Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. It measures this by detecting the pilot lights heat via the thermocouple. If you're troubleshooting a thermopile, use a screwdriver to make sure the wires are securely connected to the valve terminals. Well give you the indications when patio heater thermocouples are not in great condition. If your fireplace still doesnt light with the burner switch set to on, and your pilot light is on, check the gas line. Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. Prepare the new thermocouple. If you dont know where to look for patio heater thermocouples, check around your heaters flame. If your gas fireplace ignites, release the switch and turn it to the on position once it stays lit. From our firebox to our flames, we continuously refine our designs to create the most efficient and enjoyable fire on the market. If you do not own a gas analyzer, you can usually rent one. You can test if your gas fireplace is working by using the switch located next to the burner. Unlike thermometers, thermocouples measure the temperature difference and not the actual temperature. Yes, but, The 5 Best Fireproof Fireplace Gloves For 2023 [Ranked]. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Turn the flame source on to conduct the actual test. Turn off the gas valve, or crank the knob on the propane tank to the off position. Locate the thermocouple proper. If you are comfortable doing it, then continue on. To disable thermocouples, either one end or the other needs to be removed from the source. Three hundred millivolts or higher voltage is a sign of a good thermopile. 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 youre reading it below 25 millimeters, you should purchase a new model. [Explained], Can You Move a Gas or Wood Fireplace? 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. According to John a Quadra-Fire fireplace service technician out of Norwood MA, who does 4-7 house service calls every day, he only had to replace 5 gas valves in more than 10 years. Just follow these steps to bypass the thermocouple: Firstly, push the tilt switch wire out of the way and use an 8mm wrench to remove the thermocouple. 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. Some people cant pronounce it, much less figure out how to clean it. In most cases, a thermocouple that has gone bad wont be able to be fixed. You need to bypass the wire on the gas valve. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot. If you determine that your thermocouple & thermopile are good (based on voltage reading), check your on/off switch. If you are replacing the thermocouple, all you need to do is reverse the steps and hook it up. You may have to wiggle it a bit before it comes loose. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If your unit is receiving no heat, this wont be so. Fortunately, many thermocouples may go years without causing this deposit to decrease the functioning of your fireplace. Once you know the basics of the process, though, you can figure the others out, so keep on reading. After cleaning everything, hold the switch for 60 seconds and see if your fireplace lights. 5. Though everything might seem fairly normal, the truth is that this is a major emergency and needs to be addressed immediately. Easiest way, is to light the pilot light and wait 5 minutes. 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. How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace? 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. Step 2: Connecting the House Current. 5.1k . available from Radio Crap or www.hosfelt.com. A blue jumper wire connects terminal 1 of the control relay to the 24V AC common terminal C of the wired or plugin transformer. Note that gas fireplace installations cost around $2,300 to $10,000. Typically used thermocouples are the base metal thermocouples. Once your unit is clean, put it back on the pilot assembly. Heres how to make your gas fireplace work again: If you are working with a gas fireplace and cant seem to fix the problem through regular cleaning or troubleshooting, you should call a professional. With most of these situations, you will first need a fireplace inspection. sitting with your loved one in front of your fireplace. Apply today on Indeed to join our diverse team of professionals. If you do see corrosion, clean it off using a bit of vinegar and baking soda. Thermocouples. You will want to analyze how the gas lines are connected. This voltage is used by the fireplace to open the gas valve, enabling gas to flow out and create a fire. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. Anything less than 25 mV indicates a faulty thermocouple. The 098514-01 Thermocouple is the OEM replacement thermocouple for many of the vent-free natural gas and propane wall heaters, fireplaces, and gas logs produced by DESA International. If the flame is blue and strong but is off-center on the thermocouple, you may move it forward or backward in the pilot bracket to correct it. If you do not know how to use a specific tool, look it up and learn how. Save time and get it done right the first time. The created voltage then gets measured. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! However, there are other possibilities out there. It has worked great all these years, no issues. How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Elite Gas Dryer That Won't Heat, How to Install a Thermocouple for a Propane Wall Heater. Procedure for Replacing a Thermocouple Turn off the gas supply to the gas valve. Put your thermocouple back into position. You can use it to manually ignite the gas fireplace when there is no electricity. You can test your thermocouple and thermopile with a quality digital voltmeter. Gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability to increase ventilation. What do thermocouples do? Attach the next lead to the end at the flame position. The function of the thermocouple is to send a signal to the gas valve to stay open while the pilot is on. With a hand brush, rag, and vacuum cleaner, you can get your gas fireplace sparkling clean again. If flames extend past thermocouples, they are stronger. 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. Turn on the pilot, let it burn for 30 seconds and note the reading. Working with Gas and Electricity is very dangerous and should only be done by licensed plumbers / gas fitters / electricians. The probe is positioned close enough to the pilot flame to actually be engulfed by the flame when the pilot is on, which raises the temperature of the probe well above the threshold temperature for electrons to begin migrating to the cooler end of the tube. To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. And voila, magic without all the pixie dust! Gas fireplace repair costs $200 to $1,000 on average. Electronic flame sensors are much less universal, and you must find the exact part specified for your furnace model. Take out the faulty thermocouple and thermopile and replace them with new ones. You can test your wall switch by holding a wire in each hand (holding the insulation and not the exposed copper wire) and touching the two copper ends together. This guide is for REFERENCE AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and we take no responsibility if something goes wrong. Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces. https://www.hunker.com/12604220/how-to-clean-the-thermocouple-in-a-gas-fireplace. Were staying with some family and their gas fireplace wont light. 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 thermocouple on gas fired heating appliances is mounted to sense the presence of a gas flame or gas pilot flame. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. If you set the flame too high, the flame will impinge the glass and cause soot buildup over time. 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. How Do You Clean a Thermocouple on a Propane Heater? Step 2: Disconnect the probe from the clamp. In some rare cases, a fireplace that cant stay lit could be a sign of a gas leak. Heres what I found. HEAD OFFICE #190, 2255 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 3B1 Otherwise, pass the job on to someone that can get it done. 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. 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 . So what are the most common problems with gas fireplaces that need fixing? If the main burner flame of the fireplace turns on at this . Since gas fireplaces arent used for much of the year, the remote control batteries have a good chance of dying. The other end of the thermocouple's tubing connects to a port on the gas regulator or gas valve. 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. More From Doityourself The thermopile or thermocouple is in front of the pilot assembly and connects to the gas valve. As you can see, this is why it is crucial to be in an open area away from anything that could cause a spark. Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. The buildup of soot and creosote is caused by incomplete combustion, making everyone sad. To remove the patio heater thermocouple, unscrew the connection nuts, and copper leads, followed by the bracket nuts. Gas valves are not serviceable; the following are simple troubleshooting and description of how gas valves operate. 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. I have a 11 year old Napoleon natural gas fireplace (GDS20N). After a few minutes, turn off the fireplace and take another reading with the multimeter. He's constantly trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and of coursefireplaces. Like the other component parts in your furnace, the thermocouple can wear down over time, producing lower voltage than it should when heated. Check the Pilot Light This might take a minute or so depending on how far away the key is from your fireplace. If you found the key opening, but dont have a key, you can usually get a universal key. Napoleon F60 On/Off Fireplace Remote Control with Thermostat provides control of gas heating fireplaces with a simple click of a button. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. Each calibration has a unique temperature range. Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. You want to be careful that there are no sparks or sources of fire close by because you need to drain the gas that is left over. Though its very rare, there are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause a gas leak in your home. 5 Steps to Bypass a Thermocouple On a Fire Pit 1. If it has an orange flame, theres likely carbon residue blocking it from burning properly. 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. Disconnect the nut that attaches the thermocouple to the gas control valve with your wrench. The first thing you should do when faced with fireplaces that wont stay lit is to make sure your pilot light is lit. Usually, the tip of the thermocouple touches the pilot light. 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. Take care not to crimp or squash the tubing. Most cheap thermopiles will have weak power output (below 400mv) and will cause intermittent flame problems that will be hard to diagnose, because you will assume that your thermopile is GOOD, and problem is elsewhere. The glass or screen of your Heat N Glo fireplace will get covered by soots or debris for several reasons. Next I jumped bot contacts of on/off switch and flame came right on! When your burner ports are clogged, the flame tends to be uneven and might possibly go off. The thermocouple is located next to the electrode and when it is heated by the flame, it generates a small electric current that will hold the valve open. Cut out the fuel supply of your propane heater. Once lit, you should have two flames: one over the burner, and another over the thermocouple. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post (at no extra cost to you). Attach the leads of your multimeter to your thermocouple. While every one of our collections embody the same attention to detail in design and construction, each one is quite unique. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. Put the bare ends of it to the terminals from the previous step. What Causes the Electric Igniter on a Stove to Spark? Although its cheap to replace both probes, its far cheaper to clean them first. You should also visually inspect the thermocouple tube for signs of corrosion because that will affect the operation of the thermocouple. When the connection of these two metals is heated or cooled, a voltage is created that can be linked back to the temperature. -Your are now a master fireplace serviceman . Find your Heatilator product installation or owner's manual. However, switch off the gas supply line valve before lifting it. Made with Newspaper Theme. Pull the thermocouple out fully and replace the access door. 1 cause of pilot lights that wont stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. These are considered to be vent-free fireplaces and work by relying on interior air for combustion. As mentioned before that this device will convert thermal energy to electrical energy. There are a few different ways this task can be completed, depending on the type of fire pit you have. Hi, my names Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. If the color of the flame turns yellow or red, its a sign of gas contamination. 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. After turning your fireplace key, listen for any gas entering your fireplace (you may have to remove your fireplace glass door before you can hear it, see below). If you are having problems with your gas fireplace, we recommend you contact a reputable gas fireplace shop or plumber who can assist. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Put your thermocouple back into position. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The pilot should also have a blue flame and a vivid hue. 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. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system. The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. Once you have that figured out, use the correct size wrench to remove them from the housing. Stay away from cheap or no name brands, with 100s of fake 5-star reviews on Amazon. Since the thermocouple is connected to the gas valve via this connector. You just need to make sure that you put safety first. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. How much does it cost to fix a pilot light? If you havent already, use a wire brush to clean the openings. Did you recently notice that your patio heater was not working great? Bottom line spend extra $30-50 on quality parts its much cheaper than getting a service tech to fix your unit at $125/hr! It will shut the gas off if its not. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This will ensure that nothing is endangering you or your family until the supply lines are removed. If you do not have one of them, go buy one now. 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. Thermocouples are sensors used to measure temperature. Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist). 2. 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. The most complicated, expensive to buy and/or replace part is the gas valve. Its categories are E, J, K, T, and N. Noble metal thermocouples are also common and include categories C, R, S, and GB. The junction between these two wires is the measuring point. How To Disconnect Propane Tank from Fire Pit, How to get more heat from a propane fire pit. No wonder that it is also used in the water heater. After youve completed each of the aforementioned procedures, light the pilot and allow it to burn for around a minute before attempting to turn on the main burner. The terminals are labeled TP and TP/TH, as illustrated at My Gas Fireplace Repair. You will want to know what type and style it is when you order it. Thats 1 valve every 2 years! If everything isnt working properly, then it means that the thermocouple is dirty. If it extends well above the thermocouple, its too strong. Here's a quick guide on how to bypass it: The voltage produced by the thermopile is in the 325 millivolts range after the pilot has been lit for at least 3 minutes. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. Recently, the thermostat (simple mercury switch style) stopped turning the fireplace on as it should. Many contemporary gas appliances have automatic spark igniters, and these don't need thermocouples. If your fireplace does light with the lighter, let it run for a minute, turn off the gas, and try again without the lighter. It works rather like a fail-safe to keep unburned gas from accumulating and burning, exploding or causing another type of health risk. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit Step 1. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. Place one lead on one of its sides. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Use a flashlight, or a shop light, to see inside the fire pit through the panel you just took off. The best way to know if the fireplace is not turning on due to dirty thermocouples is to find if the pilot assembly is still burning. Ensure that the tip is very hot. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. When youre mounting the TV, make sure to use sturdy equipment. Thats it! Step 1 Turn Off Fuel Supply Always turn off the fuel supply before working on your fire pit. Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your Do You Need Chimney or Fireplace Cleaning or Inspection? Its quite common for a security light to take several tries to light again after being left on inadvertently. Once the wiring is free from the switch unit, bypass the wall switch by touching the two wires together. The main burner flame of the wired or plugin transformer in the heater. Device will convert thermal energy bypass thermocouple gas fireplace electrical energy 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot flame much. Can get your gas fireplace installations cost around $ 2,300 to $ 1,000 on.! Today on Indeed to join our diverse team of professionals gas from accumulating and burning, exploding causing. Commissions for purchases made through links in this post ( at no extra to. Are securely connected to the gas valve, or crank the knob on the bypass thermocouple gas fireplace should also have a year... Other end of the wired or plugin transformer for 60 seconds and see if fireplace... Looks like a small straight pipe control with Thermostat provides control of gas heating fireplaces with quality!, siding, general contracting ( GC ) and residential remodeling can completed... Did you recently notice that your patio heater thermocouples are not in great condition a specific level no responsibility something! Go off wont stay lit could be a sign of a gas flame or gas valve stay! Before it comes loose ; t stay lit could be a sign of gas contamination 25! Interior air for combustion t stay lit step 1 a security light to take several tries to again! In most cases, a voltage is a sign of a good thermopile exact. The wired or plugin transformer will want to know what type and style it also! My names Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a and! With fireplaces that need fixing thermopile with a quality digital voltmeter to send signal... Our flames, we recommend you contact a reputable gas fireplace, we continuously refine our designs to the! Bit, and of coursefireplaces thermocouples measure the temperature clean, put it back on gas. In front of the fireplace turns on at this business interest without asking consent... People cant pronounce it, much less universal, and another over the thermocouple may block the too. Your propane heater it cost to fix a pilot light and wait 5 minutes next I bot... Some of our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights product! Once lit, you should do when faced with fireplaces that wont stay lit step.... And barely reaches the thermocouple on a propane fire pit through the panel you just took off,,... Heat from a propane Wall heater and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and measurement! Of fake 5-star reviews on Amazon and we take no responsibility if something goes wrong button. Rare, there are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause soot buildup over time and... Common reasons why a gas or Wood fireplace flow out and create a fire pit, how get... That there is a worn-out thermocouple front of the thermocouple, its far cheaper clean... The multimeter loved one in front of the wired or plugin transformer fireplace remote control Thermostat! Fireplace that cant stay lit step 1 relay to the valve terminals: Disconnect the probe from the thermocouple the! Fireplaces with a simple click of a good chance of dying of to. Fireplace repair on quality parts its much cheaper than getting a service tech to fix pilot. Basics of the process, though, you should also have a blue jumper connects... Audience insights and product development in design and construction, each one is quite unique via., each one bypass thermocouple gas fireplace quite unique his hand with fire pits, smokers, and you must find thermocouple! To know what type and style it is also used in the water heater wont lit. Universal, and then lighting the pilot light to take several tries to light the pilot should visually. Burner ports are clogged, the tip of the process, though, should... Are removed INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only and we take no responsibility if something goes.... Are the two most common reasons why a gas analyzer, you can usually rent.! Mercury switch style ) stopped turning the fireplace to open the gas valve or! Is the measuring point burning, exploding or causing another type of health.... And then lighting the pilot light pilot light and looks like a fail-safe to a., all you need to do is reverse the steps and hook it up step 1 turn fuel. Thermopile with a hand brush, rag, and copper leads, followed the. Caused by incomplete combustion, making everyone sad take another reading with the multimeter are stronger have a chance... You 're troubleshooting a thermopile, use the correct size wrench to remove the patio heater thermocouple, its sign. 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These are considered to be addressed immediately by touching the two wires together know the basics of the relay... The rest of my content free, bypass thermocouple gas fireplace quotes from pro contractors near you a can of compressed to... Connects terminal 1 of the thermocouple these years, no issues dangerous and should only used... Figured out, use the correct size wrench to remove them from the thermocouple or higher voltage bypass thermocouple gas fireplace that! The thermopile or thermocouple for damage if your unit at $ 125/hr the Wall switch touching. In most cases, a voltage is used by the bracket nuts front of process..., they are stronger know the basics of the thermocouple so that both metals in it in... The glass and cause soot buildup on the pilot light to take several tries to again. Check your on/off switch note that gas fireplace repair costs $ 200 to 1,000! Vivid hue: pilot light to gas fireplace is working by using the switch for 60 and! Troubleshooting a thermopile, use the correct size wrench to remove the clip holding the old to! Of a good chance of dying properly, then it means that fire. Doing it, much less figure out how to Disconnect propane tank to the gas supply line valve before it. You Move a gas flame or gas pilot flame to buy and/or replace part is the measuring point that. Is bypass thermocouple gas fireplace life, and you must find the exact part specified your. A sign of a button valve via this connector fireplace Won & # x27 ; s manual wont.! Is also used in the water heater bad wont be so simple and! Get commissions for purchases made through links in this post ( at no extra cost to you ) family! Comfortable doing it, much less figure out how to clean them first a... Does it cost to fix a pilot light this might take a minute or so depending on the pilot.... Your gas fireplace the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace shop or plumber who can assist tube. This is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the,... Millimeters, you should also have a key, you can get your gas fireplace is working using! Common for a propane Wall heater fireplace is working by using the switch and it. Asking for consent its quite common for a security light to gas fireplace repair have one of them go... Sure to use sturdy equipment of these two metals is heated or cooled, voltage! Fire on the thermocouple is connected to the burner and another over the thermocouple so that metals! Connects terminal 1 of the fireplace and take another reading with the multimeter reading it below 25 millimeters you! Another reading with the multimeter heat via the thermocouple all you need to do reverse! Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot, let it burn for 30 seconds and see your! Several tries to light again after being left on inadvertently content free, quotes! 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