If the appliance has a thermocouple, the problem may be a faulty thermocouple. 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. If that works, you likely need a new remote. Though they may be tiny electrical devices, thermocouples are one of the most crucial patio heater parts. You can tell if its on if the handle is parallel with the gas pipe. 4. 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. If the handle is perpendicular or at a 90 angle, its currently off and needs to be turned on. 5. How Do You Clean a Thermocouple on a Propane Heater? 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. Her interests include art and real estate investments. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. Youll need five-time constants for the temperature sensor to attain the full step change value, i.e., 100%. If your propane tank is empty or your natural gas line is cut off. I fixed my gas fire pit. Fireplace Xtrordinair offers a wide variety of premium wood and gas burning fireplaces and inserts, in both traditional and contemporary styles. Bad thermocouples or electric ignition can also cause a problem. I included an image of the thermocouple in the above section, but youll see it as a small cylinder next to the pilot light. If you do see corrosion, clean it off using a bit of vinegar and baking soda. 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. 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. What makes a thermocouple go bad? Alternatively, use a round object 2-3-inches to bend it. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. Were staying with some family and their gas fireplace wont light. The electric potential, or voltage, generated when the pilot is on is small only about 30 millivolts but it's enough to operate the ultra-sensitive gas valve and keep it open. Check out these top-rated rocks and logs on Amazon. In some rare cases, a fireplace that cant stay lit could be a sign of a gas leak. Push in the pilot button to manually send gas to the fireplace. To disable thermocouples, either one end or the other needs to be removed from the source. 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. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Wont Stay Lit So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. After a lot of learning lessons, Ive developed some tips and tricks to properly take care of fireplaces. Apart from your pilot being lit, the flame must stay a steady blue. However, there are other possibilities out there. Thus, you should clean it as soon as possible. Gas fireplace repair costs $200 to $1,000 on average. Bottom line spend extra $30-50 on quality parts its much cheaper than getting a service tech to fix your unit at $125/hr! Turn on the pilot, let it burn for 30 seconds and note the reading. 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. It does its best, but dont give it too much challenge. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. The black and red of the 18/2 thermostat wire connects terminals 2 and 4 of the control relay to the millivolt gas valve TPTH and TH terminals. Turn off the gas valve, or crank the knob on the propane tank to the off position. If not, call a professional to come in and do some tests. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. Yes, you can install a pellet stove in your Chimney mounts offer several advantages over other antenna mounts, How to Clean a Thermocouple on a Gas Fireplace. If it works, your issue is likely fixed. Place the new thermocouple in the same place your old one sat and close up the fireplace to conduct a test. Unlike thermometers, thermocouples measure the temperature difference and not the actual temperature. Gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability to increase ventilation. It will shut the gas off if its not. Typically used thermocouples are the base metal thermocouples. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. Measure the hot thermocouple tip and the rare side that makes contact with the gas valve. The thermocouple senses the gas pilot flame and prevents flow to the main burners when there is inadequate heat to ignite the burner. Stupid thing wouldn't stay on! Turn Off the Gas Supply To The Fire Pit The first step in the process is the most vital. Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. This voltage is used by the fireplace to open the gas valve, enabling gas to flow out and create a fire. Just like the thermocouple, the thermopile can be read with a multimeter to check if its the cause of the problem. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Yes, but, Can You Paint A Marble Fireplace? The components of patio heater thermocouples include wires, a tube, and a bracket. All of our electronic ignition gas logs come with a remote control that will light the pilot, control the flame height and have a built-in thermostat so you can set a room temperature and maintain it. If you normally turn on your fireplace with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. I use Abundance Plus every day to learn from expert homesteaders and become more self-sufficient. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot. Make sure to report it as a gas leak, and explain why you believe it may be coming from your fireplace. If you're troubleshooting a thermopile, use a screwdriver to make sure the wires are securely connected to the valve terminals. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Remove any nuts holding the thermocouple in place and wiggle it out. This is a step that you absolutely cannot ignore. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. Therefore, finding why you have no flame in your gas fireplace is pretty straightforward. 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 . However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isnt, then theres probably a problem with your thermopile. 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). 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. This indicated that VALVE, Thermopile and Thermocouple were all good. Normally, the pilot light is enough to heat it, but debris can block and affect the pilot lights flame. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The product is made to produce up to 32,000 BTU of heat, enough to heat 1,500 sq. Do not bang or yank on it because you could break something, which would cause more problems to arise. Even today, we use them to cozy up on colder days. If the fire pit is run by propane, you need to remove the tank and put it somewhere else, like attached to your BBQ. A blue jumper wire connects terminal 1 of the control relay to the 24V AC common terminal C of the wired or plugin transformer. It costs $150 to $250 to replace a 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. -Your are now a master fireplace serviceman . Locate two terminals called 'TH' and 'TP'. If everything else works, and the fireplace lights, the issue is likely the wall switch or its connection to the fireplace (thermopile). Then, pull the switch back just far enough to allow for access to the dual wires located on the side of the switch. Place one lead on one of its sides. Once the thermostat is satisfied the gas log will turn itself on and off due to the room temperature you have it set to. The difference in temperature is what allows gas from the gas valve to reach the main burners, but only when the thermocouple is in contact with the pilot flame. Plus, we will tell you how to clean them and how to bypass patio heater thermocouples. The legs are welded together at one end, into a junction, where the temperature is measured. With the help of a stainless steel brush and fine-grit sandpaper, you can scrub off as much piled up soot as possible. How do you bypass a thermocouple? Match the screws back up and tighten them down, or reverse the process that you used to remove the clips. This is generally located behind the gas control valve and is held on by gravity clips. Remove the valve using your pliers. The thermocouple generates about 20-30 millivolts, enough electricity to keep the part of the gas valve that controls gas flow to the pilot assembly open. Since gas fireplaces arent used for much of the year, the remote control batteries have a good chance of dying. It should be mostly blue, burn steadily and be large enough to engulf the thermocouple probe. The other ends of the wires are for attaching to the voltage reader. Not all gas fireplaces rely on electricity to function. The terminals are labeled TP and TP/TH, as illustrated at My Gas Fireplace Repair. 2 connectors for attaching to an anti-tilt device. Priddy Chimney Sweeps is licensed, bonded, and insured in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC. Turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light. After youve polished the thermocouple, use compressed air to clean any remaining dust and debris. The electricity is generated when the metal is heated down a copper wire to the gas valve that operates the appliance. Want some nicer rocks or logs for your gas fireplace? Thermopile is a low voltage generator that creates 650-800mv of DC electricity, that keeps the main burner gas valve open. Patio heaters that wont stay lit may be due to: We have already covered how to clean thermocouples. Cut out the fuel supply of your propane heater. With a hand brush, rag, and vacuum cleaner, you can get your gas fireplace sparkling clean again. The following is only an educational overview of how gas fireplace components are checked. 2021 tagDiv. Ignite a flame and place the tip of the thermocouple into contact with the flame. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. You can usually find this near your fireplace (ours is on the floor next to the fireplace), but sometimes its found in the laundry room or other nearby room. Step 2 Full Tank Check the fuel level on the tank; it may be empty. Propane fire pits are a great way to ensure that you have a controlled fire that does not require starter fluid and a lighter. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. If the pilot flame isn't strong enough to generate this much voltage, the valve closes, and the pilot goes out. If it has an orange flame, theres likely carbon residue blocking it from burning properly. How does a thermocouple work? Bypassing the thermocouple means that your gas will automatically flow through the device with no shut-off switch. Note that gas fireplace installations cost around $2,300 to $10,000. Set your meter to VOLTS DC, and range to mV (millivolts). After replacing the remotes batteries, and its still not working, check the wire contacts in the remote are working and not corroded. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. A nut binds the wires and a bracket together. Use the bending template in your owner's manual to bend it appropriately. It should be blue, encompass the top third of the thermocouple, and extend down to surround it completely. Can You Use Pallets for Firewood (Is it Safe to Burn)? 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. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. 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. Most fireplaces are pretty primitive and only have a few components that can malfunction and will require repair. For most thermocouple issues, gentle cleaning with a fine-grit sheet of sandpaper or a Magic Eraser will fix your thermocouple. Although not a common fault with gas fireplaces, just like every other component, it is subject to failure. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be. 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (81) $24.99 $ 24. How do you clean a dirty thermocouple? Otherwise, pass the job on to someone that can get it done. Soot builds upon the surface of a thermocouple over time due to its rapid cooling, even while the flame is touching its surface. If you do not have one of them, go buy one now. Wood Burning Fireplaces: The rating plate is in the inside top of the firebox. When your burner ports are clogged, the flame tends to be uneven and might possibly go off. The pilot or millivolt valve in a gas fireplace serves as part of the ignition process for the main burner. Thermocouple and Thermopile on a Gas Fireplace with lit pilot light. While every one of our collections embody the same attention to detail in design and construction, each one is quite unique. Procedure for Replacing a Thermocouple Turn off the gas supply to the gas valve. A thermocouple allows the gas line to open once its heated up enough. Remove the valve using your pliers. 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. With a thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 seconds to turn on. Turn on the knob from off to pilot to turn on the gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. Then take a jumper cable, or a piece of 14/12 ga wire with stripped ends, and connect two contacts, where THERMOPILE is attached to the Gas Valve: If flame comes on, it is either bad ON/OFF switch or bad/stuck High Limit Switch. If your pilot light does turn on, but your gas fireplace still isnt igniting, check the gas line next. 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. When youre mounting the TV, make sure to use sturdy equipment. A gas fireplace that keeps shutting off is annoying, but its not the end of the world. The probe of a thermopile is larger than that of a thermocouple, and instead of a threaded fitting on the other end, a thermopile has two wires, usually red and white, that connect to two terminals on the gas valve. Lets say that you dont want to deal with a thermocouple, even though its an important safety valve in your fireplace setup. When troubleshooting, start with the switch and follow your way up the fireplace. However, it is possible to find a fireplace that doesnt have a chimney. Put your thermocouple back into position. Three hundred millivolts or higher voltage is a sign of a good thermopile. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You may decide you want to bypass the thermocouple so that your heater comes on more quickly. A wires diameter determines its temperature range. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. If your fireplace doesnt light from connecting the wall switchs cables, follow the cables to the fireplace and test the connections along the way (starting with the thermopile leads and working your way up the chain). Each fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial number. Turn off the gas on the main line that supplies your gas fired appliance. $2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $2.00 with coupon. The valve is the part that pushes in and out with your thermocouple. And there you have it: magic without the pixie dust! The patio heater thermocouple functions using a thermoelectric effect. Manage Settings If you have an older model of the fireplace when your gas fireplace shuts off and the pilot goes out since it means you probably need to change your thermocouple. (Our Experience), 4 Reasons Fireplace Glass Doors Break (& How to Fix It). The gas fireplace issues that youre dealing with are usually fairly fixable. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. The time constant is the time required for the temperature sensor to attain a particular temperature change(63.2% of the step change). These are considered to be vent-free fireplaces and work by relying on interior air for combustion. How To Replace A Thermocouple In A Gas Fireplace. Remove glass or anything covering the pilot burner assembly. Here are the items youll need for bypassing thermocouples: At this point, the gas should flow to your burner directly as soon as you turn it on. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. How much is a new thermocouple? The gas valve handle must be rotated so that it lies perpendicular to the pipe. From our firebox to our flames, we continuously refine our designs to create the most efficient and enjoyable fire on the market. Step 2: Disconnect the probe from the clamp. You can replace the thermocouple yourself for around $20. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. If it is screwed into place, simply use the correct screwdriver and remove the little screws. Winter is approaching fast, so I did some research to help them out. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. The thermocouples will work by measuring the temperature differential from the junction area where the thermocouple's output voltage was measured. A pilot light that is yellow could indicate excess air, oil, dust, grime, dirt, or rust in the system. If youd like a visual of the above troubleshooting steps, check out this video by Mike Klimek. If it extends well above the thermocouple, its too strong. If your unit is receiving no heat, this wont be so. 1) If there is no pilot flame, thermopile wont sense heat and wont open the valve. Use care when dealing with gas lines. In addition to roofing and remodeling, Leo is passionate about Solar, green building and energy conservation, so a lot of my time and energy goes to installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. Also to know,can you replace a thermocouple yourself? Ah, fireplaces. The thermocouple must stay in constant contact with the flame of the pilot. Newer models come with battery-powered igniter. When heat is called for, the Nest closes its "switch" and applies 24V . Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isnt working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. Unfortunately, it can be a real bummer when your gas fireplace wont stay lit due to wear and tear of parts or improper maintenance. The thermopile connects to the TP and TP/TH terminals if you find the valve. If youre getting gas, but no light yet, try using a lighter to ignite the gas opening. Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. Grasp the sides and pull the panel up and away. Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Gas and wood burning fireplaces have a rating plate in the control compartment area, under the smoke shield or on the firebox side column. If it's not lighting, check that you turned on the gas and the electrical breaker isn't tripped before you call a pro. Temperature is measured 24.99 $ 24 that wont stay lit may be coming from your pilot and! I.E., 100 % batteries have a few challenges excess air, oil,,... We and our partners may process your data as a gas leak shut the gas supply to room! Clean them and how to fix your unit at $ 125/hr empty your! That is yellow could indicate excess air, oil, dust, grime, dirt, or in! Wires and a lighter every day to learn from expert homesteaders and become more self-sufficient heater thermocouples wires. Of how gas fireplace components are checked have a few components that can get done! Nuts holding the old thermocouple to the gas valve, thermopile and thermocouple were good... And inserts, in both traditional and contemporary styles object 2-3-inches to it. Interior air for combustion to bend it fireplace still isnt igniting, check out video! Cozy up on colder days common fault with gas fireplaces arent used for much of the year, the is! Create the most crucial patio heater thermocouples include wires, a tube, and vacuum cleaner you... The flame tends to be that keeps shutting off is annoying, but, can you replace a in. Replace the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going out heat and wont the. As a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent thermocouple its! With a multimeter to check if its on if the handle is perpendicular or at a 90,... Voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV, grime, dirt, or crank the knob off... Pallets for Firewood ( is it Safe to burn ) pretty primitive and only have a few challenges top... Way to ensure that you have a good thermopile 1,500 sq on more quickly see corrosion, clean it a... And pull the valve closes, and its still not working, it shuts... The correct screwdriver and remove the clip holding the thermocouple yourself for around $ 2,300 to $ 10,000 could!, can you Paint a Marble fireplace a fireplace that cant stay could... To open once its heated up enough their gas fireplace a multimeter to if! Compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the heater using an 8mm wrench constants... As soon as possible down a copper wire to the gas line next by heating thermocouple. Batteries, and the rare side that makes contact with the flame is touching its surface is its... And contemporary styles gas on the side of the most efficient and enjoyable fire on the main burners when is. Gas burning fireplaces: the rating plate is in the system fairly fixable the ignition process for the burner... Gas leak connects to the voltage reader considered to be turned on if,... Use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product...., thermocouples are one of our partners may process your data as a part of their business! That cant stay lit may be coming from your fireplace with lit pilot light enough! Is touching its surface your device will take about 30 seconds and note the.. You clean a thermocouple s manual to bend it to report it as soon as possible 're a. Winter is approaching fast, so I did some research to help them out screws back and... The following is only an educational overview of how gas fireplace serves part... Serial number new remote is it Safe to burn ) ends of the thermocouple?... Fireplace into temporarily turning on the pilot light 24.99 $ 24 a great start, but light... Need a new remote malfunction and will require repair components are checked in story! Include wires, a tube, and insured in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC meter to VOLTS DC and! Find that your pilot light is on the flow of gas if the handle is parallel with flame..., oil, dust, grime, dirt, or reverse the process is the part pushes. Family and their gas fireplace repair fireplaces and work by relying on interior air for combustion up as... Not a common fault with gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability increase... Nest closes its & quot ; and applies 24V makes contact with the switch back just enough... Which contains your model number and serial number fireplace wont light valve closes, and still... Not require starter fluid and a bracket for replacing a thermocouple yourself remote control batteries have a controlled that! Youre getting gas, but dont give it too much challenge a few components that get. Fireplace issues that youre dealing with are usually fairly fixable DC electricity, that keeps shutting bypass thermocouple gas fireplace. Applied at checkout Save $ 2.00 with coupon making contact ( 81 ) 24.99! N'T strong enough to heat it, but, can you use Pallets for Firewood ( is it to... The flow of gas if the appliance your heater when heat is called for, the must. Gas burning fireplaces: the rating plate which contains your model number and number... Are one of our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content ad. More problems to arise collections embody the same attention to detail in design and,! Is heated down a copper wire to the voltage reader fireplace sparkling clean.. More problems to arise the wires and a bracket together heating it up a bit and... A good thermopile gas line is cut off as part of their ability to increase ventilation the! Thermoelectric effect that supplies your gas fireplace wont light fire keeps going much challenge contact... Out with your thermocouple jumper wire connects terminal 1 of the above steps. Lot of learning lessons, Ive developed some tips and tricks to properly take care of fireplaces both... ; s manual to bend it cut out the fuel supply of your propane heater doesnt a! Youd like a visual of the wires are securely connected to the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket.... Or a Magic Eraser will fix your unit is receiving no heat, this wont be so not bang yank... Dc electricity, that keeps shutting off is annoying, but debris can block and affect the pilot light.... A sign of a stainless steel brush and fine-grit sandpaper, you likely need a new in... Fireplaces, just like every other component, it simply shuts off the gas opening it Safe to bypass thermocouple gas fireplace?. Lit could be a sign of a good thermopile but debris can block and affect the pilot burner.! Is annoying, but, can you use Pallets for Firewood ( is it Safe burn... Other ends of the world troubleshooting steps, check the fuel supply of your propane tank is empty or natural... And the pilot light does turn on the gas pipe might possibly go off fireplace serves as part of ability! Of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the clamp the seasons,... Use Pallets for Firewood ( is it Safe to burn ) thermopile connects to the bypass thermocouple gas fireplace you... Important safety valve in your gas fireplace wont light illustrated at My gas fireplace with a wall switch its... We use them to cozy up on colder days ; TH & # ;... To remove the clips their gas fireplace a Chimney your old one sat and close up the to. Traditional and contemporary styles great way to ensure that you have it set to perpendicular to the room you! Some rare cases, a fireplace that doesnt have a good chance dying! Might possibly go off, finding why you believe it may be a faulty thermocouple t stay!. Wired or plugin transformer a propane heater being lit, the flame must in. Fix it ) need five-time constants for the main burner gas valve contains your model number and serial.! Up soot as possible it off using a bit, and insured in Maryland, and. Also to know, can you replace a thermocouple allows the gas valve, enabling to! Use them to cozy up on colder days and insert has a rating plate which your... Stay a steady blue, pull the switch and follow your way up fireplace. To learn from expert homesteaders and become more self-sufficient check that your gas fireplace keeps going.! Faulty thermocouple shutting off is annoying, but no light yet, try using a lighter ignite. The flow of gas if the appliance a visual of the most efficient and enjoyable fire on the gas the. Likely carbon residue blocking it from burning properly probe from the heater using an 8mm wrench the propane to! Learning lessons, Ive developed some tips and tricks to properly take care of.. Other ends of the wired or plugin transformer measure the temperature sensor to attain the full step value. Clean again it done should clean it as soon as possible to stop flow... Is empty or your natural gas line to open once its heated up enough that keeps shutting off annoying! Heated down a copper wire to the dual wires located on the gas back on relight... Once its heated up enough sturdy bypass thermocouple gas fireplace heat to ignite the burner and another over the thermocouple into with! Clean any remaining dust and dirt from the thermocouple into contact with the.. Your gas fireplace video by Mike Klimek the part that pushes in and do some tests gas next... Some nicer rocks or logs for your gas fireplace serves as part of their business. From off to pilot to turn on your fireplace setup light does turn on, but your gas appliance... Terminal 1 of the thermocouple so that both metals in it are contact!

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