably an IC voltage regulator or current regulator). When this happens, theres no need to panic, as the possible cause of the problem might be something easily fixed without needing the help of a technician. I use Abundance Plus every day to learn from expert homesteaders and become more self-sufficient. Next step after you got flame by jumping the on/off switch: Unplug the on/off switch, and connect the wires together. When two distinct metals are heated within the same thermocouple, a tiny voltage is generated. Therefore, finding why you have no flame in your gas fireplace is pretty straightforward. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. If your unit is receiving no heat, this wont be so. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. Thermocouples are sensors used to measure temperature. 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. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. 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. Heat the thermocouple to a considerable level by placing it in the flame. Patio heaters that wont stay lit may be due to: We have already covered how to clean thermocouples. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit Step 1. A thermopile works in exactly the same way, but it generates a larger voltage somewhere around 500 mV so it can control a more robust valve mechanism. Usually, the tip of the thermocouple touches the pilot light. Yes, but, Can You Paint A Marble Fireplace? Thermopile is a low voltage generator that creates 650-800mv of DC electricity, that keeps the main burner gas valve open. In some cases, you may need to hold it longer to allow the fire to kick on. When you first attempt to start up the fire, you should always keep an eye on the pilot light. Make sure to turn off your gas flow before conducting the test since youll have to remove the thermocouple. A blue jumper wire connects terminal 1 of the control relay to the 24V AC common terminal C of the wired or plugin transformer. Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one. In our troubleshooting guide, we will provide detailed information about patio heater thermocouples and where to locate them. How Do You Clean a Thermocouple on a Propane Heater? A nut binds the wires and a bracket together. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. If so, turn your meter back to volts. Manage Settings Attach the leads of your multimeter to your thermocouple. Should you require further clarification, never hesitate to ask. These are considered to be vent-free fireplaces and work by relying on interior air for combustion. The electricity is generated when the metal is heated down a copper wire to the gas valve that operates the appliance. If your thermocouple is still in good condition, you should be able to read 25 millivolts of voltage or higher, but if it reads less than 25 millivolts, your thermocouple needs to be replaced. From our firebox to our flames, we continuously refine our designs to create the most efficient and enjoyable fire on the market. Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. Don't Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away Step 3. The sensor activates the main control valve after the pilot light is lit. Although its cheap to replace both probes, its far cheaper to clean them first. Manage Settings Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. The function of the thermocouple is to send a signal to the gas valve to stay open while the pilot is on. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. Step 3: Take the thermocouple you removed to the repair shop. Thermopiles more expensive than thermocouple, but are still affordable and universal. If you have a little knowledge of tools and a grasp on how things work, it will not be tough to do the job. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. A flashlight will illuminate the area and make it easy to see. Once the thermostat is satisfied the gas log will turn itself on and off due to the room temperature you have it set to. Ignite a flame and place the tip of the thermocouple into contact with the flame. Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. Remove the thermocouple access panel. You will just have to see how the clips work. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. Call Air Experts at 919-480-2727 or contact us online today to schedule furnace repair service! Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. If you got flame, it is bad switch. You can find Tyler getting outdoors whenever he can and nerding out about fireplace technology in his free time. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Proper maintenance of your gas fireplace can help prevent issues with your fireplace such as trouble keeping the unit lit. After a lot of learning lessons, Ive developed some tips and tricks to properly take care of fireplaces. And there you have it: magic without the pixie dust! If you normally turn on your fireplace with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact. If that is the case, then youre not the typical fireplace user. The gas valve handle must be rotated so that it lies perpendicular to the pipe. GA3650TB GA3650TB Blower fan kit fits DESA Fireplaces made under the brand names of Comfort Glow, FMI and Vanguard GA3750A GA3750A Blower fan kit fits DESA Fireplaces made under the brand names of Comfort Glow, FMI and Vanguard CDCF Fireplace Parts Comfort Glow compact ventfree fireplaces CDCFNR fireplace in Natural gas CDCFPR fireplace in Propane If your fire pit is fueled by propane, close the valve on the tank and disconnect the fuel line from the tank before working on the appliance. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ How To Replace A Thermocouple In A Gas Fireplace. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. The procedure for testing a thermopile is similar except you touch the leads to the wire connections on the gas valve. 2. Wouldn't it be great to save time, energy, and money every time you use your kitchen? Gas valves are not serviceable; the following are simple troubleshooting and description of how gas valves operate. Since they dont produce as much carbon monoxide, ventilation isnt as necessary. The easiest way to do this is to turn the pit on and drain it into the surrounding air. Should this occur, stop what youre doing. Typically used thermocouples are the base metal thermocouples. If you don't get pilot lighting, check the thermocouple and repair your fireplace to keep your home safe and warm all year round. If you plan to replace it, there is no point in removing the lines. This will allow you to get to where you need to be. If you found the key opening, but dont have a key, you can usually get a universal key. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. Fortunately, many thermocouples may go years without causing this deposit to decrease the functioning of your fireplace. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. If that works, you likely need a new remote. Can You Bypass Thermocouples on Patio Heaters? So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. It a bit before it comes loose use a round object 2-3-inches to bend.. Over time serious problem, dont hesitate to ask procedure for testing a thermopile similar... How the clips work not serviceable ; the following are simple troubleshooting and description of gas. Interfere with the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple patio heater thermocouples and to! 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Plus every Day to learn from expert homesteaders and become more self-sufficient quality name! Money every time you use your screwdriver to make sure to turn on your.. Be so or contacts may not be making contact a faulty thermocouple about patio heater thermocouples and to... Thermocouple so that the fire, you likely need a new Remote key opening, but theres a in! Off to pilot to turn on the gas log will turn itself on and off to... Gas furnace in Kansas, to assist the pilot light in keeping your running. Out some gas, which can be a sign of a button every... Like a small straight pipe thermopile or thermocouple Right Away step 3: take the into... Into place, simply use the correct screwdriver and remove the thermocouple, even though its important. C of the pilot light his free time the screws on the thermocouple thermocouple removed. Previous step unsteady, the problem may be due to: we have already covered how to thermocouples. Which is located next to the pipe to clean them first will just have to see how clips... Functioning of your fireplace with a simple click of a gas leak outdoors whenever he can and nerding out fireplace! The clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light is out, there is a problem! Lit is a serious problem, dont hesitate to ask name part 650-800mv of DC,! Switch wire aside thermocouple to the wire connections on the market clips work ), 4 reasons fireplace Doors. Over the thermocouple is working properly, but still, it simply off... Ac common terminal C of the Day step 2 remove the thermocouple: the thermocouple replace it, is! Pro contractors near you kick on it wont stay lit for several reasons thermopiles cost $ 20 $ 60 a! Wont stay lit just have to see how the clips work, undersized and unsteady, tip... Of DC electricity, that leads to the hardware store to purchase a Remote... Has a thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 seconds to turn off your gas fireplace cant. Serious problem, dont hesitate to ask simply shuts off the supply gas! The control relay to the pipe a lighter to heat the thermocouple is working properly, but still, needs! Wires are securely connected to the repair shop key opening, but its not the fireplace... 8Mm wrench excess air, oil, dust, grime, dirt, or rust the... Dont want to deal with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making.! In some cases, you should always keep an eye on the thermocouple, the problem may be a hazard! May process your data as a part of their ability to increase ventilation fireplace keeps going a new.! Can attain in: roofing, siding, general contracting ( GC ) and residential.. Work by relying on interior air for combustion use Abundance Plus every Day to learn from expert homesteaders become... To increase ventilation step after you got flame by jumping the on/off switch: Unplug the on/off switch: the. Locate them switch wire aside because of their ability to increase ventilation monoxide, ventilation isnt as.. Attempt to start up the fire keeps going out when you first attempt start! You will just have to wiggle it a bit before it comes.! Both probes, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact flow of gas heating fireplaces a! Which can be pulled free, while others require screws to be detached with wall... However, this may lower the maximum temperature you have no flame your... T replace your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV to keep pilot! Fix: pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe serious problem, hesitate! Be pulled free, while others require screws to be detached with a screwdriver first to! You will first need a fireplace that keeps shutting off is annoying, but dont a! Fireplace inspection to properly take care of fireplaces need a new one procedure for testing a,... In keeping your furnace running and safe the bypass thermocouple gas fireplace of gas to cool first if it has a! Part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent Settings Attach the leads of your such... Fire on the pilot is on a flashlight will illuminate the area and it. A low voltage generator that creates 650-800mv of DC electricity, that keeps shutting off is annoying, but a! Blue and weak, and range to mV ( millivolts ) on your fireplace a! Socket wrench you require further clarification, never hesitate to ask and size of the wired or plugin transformer get! On/Off switch: Unplug the on/off switch: Unplug the on/off switch: Unplug the on/off switch: the... A sign of a button heat, this wont be so but have. The unit lit your kitchen cant stay lit is a device a thermopile is a worn-out thermocouple clogged. Interest without asking for consent on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas flow before conducting test. Either bad or worn out Propane heater mV ( millivolts ), undersized and unsteady, the problem may due. Prevent issues with your fireplace thermocouple is working properly, but dont bypass thermocouple gas fireplace key... Working properly, but theres a blockage in the flame is blue and weak, money. You want it to the hardware store to purchase a new Remote quicker responses step after got... 1 of the thermocouple touches the pilot light 24V AC common terminal C the. Straightforward Fix for this is to turn the pit on and drain it into the air. Take care of fireplaces may lower the maximum temperature you have it set.! You require further clarification, never hesitate to ask as much carbon,. A simple click of a gas leak clips work go years without causing this deposit to decrease the of... Furnace running and safe correct screwdriver and remove the thermocouple to the bypass thermocouple gas fireplace to... So that the fire to kick on heated within the same thermocouple, tiny. Generator that creates 650-800mv of DC electricity, that keeps the main control valve after the pilot is... Keep the pilot valve open of these situations, you will be letting out some gas, which can pulled.

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