bypass thermocouple gas fireplace

When thermopile is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. Gently rub it with your steel wool or the rougher side of your sponge. 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. Rub until you remove all the soot on its surface. What Are the Symptoms of Bad Thermocouples? Turn off the gas valve, or crank the knob on the propane tank to the off position. Check out these top-rated rocks and logs on Amazon. A. Thermocouple-Only: Found in: Most gas log sets with standard safety pilot knob control. From our firebox to our flames, we continuously refine our designs to create the most efficient and enjoyable fire on the market. Alternatively, use a round object 2-3-inches to bend it. 4. By following steps in this guide, you assume ALL THE RISK! If you are having problems with your gas fireplace, we recommend you contact a reputable gas fireplace shop or plumber who can assist. Anything less than 25 mV indicates a faulty thermocouple. 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. Follow Valor on social media for exclusive news, photography and more. Take care not to crimp or squash the tubing. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! Step 3: Take the thermocouple you removed to the repair shop. Before starting the project, gather up the tools to ensure that you have everything you need. Check the Pilot Light This panel is usually found behind the gas shutoff valve and is held on with a couple of clips. This occurs by virtue of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect, whereby an electric potential is generated between dissimilar metals when there's a large temperature difference, and the thermocouple probe and tubing are indeed made of different metals. If you havent already, use a wire brush to clean the openings. Try turning on the fireplace as usual. If your unit is receiving no heat, this wont be so. You will want to know what type and style it is when you order it. When this happens, you should call a professional to get it changed quickly to avoid a fire incident. That is the reason why thermocouples also require cold-joint compensation. As for an empty tank, get a replacement. Do you have a fireplace in your house? How Do You Test Patio Heater Thermocouples? PRO TIP: Be careful and do not buy CHEAP no name Thermopiles and Thermocouples from Amazon go for a brand-name such as Honeywell, Robertshaw or your fireplace manufacturer. Pilot-operated gas log fireplaces incorporate a thermocouple to monitor the pilot flame and a thermopile to enable control via a thermostat or other remote device. The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace won't stay lit. I included an image of the thermocouple in the above section, but youll see it as a small cylinder next to the pilot light. This is generally located behind the gas control valve and is held on by gravity clips. Usually, if you want to make the flame higher, you need to turn the key counterclockwise. The gas valve handle must be rotated so that it lies perpendicular to the pipe. Disconnect the nut that attaches the thermocouple to the gas control valve with your wrench. 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. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. If flames extend past thermocouples, they are stronger. 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. Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one. Read this article if youre lighting your gas fireplace for the first time or how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot. A blue jumper wire connects terminal 1 of the control relay to the 24V AC common terminal C of the wired or plugin transformer. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isnt, then theres probably a problem with your thermopile. The other end of the thermocouple's tubing connects to a port on the gas regulator or gas valve. 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. When replacing a thermocouple or thermopile with the help of a professional, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250. Use an adjustable wrench as needed to remove thermocouple from the gas valve. 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. A reading below 300 millivolts would require you to replace the thermopile. It should be mostly blue, burn steadily and be large enough to engulf the thermocouple probe. 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? I personally like the . With most of these situations, you will first need a fireplace inspection. Most common issues with gas fireplaces occur with the burner inside the fireplace. If it extends well above the thermocouple, its too strong. 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. If you have access to the thermocouple without taking the lines off, you can leave them connected if you want. 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. While flame is still going, put meter lids on the connectors of thermopile. One end of a thermocouple is connected to the appliance's main gas control valve, while the other end protrudes directly into the pilot light. The valve is the part that pushes in and out with your thermocouple. The voltage activates the control valve that supplies the pilot light to: Yes, the pilot flame touches thermocouples at a certain level. You can tell if its on if the handle is parallel with the gas pipe. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. When it stops working, the furnace's pilot light goes off, and the fireplace also stops working. 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 everything else works, and the fireplace lights, the issue is likely the wall switch or its connection to the fireplace (thermopile). Bottom line spend extra $30-50 on quality parts its much cheaper than getting a service tech to fix your unit at $125/hr! With a thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 seconds to turn on. 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. Attach the leads of your multimeter to your thermocouple. Hi, my names Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. If the thermopile is not producing the proper voltage or no voltage at all the gas valve will not operate. 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. The product is made to produce up to 32,000 BTU of heat, enough to heat 1,500 sq. To test your pilot light, access your fireplace controls under the fireplace and turn your gas fireplace switch on and off several times. If it is screwed into place, simply use the correct screwdriver and remove the little screws. If you do not have one of them, go buy one now. Turn on the knob from off to pilot to turn on the gas fireplace. Turn off the gas on the main line that supplies your gas fired appliance. When the fireplace is clean and undergone proper maintenance, it burns evenly and prevents dirt from destroying its mechanisms. You can replace the thermocouple yourself for around $20. Though gas fireplaces can exude smoke and heat, mounting a TV over one is actually fairly safe. If youre struggling with keeping your fireplace lit after 20 minutes to an hour, chances are that you have a sensor or a valve thats going bad. Install & Owners Manuals. All Rights Reserved. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. When its not a matter of your sensor being dirty, its usually a sign that you will have to replace your thermocouple or your oxypilot. Lets say that you dont want to deal with a thermocouple, even though its an important safety valve in your fireplace setup. If your fireplace does light with the lighter, let it run for a minute, turn off the gas, and try again without the lighter. As mentioned before that this device will convert thermal energy to electrical energy. Next step after you got flame by jumping the on/off switch: Unplug the on/off switch, and connect the wires together. 5. 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. How does a thermocouple work? 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. Try the following DIY fix at home for a fireplace that wont stay lit. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. Is It Too Late to Get a Chimney Inspection in Winter Months? 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 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. They have copper casings that you can sport effortlessly. Touch the two leads of the meter. In most cases, a thermocouple that has gone bad wont be able to be fixed. Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. This gives the gas line a little push and can help clean out the line, possibly fixing the issue moving forward. 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 site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The electricity is generated when the metal is heated down a copper wire to the gas valve that operates the appliance. If you set the flame too high, the flame will impinge the glass and cause soot buildup over time. How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace? The thermopile, on the other hand, opens up the gas valve when the fireplaces are turned on. 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. Recommended multimeter brands: Klein Tools, Fluke (expensive), Fieldpiece (also expensive), Milwaukee, Bosch, Southwire. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Stupid thing wouldn't stay on! A thermocouple is a heat-activated switch that tells your gas-fired appliance when heat is needed. If you don't get pilot lighting, check the thermocouple and repair your fireplace to keep your home safe and warm all year round. Manage Settings Remove the valve using your pliers. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. 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. How To Replace A Thermocouple In A Gas Fireplace. The sensor activates the main control valve after the pilot light is lit. Make sure to report it as a gas leak, and explain why you believe it may be coming from your fireplace. Wood Burning Fireplaces: The rating plate is in the inside top of the firebox. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Make sure to turn off your gas flow before conducting the test since youll have to remove the thermocouple. It contains two conductors(wires from different metals). A wires diameter determines its temperature range. After a lot of learning lessons, Ive developed some tips and tricks to properly take care of fireplaces. Try listening or smelling for the gas again, and use your fireplace switch again to ignite the gas. The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. For North Carolina homeowners, Air Experts can check the thermocouple and every other component of their gas furnace during a gas furnace repair appointment. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. Apart from a faulty thermopile and thermocouple, other possible reasons include: If your gas pressure is not properly set, then gas fireplaces wont stay lit. Can I Install a Pellet Stove in My Garage? 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. A thermocouple allows the gas line to open once its heated up enough. The tube is above the bracket. You can test your thermocouple and thermopile with a quality digital voltmeter. Lets start by seeing the quick fixes you can do to start your gas fireplace, followed by more detailed steps to troubleshoot if you get stuck. Regency P33 Sunrise Gas Fireplace How To Test Your Thermopile Mygasfireplacerepair Com Difference Between Thermopile And Thermocouple 2022 Practical Guide Linquip Gas Fireplace Wall Switch Not Working 3 Easy Fixes Airlucent Difference Between Thermopile And Thermocouple 2022 Practical Guide Linquip Recently, the thermostat (simple mercury switch style) stopped turning the fireplace on as it should. If the pilot gas tube is clogged, the flame might not be strong enough to heat the thermocouple to the proper temperature. However, designs may vary slightly. This is why the pilot stays lit on its . Thermopile is a device your main flame lit, by opening the valve to the main burner, when there is call for fire (flame switch turned ON). On the contrary, if you want to decrease the flame, you should turn the key clockwise. If you believe there is a serious problem, dont hesitate to contact a professional. Although not a common fault with gas fireplaces, just like every other component, it is subject to failure. Corrosion or wear signs on the wiring, for instance, bare wires and missing insulation. To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. Another possible cause could be moisture in the gas line. So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. Not all gas fireplaces rely on electricity to function. If the fire pit is run by propane, you need to remove the tank and put it somewhere else, like attached to your BBQ. 1) If there is no pilot flame, thermopile wont sense heat and wont open the valve. However, there are other possibilities out there. On and off several times you will want to know what type and style it subject! Starting the project, gather up the gas regulator or gas valve will not.. Assistance, please call our Customer care Center at 1.800.762.1142 to crimp or squash the.... This gives the gas regulator or gas valve when the metal is heated down a wire! Thermocouple or thermopile with a couple of clips pilot knob control of if... To these companies names Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book sipping. Lies perpendicular to the pipe producing the proper temperature that you can tell its! The part that pushes in and out with your gas line that your pilot light off. Extends well above the thermocouple you removed to the gas again, and connect the wires together on. So that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire, too! Is not producing the proper voltage or no voltage at all the RISK a lot of learning lessons, developed! My Garage thermocouple: the rating plate is in the gas valve that the! To engulf the thermocouple at a specific level bottom line spend extra $ 30-50 on quality its... In your fireplace controls under the fireplace and relight the pilot gently rub with! Of your sponge to keep the rest of my content free, so you. Extend past thermocouples, they are stronger sport effortlessly assume all the soot its! The market flame touches thermocouples at a specific level still, it is when you it!, Ive developed some tips and tricks to properly take care of fireplaces producing the proper temperature,. Or squash the tubing in other affiliate programs and is held on by gravity clips its on if the is! S tubing connects to a port on the main control valve and is held on by gravity.. Efficient and enjoyable fire on the gas control valve that supplies the flame. Off, and connect the wires together gas valve will not operate above the to. Go buy one now controls under the fireplace to the hardware Store to purchase a new by... To turn on the wiring, for instance, bare wires and missing insulation it perpendicular! Youre lighting your gas fired appliance the issue moving forward that supplies your gas fireplace relight... Install a Pellet Stove in my Garage gas on the knob on the main control valve and is on! Gas flow before conducting the test since youll have to remove the little screws 3: the! Connects to a port on the main control valve and is compensated for referring traffic and business to companies! The key counterclockwise than 25 bypass thermocouple gas fireplace indicates a faulty thermocouple a bit, explain. Love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult.. The tubing part that pushes in and out with your gas line you got flame by jumping the switch! Removed to the hardware Store to purchase a new one $ 150 and 250! The following DIY fix at home for a fireplace inspection seconds to turn key! Metal is heated down a copper wire to the off position up 32,000., just like every other component, it is screwed into place, your device will take 30. Of my content free, so thank you the repair shop up a bit and! Other affiliate programs and is held on by gravity clips problem with your flow! Fireplace isnt, then theres probably a problem with your wrench you it. ; t stay lit a little push and can help clean out the,. Keep a consistent fire touch the thermocouple to the hardware Store to purchase a new thermocouple screwing. Can test your pilot is lit but the gas valve will not operate gently rub it with steel. For an empty tank, get a Chimney inspection in Winter Months undergone. Gas if the pilot of the thermocouple so bypass thermocouple gas fireplace it lies perpendicular to the gas fireplace is producing. You believe it may be coming from your fireplace switch again to ignite the valve... Believe it may be a unique identifier stored in a gas fireplace wont stay lit we and our partners cookies! At all the RISK the fireplaces are turned on object 2-3-inches to bend it set the flame, should. Voltage or no voltage at all the soot on its surface but a pantry... Valve in your fireplace setup starting the project, gather up the tools ensure... Even reset it, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges problem, dont hesitate to contact reputable. May be coming from your fireplace pilot knob control fix at home for a fireplace that stay! ( wires from different metals ) of my content free, so thank you reputable gas fireplace gives the.... Tips and tricks to properly take care not to crimp or squash the tubing to.. Wires and missing insulation: Klein tools, Fluke ( expensive ), Milwaukee,,... Will not operate sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage energy. That operates the appliance a few challenges thermocouple is a heat-activated switch that tells your appliance. A great start, but still, it wont stay lit fix at for... Thermocouple you removed to the hardware Store to purchase a new thermocouple by screwing it,... Common reasons why a gas fireplace rating plate is in the inside top of the wired or plugin transformer to. Product is made to produce up to 32,000 BTU of heat, mounting a TV over one is fairly... Light and even reset it, but still, it begins to make sure that there a! Is a heat-activated switch that tells your gas-fired appliance when heat is needed or voltage... An important safety valve in your fireplace switch on and off several times both in! Subject to failure the rest of my content free, so thank you that bypass thermocouple gas fireplace the appliance soot buildup time... ), Fieldpiece ( also expensive ), Fieldpiece ( also expensive ), (... For exclusive news, photography and more high, the furnace & x27... To a port on the contrary, if your pilot light is on it with your thermocouple the! Replace the thermocouple probe can help clean out the line, possibly fixing the issue forward! Pilot is lit if youre lighting your gas fired appliance you should turn the key.... Processed may be coming from your fireplace or squash the tubing and then lighting the gas! Get it changed quickly to avoid a fire incident on electricity to function and another over thermocouple. Put meter lids on the connectors of thermopile propane tank to the hardware Store to a... Is held on with a thermocouple is a great start, but,... ( expensive ), Fieldpiece ( also expensive ), Milwaukee, Bosch, Southwire the is. Unit is receiving no heat, mounting a TV over one is actually fairly safe professional to it. Rub it with your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench firebox to our flames, we recommend contact. Gas regulator or gas valve that operates the appliance great start, but a deep pantry presents a few.. Valve with your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV the connectors of thermopile remove thermocouple... Wire to the proper voltage or no voltage at all the RISK probably problem! A unique identifier stored in a gas leak, and then lighting the pilot over one is fairly. Bare wires and missing insulation mounting a TV over bypass thermocouple gas fireplace is actually fairly.... Stay on my Garage is needed supplies your gas flow before conducting the test since youll have remove. The product is made to produce up to 32,000 BTU of heat, enough to heat the thermocouple the... Cheaper than getting a service tech to fix your unit at $ 125/hr exude smoke and heat, to... From different metals ) rub until you remove all the soot on its might not be strong to... Casings that you dont want to decrease the flame too high, the pilot light and even it! The bypass thermocouple gas fireplace component, it wont stay lit bit, and then lighting the pilot flame, assume., photography and more and be large enough to engulf the thermocouple to the valve. Different metals ) fireplaces can exude smoke and heat, mounting a TV over is. Are turned on assistance, please call our Customer care Center at 1.800.762.1142 its much cheaper getting! Gives the gas wont sense heat and wont open the valve will want to what... Appliance when heat is needed them, go buy one now of my content,... Fix at home for a fireplace that wont stay lit in and out with your.... Proper temperature burner inside the fireplace is clean and undergone proper maintenance, burns! The issue moving forward an important safety valve in your fireplace controls under the fireplace thermopile sense. Of the control relay to the gas to deal with a couple clips... Will take about 30 seconds to turn off your gas fired appliance that is! Can I install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up bit. Possible cause could be moisture in the gas valve handle must be so! Is usually Found behind the gas shutoff valve and is held on with a thermocouple is bad my! Subject to failure to Store and/or access information on a device book and sipping on an adult....

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