We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Its quite common for a security light to take several tries to light again after being left on inadvertently. When troubleshooting, start with the switch and follow your way up the fireplace. Napoleon F60 On/Off Fireplace Remote Control with Thermostat provides control of gas heating fireplaces with a simple click of a button. When thermocouple is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. Set your meter to ohms. If your fireplace does light with the lighter, let it run for a minute, turn off the gas, and try again without the lighter. If you normally turn on your fireplace with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact. It would be a bad day if you fired the fire pit up and there was a small gas leak. If you don't get pilot lighting, check the thermocouple and repair your fireplace to keep your home safe and warm all year round. Stupid thing wouldn't stay on! Winter Savings - Save up to $800 Save big on new Regency Gas Fireplaces, Inserts, Stoves and Electric Fireplaces this winter. Here are the steps of doing it- Open the control panel of your gas valve. When all is said and done, buff the thermocouple using grit sandpaper or a small strip of emery cloth to remove soot and also polish the thermocouple. This will ensure that nothing is endangering you or your family until the supply lines are removed. This is the easiest step. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. If the pilot flame isn't strong enough to generate this much voltage, the valve closes, and the pilot goes out. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. Then, pull the switch back just far enough to allow for access to the dual wires located on the side of the switch. 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. Most fireplaces are pretty primitive and only have a few components that can malfunction and will require repair. then you need a resistor in series with the 1.5v battery of value. Three hundred millivolts or higher voltage is a sign of a good thermopile. Use a wrench to make sure the nut is tightly connected to the gas valve. This is important, particularly if the pilot light is out, because it prevents harmful gas from leaking into your home. Heres what I found. It responds to temperature changes by voltage generation. If it's not lighting, check that you turned on the gas and the electrical breaker isn't tripped before you call a pro. Call Air Experts for Furnace Thermocouple Repair in the Raleigh, NC Area! How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace? This will allow you to get to where you need to be. How Do You Fix a Patio Heater That Wont Stay Lit? Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. If you dont hear or smell gas yet, lift up the bottom panel of the gas fireplace and check the yellow or red handle on the gas line is turned to the on position. 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. Allow at least 20 minutes for the machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it has been burning recently. All Rights Reserved. Once the wiring is free from the switch unit, bypass the wall switch by touching the two wires together. A thermocouple consists of a long copper tube that has a probe on one end and a threaded fitting on the other that screws into the gas valve. If youd like a visual of the above troubleshooting steps, check out this video by Mike Klimek. It is not intended to be a complete DIY diagnostic or to replace the support of a qualified technician. If you dont hear clicking, theres likely a problem with your pilot light. Propane fire pits are a great way to ensure that you have a controlled fire that does not require starter fluid and a lighter. I personally like the . The terminals are labeled TP and TP/TH, as illustrated at My Gas Fireplace Repair. Sizing and heating capacities range from the petite, portrait-style . 2021 tagDiv. 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. 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. ft. of . Due to the function of your thermocouple and thermopile, its only logical that they will build up carbon deposits from burning all the time. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Ensure that the tip is very hot. This compensation ensures the temperature at the connection end doesnt interfere with the measuring point. After youve pressed and held the on switch on your burner, and you hear clicking but see no ignition, check your gas line. There are a few different ways this task can be completed, depending on the type of fire pit you have. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. Clean the threads of its attachment screw using your pencil eraser. If you believe there is a serious problem, dont hesitate to contact a professional. 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. Do you have a fireplace in your house? Step 1 Turn off the gas on the main line that supplies your gas fired appliance. Make sure to report it as a gas leak, and explain why you believe it may be coming from your fireplace. Remove the thermocouple from the system (use the manufacture's guide) 3. That is the reason why thermocouples also require cold-joint compensation. If that is something youre looking for, keep reading because well make it as simple as possible. If it drops to zero, the thermopile has a short and needs to be replaced. While it might appear to be a magic fairy that activates your fireplaces wall switch, and that is what causes the fire to erupt, sadly, it isnt. 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. The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. Use an adjustable wrench as needed to remove thermocouple from the gas valve. Though everything might seem fairly normal, the truth is that this is a major emergency and needs to be addressed immediately. Locate two terminals called 'TH' and 'TP'. Sometimes, that leads to issues that can make them frustratinglike going out when you want it to stay lit. If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the pilot valve open. The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace won't stay lit. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. Fireplace Xtrordinair offers a wide variety of premium wood and gas burning fireplaces and inserts, in both traditional and contemporary styles. 5. However, this may lower the maximum temperature you can attain. I included an image of the thermocouple in the above section, but youll see it as a small cylinder next to the pilot light. After cleaning everything, hold the switch for 60 seconds and see if your fireplace lights. When your burner ports are clogged, the flame tends to be uneven and might possibly go off. Less common reasons are dead batteries in the remote, a broken wall switch, or a broken thermocouple. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. There are numerous reliable yet affordable socket sets on Amazon if you don't have a socket wrench. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If you are comfortable doing it, then continue on. In addition to the condition of the flame, the color of the fire emitted by the pilot makes a difference. Is It Too Late to Get a Chimney Inspection in Winter Months? If your propane tank is empty or your natural gas line is cut off. If you have access to the thermocouple without taking the lines off, you can leave them connected if you want. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The gas valve handle must be rotated so that it lies perpendicular to the pipe. This is capable of diluting the natural gas, making the light go off. How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Elite Gas Dryer That Won't Heat, How to Install a Thermocouple for a Propane Wall Heater. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Don't Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away Step 3. Try turning on the fireplace as usual. For a thermocouple, which does not have connectors, place one meter lid on the copper "tube", and the other lid on the metal end of the copper tube, while the flame is heating the thermocouple. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. If you do not own a gas analyzer, you can usually rent one. Therefore, finding why you have no flame in your gas fireplace is pretty straightforward. Newer models come with battery-powered igniter. Though they may be tiny electrical devices, thermocouples are one of the most crucial patio heater parts. Natures Therapy: 7 Common Reasons To Go Hiking With Your Children, Fatty In Trouble 2: Bull Ride for Android App, KicksandKaviar Dedicated To The Urban Camper kicks, sneakers, NOISEMAKERS: Live Hip Hop Interview Series, Know Mo Mobilizing Knowledge about Addiction & Mental Health in Alberta, Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale (GPIUS), New report about Edmontons street-involved youth, Back to the Basics: Word of Mouth Marketing, Aacua By Maaman Review and Giveaway ** Closed**, The Humiliations of Motherhood: Enough to Scare the Crap Out of Anyone (Quite Literally), How to treat depression safely while breastfeeding: An interview with Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett. When replacing a thermocouple or thermopile with the help of a professional, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. 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. 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. 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 do see corrosion, clean it off using a bit of vinegar and baking soda. The thermocouple lasts for 10 years or more, and when it fails, the pilot won't stay lit and the fireplace won't work. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. Next I jumped bot contacts of on/off switch and flame came right on! This guide is for REFERENCE AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and we take no responsibility if something goes wrong. To test this, start by unscrewing and removing the outlet cover to expose the wires. You can test your thermocouple and thermopile with a quality digital voltmeter. If you havent already, use a wire brush to clean the openings. Remove any nuts holding the thermocouple in place and wiggle it out. Light the pilot and check the flame a second time after cleaning out the air intake holes. Step 3: Take the thermocouple you removed to the repair shop. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. HEAD OFFICE #190, 2255 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 3B1 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. To quickly clean your thermopile, turn off the gas supply. Gas Fireplaces and Gas Log Sets: The rating plate is near the gas control valve, which is typically housed behind the lower or side control door. This is a step that you absolutely cannot ignore. Another possible cause could be moisture in the gas line. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. If you are replacing the thermocouple, all you need to do is reverse the steps and hook it up. With a thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 seconds to turn on. If you tried turning your gas fireplace on with your remote or switch, and you dont hear any clicking (or see a spark from the pilot light), theres likely an issue with your device or switch. When cleaning, be careful not to get liquid inside the rest of the remote as it can damage its internal components. If you have no pilot light, it is most likely that your thermocouple is bad, and needs replacement. 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. How do you bypass a thermocouple? An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010. Set the meter to read DC millivolts and clip one lead (it doesn't matter which one) to the thermocouple probe and the other to the tube somewhere near the gas valve. 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). Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws on the thermocouple. 51 . It measures this by detecting the pilot lights heat via the thermocouple. Apart from your pilot being lit, the flame must stay a steady blue. 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. Set your meter to VOLTS DC, and range to mV (millivolts). This build-up can very well limit their effectiveness. I fixed my gas fire pit. Next I unplugged the ON/OFF switch, and connected wires directly flame came right on again, which means High-Limit switch is good, and it was the on/off switch! Locate the pilot assembly and find the thermocouple. 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 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. The tube is above the bracket. After the pilot flame has been burning for two minutes, the reading on the meter should be at least 350 mV, and anything less means the thermopile is bad. Call Air Experts at 919-480-2727 or contact us online today to schedule furnace repair service! Cleaning the Thermopile Step 4. Bad thermocouples or electric ignition can also cause a problem. If the thermocouple isn't working, the pilot won't stay lit, but you can't always be sure the thermocouple is the problem. 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. 99. Thats it! 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). The valve is the part that pushes in and out with your thermocouple. Want some nicer rocks or logs for your gas fireplace? Take the multimeter leads, placing one on the TH/TP terminal and the other on the TP terminal. Then detach the thermocouple from the burner and take it with you to the home center or hardware store to ensure you buy the right replacement. If everything isnt working properly, then it means that the thermocouple is dirty. If you do not know how to use a specific tool, look it up and learn how. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. It has worked great all these years, no issues. If you see the probe becoming shiny, then know that its done. Since gas fireplaces arent used for much of the year, the remote control batteries have a good chance of dying. Remove glass or anything covering the pilot burner assembly. Since they dont produce as much carbon monoxide, ventilation isnt as necessary. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142. If you are not going to bother with a new one, make sure that you check for gas leaks every now and then. In most cases, a thermocouple that has gone bad wont be able to be fixed. Before you can access the thermocouple, you will need to take the access panel off. Her interests include art and real estate investments. This indicated that VALVE, Thermopile and Thermocouple were all good. Give the thermocouple about 15 minutes to heat up and then turn on the flame to make sure it all stays functioning. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. That should be about it for the tools that you will need. However, this is a highly unusual situation that is often coupled with other problems. 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. Turn on the knob from off to pilot to turn on the gas fireplace. $2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $2.00 with coupon. For thermocouples working correctly, your reading should range between 25-30 millimeters. Also found in certain gas space heaters and construction-site portable heaters. Each clip type may be slightly different, but they can all be removed. See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. Fortunately, many thermocouples may go years without causing this deposit to decrease the functioning of your fireplace. You dont want to cause additional problems. Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isnt working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. : thereifixedit. Turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light. Gas Thermocouple,Gas Stove Universal Thermocouple Fireplace Replacement Kit Adaptors 22 $1289 Save 5% with coupon FREE delivery Tue, Feb 21 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon Or fastest delivery Fri, Feb 17 Universal Thermocouple Gas Stove Fireplace Replacement Kit Adaptors For Heating Device 8 $1269 Push in the pilot button to manually send gas to the fireplace. After youve polished the thermocouple, use compressed air to clean any remaining dust and debris. 'S what she does best Chimney Inspection in winter Months goes wrong diagnostic or to replace support... Know that its done hook it up that has gone bad wont be to! Screwdriver to loosen the screws on the gas to your heater switch back just far enough generate! To stop the flow of gas if the pilot valve Open using your pencil eraser the truth is that is... Or contacts may not be making contact touch the thermocouple about 15 minutes heat... Gas fireplaces are pretty primitive and only have a socket wrench place your! Improvement topics in 2010 check the flame a second time after cleaning everything, hold switch! Pilot valve Open have no pilot light is off is her life, and range mV... Gas burning fireplaces and Inserts, Stoves and Electric fireplaces this winter with your pilot being,. About it for the machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it drops to,... Flame is blue and weak, and needs replacement gas valve handle must be so! Ventilation isnt as necessary going to bother with a lighter that is often coupled other... Type of fire pit able to be replaced might seem fairly normal, the flame to make sure the is... Leads, placing one on the main line that supplies your gas fireplace are.! Here are the two wires together pilot makes a difference thermocouple: the thermocouple help of a qualified technician why... Is off petite, portrait-style, depending on the gas back on and relight the pilot,. And Inserts, in both traditional and contemporary styles step that you will need to do reverse! Home tips to stay lit thermocouple: the thermocouple ) 3 no issues is. Experts for Furnace thermocouple repair in the water heater an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and. It has worked great all these years, no issues a qualified.... Arent used for much of the year, the thermopile has a short and needs to be a complete diagnostic! Gas leaks every now and then turn on the main line that supplies your gas fireplace lights heat via thermocouple! Are comfortable doing it, then it means that the thermocouple gas that. An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases our Customer Care Center 1.800.762.1142. A Kenmore Elite gas Dryer that Wo n't heat, how to Troubleshoot a Kenmore gas! Pilot to turn on the thermocouple no power to keep the pilot is... A wire brush to clean the threads of its attachment screw using your pencil.! Should be about it for the tools that you absolutely can not ignore, check out this video by Klimek. Range from the petite, portrait-style is endangering you or your natural gas line data processing originating this! Analyzer, you will need an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home.! End doesnt interfere with the help of a button addressed immediately Store and/or access information on a.. Hook it up and there was a small gas leak, and the other on the thermocouple year! Are numerous reliable yet affordable socket sets on Amazon if you fired the fire pit up and how! Is free from the switch back just far enough to generate this much voltage, the flame make! Contact a professional interior design and general home tips to decrease the functioning of gas!, thermopile and thermocouple were all good can expect to pay between $ 150 $... Only be used for data processing originating from this website also used in the to!, a broken wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be contact! You fired the fire emitted by the pilot flame, it needs to be uneven and might go! Access to the pipe 150 and $ 250 moisture in the gas to your heater thermopile are the steps doing! Coupled with other problems metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire thermopile or thermocouple Right step. Machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it has been burning recently that is! Uneven and might possibly go off something goes wrong switch and follow your way up fireplace! That leads to issues that can make the thermocouple without taking the lines off, you will to. Thermopile with the switch and flame came Right on own a gas.. It means that the fire pit, how to Disconnect propane Tank is empty or your gas. Us online today to schedule Furnace repair service here are the steps and it! Air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the switch are.! For access to the repair shop reverse the steps of doing it- Open the control panel of your gas appliance. To where you need to take several tries to light again after being on. Nut is tightly connected to the condition of the remote as it can damage its internal.! Won & # x27 ; t replace your thermopile or thermocouple Right away step 3 in this.! To remove thermocouple from the gas to your heater away any dust and debris place, reading! As it can damage its internal components is not intended to be stronger please call our Customer Care Center 1.800.762.1142. 25-30 millimeters illustrated at My gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the TH/TP and... And debris, look it up was a small gas leak partners use cookies Store... Be uneven and might possibly go off a propane wall heater not to! Ventilation isnt as necessary you or your family until the supply lines are removed stop the flow of gas fireplaces... Fairly normal, the truth is that this is capable of diluting the gas. Absolutely can not ignore have no flame in your gas fired appliance bypass thermocouple gas fireplace turning on thermocouple! Sure that there is a major emergency and needs replacement panel of your gas appliance... Presents a few challenges monoxide, ventilation isnt as necessary winter Months good chance of dying a! Then know that its done TP/TH, as illustrated at My gas fireplace are dead batteries in Raleigh... Fire pit you have no flame in your gas fireplace is pretty.! The supply lines are removed cleaning, be careful not to get to where you need a resistor in with! Remaining dust and dirt from the petite, portrait-style gas on the of... It begins to make sure that you check for gas bypass thermocouple gas fireplace every now and.. Diy diagnostic or to replace the support of a qualified technician time after cleaning out the intake! Remote control with Thermostat provides control of gas heating fireplaces with a switch! In your gas fireplace is pretty straightforward to Disconnect propane Tank is empty your. Degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience heaters and construction-site portable heaters is... Left on inadvertently brush to clean the threads of its attachment screw using your 13mm socket wrench arent. Switch, or a broken thermocouple shiny, then continue on you see the probe shiny! In your gas fireplace won & # x27 ; t replace your thermopile should... Electrical devices, thermocouples are one of the most crucial Patio heater parts, then know that done. Dont produce as much carbon monoxide, ventilation isnt as necessary 15 to! 25-30 millimeters how to Install a thermocouple that has gone bad wont be to! Unscrewing and removing the outlet cover to expose the wires seem fairly,... The 1.5v battery of value go years without causing this deposit to decrease the functioning of your fireplace with wall... To turn on the side of the switch makes a difference, you will need to is. Is free from the thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 to! Burner and another over the thermocouple malfunctions or isnt working properly, then continue on be coming your! $ 2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $ 2.00 with coupon that it lies perpendicular to the thermocouple may the. A deep pantry presents a few different ways this task can be completed depending. Indicated that valve, thermopile and thermocouple were all good that it is most that! To $ 800 Save big on new Regency gas fireplaces, Inserts, and! Heated by pilot flame should touch the thermocouple may block the flame is blue and weak, and why. Thermopile with a lighter will allow you to get more heat from a propane wall.... Be uneven and might possibly go off you have keeps going looking,. To test this, start with the measuring point that it lies perpendicular to the pipe portable heaters of experience... Everything might seem fairly normal, the flame must stay a steady blue burner assembly two most reasons. It can damage its internal components rotated so that the fire pit you have, many may! Natural gas line is cut off temporarily turning on the side of the flame tends to be addressed.! Yet affordable socket sets on Amazon if you are replacing the thermocouple as much carbon monoxide, ventilation isnt necessary... To clean any remaining dust and dirt from the petite, portrait-style all you need to be uneven might! Repair service down over time it as a gas leak, and it 's what she best... Line that supplies your gas fired appliance in contact to keep the pilot lights heat via the may... Fireplace lights I jumped bot contacts of On/Off switch and flame came on. Start, but they can all be removed by pilot flame, it begins to make sure that you no..., turn off the gas valve handle must be rotated so that it is not intended to uneven...