If your fireplace still doesnt light with the burner switch set to on, and your pilot light is on, check the gas line. It has worked great all these years, no issues. This is the easiest step. 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. 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. Can Firewood Bring Termites? Touch the two leads of the meter. Since the thermocouple is connected to the gas valve via this connector. Anything less than 25 mV indicates a faulty thermocouple. He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. Her interests include art and real estate investments. You will find the pilot inside the ignition system at the top of the burner assembly. You can also use a lighter to heat the thermocouple. This guide is for REFERENCE AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and we take no responsibility if something goes wrong. Before re-installing the gas logs, switch on your gas as you relight pilot assembly. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. The remote control transmitter operates on (2) 1.5V AAA batteries that uses a 4 button Power, Thermo, Up, Down function which transmits wirelessly to a battery powered receiver and allows thermostatic control of your fireplace - just set the desired . Thermopiles more expensive than thermocouple, but are still affordable and universal. Napoleon F60 On/Off Fireplace Remote Control with Thermostat provides control of gas heating fireplaces with a simple click of a button. Step 2: Disconnect the probe from the clamp. If you see the probe becoming shiny, then know that its done. $2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $2.00 with coupon. If you want to replace your unit, you can check out the Hiland THP-Thermo Thermocouple, ideal for any tall patio heater. Save time and get it done right the first time. Regency Fireplace Products | Gas Inserts, Wood Stoves, & More! It happens. Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. Unlike thermometers, thermocouples measure the temperature difference and not the actual temperature. These are considered to be vent-free fireplaces and work by relying on interior air for combustion. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. 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. This voltage is used by the fireplace to open the gas valve, enabling gas to flow out and create a fire. By following steps in this guide, you assume ALL THE RISK! It would become very frustrating if you were halfway through the process only to find out that you needed to run to the nearest hardware store. You will just have to see how the clips work. On the contrary, if you want to decrease the flame, you should turn the key clockwise. Because a thermopile generates more electricity than a thermocouple, thermopile-equipped fireplaces may be linked to thermostats for temperature . Also to know,can you replace a thermocouple yourself? More info: the thermocouple is a sensor that only keeps the gas valve open . Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. Sometimes, that leads to issues that can make them frustratinglike going out when you want it to stay lit. From our firebox to our flames, we continuously refine our designs to create the most efficient and enjoyable fire on the market. 1 cause of pilot lights that wont stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It measures this by detecting the pilot light's heat via the thermocouple. To make sure that its a safe thing to do, make sure that the fireplace has its fire contained, is properly ventilated, and has adequate distance from the television. If you set the flame too high, the flame will impinge the glass and cause soot buildup over time. Set your meter to ohms. You may decide you want to bypass the thermocouple so that your heater comes on more quickly. The pilot or millivolt valve in a gas fireplace serves as part of the ignition process for the main burner. You can tell if its on if the handle is parallel with the gas pipe. These are safety devices that ensure the pilot light gets lit. If flames are weak and blue they hardly reach thermocouples, therefore, they should be strengthened. Winter Savings - Save up to $800 Save big on new Regency Gas Fireplaces, Inserts, Stoves and Electric Fireplaces this winter. I use Abundance Plus every day to learn from expert homesteaders and become more self-sufficient. Disconnect the nut that attaches the thermocouple to the gas control valve with your wrench. Can You Use Pallets for Firewood (Is it Safe to Burn)? Use care when dealing with gas lines. (Our Experience), 4 Reasons Fireplace Glass Doors Break (& How to Fix It). A. Thermocouple-Only: Found in: Most gas log sets with standard safety pilot knob control. Stupid thing wouldn't stay on! 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. 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. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. For thermocouples working correctly, your reading should range between 25-30 millimeters. 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. I personally like the . 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). If you normally turn on your fireplace with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact. 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). So what are the most common problems with gas fireplaces that need fixing? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. You can get a technician to help you make the necessary adjustments. [Explained], Can You Move a Gas or Wood Fireplace? The gas valve handle must be rotated so that it lies perpendicular to the pipe. Replace if Cleaning Did Not Work Other Reasons for Gas Fireplace that Won't Stay Lit Remove the valve using your pliers. Larger fireplaces have larger gas valves, and instead of a thermocouple or along with it they have a thermopile, which is basically a number of thermocouples wired in series to produce a stronger electrical signal. A gas fireplace that keeps shutting off is annoying, but its not the end of the world. Take out the faulty thermocouple and thermopile and replace them with new ones. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. However, there are other possibilities out there. Thankfully, its fairly easy to replace a thermocouple and its not that expensive to do. Hiland THP-Thermo Thermocouple for Tall Patio Heater, One Size, Grey, Open during high temperature allowing gas to be released. Just like the thermocouple, the thermopile can be read with a multimeter to check if its the cause of the problem. This is important, particularly if the pilot light is out, because it prevents harmful gas from leaking into your home. 2) If there is a pilot flame, but main flame does not come on most likely it is one of the three following issues: Bad thermopile: If your thermopile is bad, it wont generate enough heat to open main burner flame. One of the main reasons for the improper functioning is faulty thermocouples. If it's not lighting, check that you turned on the gas and the electrical breaker isn't tripped before you call a pro. Once your unit is clean, put it back on the pilot assembly. Ensure that the tip is very hot. Do you have a fireplace in your house? Turn Off the Gas Supply To The Fire Pit The first step in the process is the most vital. HVAC Basics tells you how to distinguish a thermocouple from a thermopile, but when it comes to determining whether or not it has failed, the procedure is basically the same. And voila, magic without all the pixie dust! We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. You can also use a lighter to heat the thermocouple. Pull off the complete thermocouple setup after that. If the pilot is dirty and needs to be cleaned, you will have a very weak flame. Measure the hot thermocouple tip and the rare side that makes contact with the gas valve. Since the chimney was invented, having a fireplace was one of the most important ways people got heat in their homes and cooked their foods. Youll need five-time constants for the temperature sensor to attain the full step change value, i.e., 100%. Heres what I found. 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. The first thing you need to do is set up your multi-meter for direct current and set the range for less than one volt or set it to millivolts. The components of patio heater thermocouples include wires, a tube, and a bracket. Why will my gas fireplace not stay lit? Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. What Causes the Electric Igniter on a Stove to Spark? All the steps above are designed to give you the knowledge to do this job yourself, but you must follow along and make sure you are conscious of the danger that playing with gas lines can bring. If it does not move easily, get the light back in there and see if you missed a nut or bolt. Light some kindling wood or paper first, and wait for it to catch fire to some small logs or pieces of coal. If youve tried everything else, and youre still not hearing or smelling gas after a minute or two, consider replacing your thermocouple.