If everything isnt working properly, then it means that the thermocouple is dirty. 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. Prepare the new thermocouple. Hey, Im Tyler. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. The thermocouple is a protection device that controls the gas supply to the gas-heated fireplace. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. If it works, your issue is likely fixed. Apart from your pilot being lit, the flame must stay a steady blue. Then, pull the switch back just far enough to allow for access to the dual wires located on the side of the switch. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. How To Bypass a Thermocouple On a Fire Pit ? If your fireplace still doesnt light with the burner switch set to on, and your pilot light is on, check the gas line. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. Ill help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home. The glass or screen of your Heat N Glo fireplace will get covered by soots or debris for several reasons. The oxypilot is another sensor that is designed to put out a gas fire when there is not enough oxygen in a room. See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. It should be mostly blue, burn steadily and be large enough to engulf the thermocouple probe. 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. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out how to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace. When youre satisfied with the way the thermopile looks, go ahead and re-ignite the pilot light. Thankfully, its fairly easy to replace a thermocouple and its not that expensive to do. How Do You Clean a Thermocouple on a Propane Heater? If the main burner flame of the fireplace turns on at this . Yes, but, The 5 Best Fireproof Fireplace Gloves For 2023 [Ranked]. Some thermocouples can be pulled free, while others require screws to be detached with a screwdriver first. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. The thermocouple must stay in constant contact with the flame of the pilot. Make sure to report it as a gas leak, and explain why you believe it may be coming from your fireplace. When the fireplace is clean and undergone proper maintenance, it burns evenly and prevents dirt from destroying its mechanisms. Learn More Find Your Flame Wood Gas Pellet Electric Find A Store FIND YOUR LOCAL FIREPLACE DEALER To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. 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. [Explained], Can You Move a Gas or Wood Fireplace? Push in the pilot button to manually send gas to the fireplace. When the heat reaches the thermocouple's second junction, it creates an electrical voltage. The voltage produced by the thermopile is in the 325 millivolts range after the pilot has been lit for at least 3 minutes. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. As you can see, this is why it is crucial to be in an open area away from anything that could cause a spark. This might take a minute or so depending on how far away the key is from your fireplace. Pull the thermocouple out fully and replace the access door. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. Fireplacetips.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You will want to analyze how the gas lines are connected. Ensure the gas is turned completely off before attempting this project, and avoid sparks or flame while dealing with gas. To remove the patio heater thermocouple, unscrew the connection nuts, and copper leads, followed by the bracket nuts. Is It Too Late to Get a Chimney Inspection in Winter Months? I fixed my gas fire pit. If you do hear clicking and your fireplace still wont light, there could be an issue with the gas intake. Bad thermocouples or electric ignition can also cause a problem. How to Get More Heat From Your Gas Fireplace, Why is Fire Blue (Is It Hotter)? Save time and get it done right the first time. If your fire pit is fueled by propane, close the valve on the tank and disconnect the fuel line from the tank before working on the appliance. Manage Settings Faulty ones may interfere with the outcome of the test readings. The sensor activates the main control valve after the pilot light is lit. 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. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. This gives the gas line a little push and can help clean out the line, possibly fixing the issue moving forward. Remove the thermopile wiring connector from the gas control. Stupid thing wouldn't stay on! Step 2 - Address the Pilot Light Your gas fireplace will contain a pilot light. Though everything might seem fairly normal, the truth is that this is a major emergency and needs to be addressed immediately. 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. Place the new thermocouple in the same place your old one sat and close up the fireplace to conduct a test. A thermocouple consists of two wires, or wire legs, made from different metals. Take care not to crimp or squash the tubing. This is important, particularly if the pilot light is out, because it prevents harmful gas from leaking into your home. If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the main burner valve open. Under the bracket are copper lead wires which connect to the gas valve. 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. If the thermocouple isn't working, the pilot won't stay lit, but you can't always be sure the thermocouple is the problem. then you need a resistor in series with the 1.5v battery of value. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Find your main gas control valve, and locate the thermopile sensor then find the Electric Contacts labeled TH/TP and TP respectively on the valve. Turn on the pilot, let it burn for 30 seconds and note the reading. If you have no pilot light, it is most likely that your thermocouple is bad, and needs replacement. Thermocouples. When troubleshooting, start with the switch and follow your way up the fireplace. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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 you have gas logs it should be located in the same area as the logs. 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. Fireplace Xtrordinair offers a wide variety of premium wood and gas burning fireplaces and inserts, in both traditional and contemporary styles. Tube contamination signs- these may include things like cracks, discoloration, or pinholes. Thermocouples are sensors used to measure temperature. Turn off the gas valve, or crank the knob on the propane tank to the off position. 4. Step 2: Disconnect the probe from the clamp. Heat the thermocouple to a considerable level by placing it in the flame. Cleaning the Thermopile Step 4. An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010. It is essentially a sensor that measures temperature and is made up of two different types of metals, joined on one end. If that is the case, then youre not the typical fireplace user. I have two fireplaces (one indoor and one outdoor) and I do what I can to maintain them. How Do You Test Patio Heater Thermocouples? Read this article if youre lighting your gas fireplace for the first time or how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot. You need to bypass the wire on the gas valve. Ensure you slope down the horizontal vent cap about 1/4 inches. 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. Do you have a fireplace in your house? If you plan to replace it, there is no point in removing the lines. When thermocouple is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. Read more. That should be about it for the tools that you will need. The thermocouple senses the gas pilot flame and prevents flow to the main burners when there is inadequate heat to ignite the burner. Why will my gas fireplace not stay lit? Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. However, there are other possibilities out there. You just need to make sure that you put safety first. How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Elite Gas Dryer That Won't Heat, How to Install a Thermocouple for a Propane Wall Heater. Not all gas fireplaces rely on electricity to function. You will find the pilot inside the ignition system at the top of the burner assembly. A gas leak is a very serious threat to your home and can quickly turn into a raging fire. The legs are welded together at one end, into a junction, where the temperature is measured. The other end of the thermocouple's tubing connects to a port on the gas regulator or gas valve. When this happens, you should call a professional to get it changed quickly to avoid a fire incident. Starting up a gas fireplace begins with shifting the pilot light to the on position. How To Replace A Thermocouple In A Gas Fireplace. 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. Dual Fuel Ventless Gas Fireplace - 32,000 BTU, Remote Control, Auburn Cherry Finish The Duluth Forge Ventless Fireplace features The Duluth Forge Ventless Fireplace features our Furniture Quality fireplace mantel and our Dual Fuel, Vent Free Gas fireplace insert that provides you with heat and beauty. Locate two terminals called 'TH' and 'TP'. If you overload your wood burner with logs, the lack of air circulation can also cause your fire to go out. 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 you determine that your thermocouple & thermopile are good (based on voltage reading), check your on/off switch. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. Remove any nuts holding the thermocouple in place and wiggle it out. Working with Gas and Electricity is very dangerous and should only be done by licensed plumbers / gas fitters / electricians. Though they may be tiny electrical devices, thermocouples are one of the most crucial patio heater parts. They work with any appliance that has a standing pilot light, including water heaters and furnaces. : thereifixedit. You dont want to cause additional problems. In most cases, this means that your thermopile (the sensor/valve that keeps an eye on your fireplace temperature) or your oxypilot (the sensor that keeps an eye on your fireplaces oxygen levels) is in need of cleaning. Thermocouple and Thermopile on a Gas Fireplace with lit pilot light. 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. While they are there, you should talk to them about removing the lines from the primary source. Clean the threads of its attachment screw using your pencil eraser. This is the easiest step. 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 the pilot is dirty and needs to be cleaned, you will have a very weak flame. If you dont know where to look for patio heater thermocouples, check around your heaters flame. If you find the flame is yellow (learn more about fire colors here) after turning it on and covering the probe, it implies that the intake holes should be cleaned. Typically used thermocouples are the base metal thermocouples. Proper maintenance of your gas fireplace can help prevent issues with your fireplace such as trouble keeping the unit lit. If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the pilot valve open. ft. of . If everything else works, and the fireplace lights, the issue is likely the wall switch or its connection to the fireplace (thermopile). How much does it cost to fix a pilot light? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You will want to know what type and style it is when you order it. Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Turn off the gas on the main line that supplies your gas fired appliance. 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. Call us today to get help from one of our licensed chimney professionals. This guide is for REFERENCE AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and we take no responsibility if something goes wrong. This is why the pilot stays lit on its . The perfect position is when flames cover the tops of thermocouples and burn with yellow tips. 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. Ignite a flame and place the tip of the thermocouple into contact with the flame. There are numerous styles to choose from. Gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability to increase ventilation. The tube is above the bracket. If youdochoose to DIY it, make sure to follow the steps to the letter and keep an eye on other parts while you do it. (Our Experience), 4 Reasons Fireplace Glass Doors Break (& How to Fix It). Locate the pilot assembly and find the thermocouple. Which Fireplace Insert Is Right for You: Wood or Gas. This is capable of diluting the natural gas, making the light go off. If not, call a professional to come in and do some tests. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. If flames are weak and blue they hardly reach thermocouples, therefore, they should be strengthened. If it does not move easily, get the light back in there and see if you missed a nut or bolt. If it's yellow or orange, undersized and unsteady, the pilot tube is probably clogged, and it needs to be cleaned. Try the following DIY fix at home for a fireplace that wont stay lit. Take the multimeter leads, placing one on the TH/TP terminal and the other on the TP terminal. 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