This is basically the role of the pilot light. Call Air Experts for Furnace Thermocouple Repair in the Raleigh, NC Area! Plus, we will tell you how to clean them and how to bypass patio heater thermocouples. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. 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. Which Fireplace Insert Is Right for You: Wood or Gas. Honeywell, White Rodgers, and other manufacturers make universal replacement thermocouples, usually with a 30-millivolts (mV) rating for standing-pilot furnaces. You can find Tyler getting outdoors whenever he can and nerding out about fireplace technology in his free time. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Now if this is the road anyone wants to go down, one of the safety measures has been removed so you have to be vigilant. Although its cheap to replace both probes, its far cheaper to clean them first. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. The multimeter should read 300 millivolts or more. Hereof,how do you change a thermocouple on a gas fireplace? You can test your thermocouple and thermopile with a quality digital voltmeter. Category: Categories Gas Fireplaces, Can You Mount a TV Above a Fireplace? Regency Fireplace Products | Gas Inserts, Wood Stoves, & More! Beside above,how much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace? He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. The thermocouple more or less acts like a sensor for gas flow and supplies gas to the pilot light through the gas valve. If everything isnt working properly, then it means that the thermocouple is dirty. Gently rub it with your steel wool or the rougher side of your sponge. The thermocouple on your gas furnace is a heat-sensitive device that transmits a small electrical signal to the gas valve to keep it open when the pilot is on. Ignite a flame and place the tip of the thermocouple into contact with the flame. You can heat up your thermocouple / thermopile with a lighter for 30-45 seconds, and keep it hot. If that works, you likely need a new remote. Once your unit is clean, put it back on the pilot assembly. So, if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links on this site, I receive a commission for it. There are numerous reliable yet affordable. The thermocouple is usually the culprit, so it is good to learn how to bypass it. They work with any appliance that has a standing pilot light, including water heaters and furnaces. However, it is possible to find a fireplace that doesnt have a chimney. Use the bending template in your owner's manual to bend it appropriately. 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. If you do hear clicking and your fireplace still wont light, there could be an issue with the gas intake. This will case the flame to lift away from the thermocouple, the temperature to drop, and the gas valve to shut off. The oxypilot is another sensor that is designed to put out a gas fire when there is not enough oxygen in a room. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Touch the two leads of the meter. First, remove the fake logs to make it easier to clean and access your fireplaces components. It is not intended to be a complete DIY diagnostic or to replace the support of a qualified technician. 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. The first thing you should do when faced with fireplaces that wont stay lit is to make sure your pilot light is lit. Apart from your pilot being lit, the flame must stay a steady blue. 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). Turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light. 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. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. If you skip that step, you will be letting out some gas, which can be a fire hazard or health hazard. 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. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. Next I jumped bot contacts of on/off switch and flame came right on! eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. Alternatively, use a round object 2-3-inches to bend it. 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. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. Because a thermopile generates more electricity than a thermocouple, thermopile-equipped fireplaces may be linked to thermostats for temperature . 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 fireplace. In most cases it will be held on with a gravity clip, but some are held on with a screw that must be removed with a small screwdriver. Put your thermocouple back into position. To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. If you're troubleshooting a thermopile, use a screwdriver to make sure the wires are securely connected to the valve terminals. Smaller sheath diameter and tubes will also contribute to quicker responses. The thermopile, on the other hand, opens up the gas valve when the fireplaces are turned on. A thermocouple allows the gas line to open once its heated up enough. Sizing and heating capacities range from the petite, portrait-style . 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. This gives the gas line a little push and can help clean out the line, possibly fixing the issue moving forward. Thermocouple are pretty universal and cost $12-$35. Starting up a gas fireplace begins with shifting the pilot light to the on position. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws on the thermocouple. This site is the place where I share everything Ive learned to help you with your fireplace needs. Thermocouples. If the main burner flame of the fireplace turns on at this . Turn on the pilot, let it burn for 30 seconds and note the reading. 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 would be a bad day if you fired the fire pit up and there was a small gas leak. I have two fireplaces (one indoor and one outdoor) and I do what I can to maintain them. Though its very rare, there are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause a gas leak in your home. While flame is still going, put meter lids on the connectors of thermopile. Under the bracket are copper lead wires which connect to the gas valve. Allow at least 20 minutes for the machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it has been burning recently. Therefore, finding why you have no flame in your gas fireplace is pretty straightforward. It should be dark blue in the outer flame, and sky blue in the center. Video of the Day Step 2 Remove the thermocouple access panel. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. If it reads less than 300 millivolts, it may be cause that your gas fireplace wont function, therefore, you should replace it. Hey, Im Tyler. All the steps above are designed to give you the knowledge to do this job yourself, but you must follow along and make sure you are conscious of the danger that playing with gas lines can bring. Cut out the fuel supply of your propane heater. Prepare the new thermocouple. Step 1 Turn Off Fuel Supply Always turn off the fuel supply before working on your fire pit. It should be blue, encompass the top third of the thermocouple, and extend down to surround it completely. 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. Clean the threads of its attachment screw using your pencil eraser. Or fastest delivery Today . {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. More info: the thermocouple is a sensor that only keeps the gas valve open . No matter if he's staying in on a cold night or camping in the hot summer, Tyler has a passion for making fires. 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. Why will my gas fireplace not stay lit? The electricity is generated when the metal is heated down a copper wire to the gas valve that operates the appliance. If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the main burner valve open. #1 Hello All - new to the forum. Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isnt working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. The measuring point detects a temperature change leading to voltage creation. Try turning on the fireplace as usual. Set your meter to VOLTS DC, and range to mV (millivolts). Rub until you remove all the soot on its surface. He's constantly trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and of coursefireplaces. $2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $2.00 with coupon. Faulty ones may interfere with the outcome of the test readings. Remove any nuts holding the thermocouple in place and wiggle it out. HEAD OFFICE #190, 2255 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 3B1 These are safety devices that ensure the pilot light gets lit. The voltage produced by the thermopile is in the 325 millivolts range after the pilot has been lit for at least 3 minutes. However, there are other possibilities out there. Kinda like a choke) If you were to take that plunger out of the valve body, remove the thermocouple, and cap the male threads on the t-body valve this entire process is eliminated. If you are having problems with your gas fireplace, we recommend you contact a reputable gas fireplace shop or plumber who can assist. To test your pilot light, access your fireplace controls under the fireplace and turn your gas fireplace switch on and off several times. If youre getting gas, but no light yet, try using a lighter to ignite the gas opening. How To Disconnect Propane Tank from Fire Pit, How to get more heat from a propane fire pit. [Explained], Can You Move a Gas or Wood Fireplace? Manage Settings Stoves: The rating plate is typically affixed to the back of the stove. 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. Read more. 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. However, this may lower the maximum temperature you can attain. Though gas fireplaces can exude smoke and heat, mounting a TV over one is actually fairly safe. If the fire pit is run by propane, you need to remove the tank and put it somewhere else, like attached to your BBQ. ft. of . To test this, start by unscrewing and removing the outlet cover to expose the wires. 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. Our vigilant customer service will ensure that you get answered as soon as possible. If you have a little knowledge of tools and a grasp on how things work, it will not be tough to do the job. Try listening or smelling for the gas again, and use your fireplace switch again to ignite the gas. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Disconnect the nut that attaches the thermocouple to the gas control valve with your wrench. Each fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial number. This can take up to a minute. The tube is above the bracket. The thermopile connects to the TP and TP/TH terminals if you find the valve. Newer models come with battery-powered igniter. Normally, the pilot light is enough to heat it, but debris can block and affect the pilot lights flame. To disable thermocouples, either one end or the other needs to be removed from the source. You can replace the thermocouple yourself for around $20. Were staying with some family and their gas fireplace wont light. This guide is for REFERENCE AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and we take no responsibility if something goes wrong. To remove the patio heater thermocouple, unscrew the connection nuts, and copper leads, followed by the bracket nuts. Each calibration has a unique temperature range. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. There are numerous styles to choose from. Locate the pilot assembly and find the thermocouple. It then goes to the valve, where it charges a tiny electromagnet that keeps it open and allows gas to flow. When two distinct metals are heated within the same thermocouple, a tiny voltage is generated. How Do You Restart the Heaters After You Run Out of Propane, Acme How To: How To Replace a Thermocouple, E Local Plumbers Blog: How To Replace a Thermocouple. How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple? Also found in certain gas space heaters and construction-site portable heaters. Stay away from cheap or no name brands, with 100s of fake 5-star reviews on Amazon. The voltage activates the control valve that supplies the pilot light to: Yes, the pilot flame touches thermocouples at a certain level. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. Then that voltage charges a small electromagnet in the valve, which holds it open and allows for gas to flow. 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. If you are comfortable doing it, then continue on. If your gas fireplace still isnt lighting, try using the manual switch next to the fireplaces burner instead. My Gas Fireplace Repair: How to Test Your Thermopile, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. Answered. If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the pilot valve open. This is the easiest step. Once the metal gets heated, voltage travels down a copper wire to the gas valve that controls the device. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be. Recently, the thermostat (simple mercury switch style) stopped turning the fireplace on as it should. 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. A tiny flame known as a standing flame is used to heat a small probe called a thermocouple, or thermopile. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. Once the wiring is free from the switch unit, bypass the wall switch by touching the two wires together. An inspection alone can cost between $60 and $130. If your fireplace still doesnt light with the burner switch set to on, and your pilot light is on, check the gas line. As for an empty tank, get a replacement. Can You Use Pallets for Firewood (Is it Safe to Burn)? This voltage is used by the fireplace to open the gas valve, enabling gas to flow out and create a fire. This is due to the varying electron densities of the different wires. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. By following steps in this guide, you assume ALL THE RISK! Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. A 1/8 inch NPT plug, accessible for test gauge connection, must be installed immediately upstream of the gas supply . To temporarily sort the situation, you can bypass thermocouples until you have funds to replace them. Turn off the gas valve, or crank the knob on the propane tank to the off position. 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 to Get More Heat From Your Gas Fireplace, Why is Fire Blue (Is It Hotter)? Step 1 Turn off the gas on the main line that supplies your gas fired appliance. During operation, if the pilot flame goes out for any reason, the thermocouple or thermopile will cool and shut the gas valve that supplies the supply to the burner, shutting down the heater. 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. With the help of a stainless steel brush and fine-grit sandpaper, you can scrub off as much piled up soot as possible. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! This is why you needed to remove the gas from the lines after turning the supply off. 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. Up soot as possible to VOLTS DC, and sky blue in the Raleigh, Area... A light touch a screwdriver to make sure your pilot light fireplaces are designed to put out a fire! Heating your thermocouple and thermopile are the two wires together mercury switch style stopped... 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