Here's a quick guide on how to bypass it: Allow at least 20 minutes for the machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it has been burning recently. You can use your manufacturers guide to locate these. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. Bypassing the thermocouple means that your gas will automatically flow through the device with no shut-off switch. 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. The pilot is typically located inside fireplaces on one side close to the wall. Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. If your gas fireplace ignites, release the switch and turn it to the on position once it stays lit. Its easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. However, there are other possibilities out there. So what are the most common problems with gas fireplaces that need fixing? Next step after you got flame by jumping the on/off switch: Unplug the on/off switch, and connect the wires together. Thermocouple and Thermopile on a Gas Fireplace with lit pilot light. Once the metal gets heated, voltage travels down a copper wire to the gas valve that controls the device. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. Turn off the gas valve, or crank the knob on the propane tank to the off position. If everything else works, and the fireplace lights, the issue is likely the wall switch or its connection to the fireplace (thermopile). That is the reason why thermocouples also require cold-joint compensation. Many contemporary gas appliances have automatic spark igniters, and these don't need thermocouples. The buildup of soot and creosote is caused by incomplete combustion, making everyone sad. If your fireplace does light with the lighter, let it run for a minute, turn off the gas, and try again without the lighter. Use the bending template in your owner's manual to bend it appropriately. The thermocouple is usually the culprit, so it is good to learn how to bypass it. A nut binds the wires and a bracket together. The time constant is the time required for the temperature sensor to attain a particular temperature change(63.2% of the step change). Leo is also a Certified HVAC, Oil & Gas Heating Technician/Installer. Tube contamination signs- these may include things like cracks, discoloration, or pinholes. The thermopile connects to the TP and TP/TH terminals if you find the valve. Don't Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away Step 3. When heat is called for, the Nest closes its "switch" and applies 24V . Light the pilot and check the flame a second time after cleaning out the air intake holes. Thermopiles cost $20 $60 for a quality brand name part. Usually, if you want to make the flame higher, you need to turn the key counterclockwise. 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. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. You can also use a lighter to heat the thermocouple. The created voltage then gets measured. : thereifixedit. Gas valves are not serviceable; the following are simple troubleshooting and description of how gas valves operate. 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 components of patio heater thermocouples include wires, a tube, and a bracket. Remove the thermopile wiring connector from the gas control. The first thing you should do when faced with fireplaces that wont stay lit is to make sure your pilot light is lit. There are numerous reliable yet affordable. Below is a step by step video of troubleshooting my fireplace with no flame, going through thermocouple, thermopile, verifying that gas valve is good, high limit switch are good, and finding that it was all due to an old ON/OFF switch that costs $3.50 . When youre satisfied with the way the thermopile looks, go ahead and re-ignite the pilot light. Can Firewood Bring Termites? As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be. Category: Categories Gas Fireplaces, Can You Mount a TV Above a Fireplace? When replacing a thermocouple or thermopile with the help of a professional, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250. On the contrary, if you want to decrease the flame, you should turn the key clockwise. Proper maintenance of your gas fireplace can help prevent issues with your fireplace such as trouble keeping the unit lit. It does its best, but dont give it too much challenge. Thermopiles more expensive than thermocouple, but are still affordable and universal. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out how to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace. The thermopile or thermocouple is in front of the pilot assembly and connects to the gas valve. The definitive way to identify a bad thermocouple is to test it using a multimeter with alligator clips on the leads. If your pilot light is turning on but youre not getting gas, and youve checked everything else, consider replacing your thermocouple. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. The location of the burner is at the base of the fireplace unit. Hereof,how do you change a thermocouple on a gas fireplace? How much does it cost to fix a pilot light? It is not intended to be a complete DIY diagnostic or to replace the support of a qualified technician. While having a gas fireplace that shuts itself off can be a little bit of a nuisance, most of the time, its an easy fix. If youd like a visual of the above troubleshooting steps, check out this video by Mike Klimek. Electronic flame sensors are much less universal, and you must find the exact part specified for your furnace model. Can You Use Pallets for Firewood (Is it Safe to Burn)? Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. 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. A wires diameter determines its temperature range. Each fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial number. This compensation ensures the temperature at the connection end doesnt interfere with the measuring point. The product is made to produce up to 32,000 BTU of heat, enough to heat 1,500 sq. Turn the flame source on to conduct the actual test. I personally like the . Attach the leads of your multimeter to your thermocouple. 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. To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. 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. If your fireplace lights, its a bad wall switch and it needs to be replaced. These are safety devices that ensure the pilot light gets lit. Manage Settings 2021 tagDiv. Install & Owners Manuals. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. It measures this by detecting the pilot lights heat via the thermocouple. https://www.hunker.com/12604220/how-to-clean-the-thermocouple-in-a-gas-fireplace. If the thermopile is not producing the proper voltage or no voltage at all the gas valve will not operate. If not, call a professional to come in and do some tests. You will want to analyze how the gas lines are connected. I think this is just a joke meme, but For anyone here who doesn't know any better, Never bypass a thermocouple, it is a very important and critical safety device! Take out the faulty thermocouple and thermopile and replace them with new ones. Once you know the basics of the process, though, you can figure the others out, so keep on reading. If the thermocouple isn't working, the pilot won't stay lit, but you can't always be sure the thermocouple is the problem. Dont worry, that is completely normal. To make sure that its a safe thing to do, make sure that the fireplace has its fire contained, is properly ventilated, and has adequate distance from the television. This build-up can very well limit their effectiveness. 5. You might be amazed to find out that the most straightforward fix for this is to light your pilot. Thermocouples. Napoleon F60 On/Off Fireplace Remote Control with Thermostat provides control of gas heating fireplaces with a simple click of a button. Made with Newspaper Theme. Hey, Im Tyler. Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. Pilot lights should have a blue flame. Heat the thermocouple to a considerable level by placing it in the flame. Also found in certain gas space heaters and construction-site portable heaters. Easiest way, is to light the pilot light and wait 5 minutes. 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. This is why you needed to remove the gas from the lines after turning the supply off. Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. Were staying with some family and their gas fireplace wont light. Your thermopileoutput can be tested with a multimeter using the TH/TP Contacts to check the amount of electricity its producing. 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. A flashlight will illuminate the area and make it easy to see. A thermopile works in exactly the same way, but it generates a larger voltage somewhere around 500 mV so it can control a more robust valve mechanism. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. Due to the function of your thermocouple and thermopile, its only logical that they will build up carbon deposits from burning all the time. Do you have a fireplace in your house? Unfortunately, it can be a real bummer when your gas fireplace wont stay lit due to wear and tear of parts or improper maintenance. If the fire pit is run by propane, you need to remove the tank and put it somewhere else, like attached to your BBQ. After that, switch off the gas and unplug any other thing connected to it to ensure nothing will spark when youre cleaning the thermocouple. While the wall switches are low voltage and can be handled, if youre uncomfortable with handling wires, hire a professional to check your fireplace and wiring. Why will my gas fireplace not stay lit? 4. If your propane tank is empty or your natural gas line is cut off. Remove the thermocouple access panel. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. This might take a minute or so depending on how far away the key is from your fireplace. Do not bang or yank on it because you could break something, which would cause more problems to arise. If the reading doesn't change, there's something wrong with the gas control. The best way to know if the fireplace is not turning on due to dirty thermocouples is to find if the pilot assembly is still burning. Winter is approaching fast, so I did some research to help them out. While flame is still going, put meter lids on the connectors of thermopile. Yes, Heres What To Do, Why is Fire Blue (& Is It Hotter)? If your logs wont catch fire, it may be that you have started too big. The valve is the part that pushes in and out with your thermocouple. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. You can replace the thermocouple yourself for around $20. However, this is a highly unusual situation that is often coupled with other problems. You will want to know what type and style it is when you order it. For most thermocouple issues, gentle cleaning with a fine-grit sheet of sandpaper or a Magic Eraser will fix your thermocouple. Fireplace Xtrordinair offers a wide variety of premium wood and gas burning fireplaces and inserts, in both traditional and contemporary styles. Before re-installing the gas logs, switch on your gas as you relight pilot assembly. 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. Thats it! A thermocouple is a heat-activated switch that tells your gas-fired appliance when heat is needed. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. If your pilot light is out, the thermocouple wont turn on the gas. 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. It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. Checking your thermopile for a fault is a simple DIY solution as to why your gas fireplace wont function, but if the above steps dont work you may need to call a technician to fix your issue. If youve tried everything else, and youre still not hearing or smelling gas after a minute or two, consider replacing your thermocouple. Gas fireplace repair costs $200 to $1,000 on average. Each calibration has a unique temperature range. How much is a new thermocouple? How Do You Test Patio Heater Thermocouples? If you normally turn on your fireplace with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact. Stoves: The rating plate is typically affixed to the back of the stove. Once the wiring is free from the switch unit, bypass the wall switch by touching the two wires together. Thus, you should clean it as soon as possible. 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. Once it is out, put the access panel back on and put the thermocouple in a safe place if you plan to replace it. You can also use a lighter to heat the thermocouple. 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. You will find the pilot inside the ignition system at the top of the burner assembly. Faulty ones may interfere with the outcome of the test readings. This is capable of diluting the natural gas, making the light go off. If the pilot gas tube is clogged, the flame might not be strong enough to heat the thermocouple to the proper temperature. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Take the multimeter leads, placing one on the TH/TP terminal and the other on the TP terminal. Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces. When the connection of these two metals is heated or cooled, a voltage is created that can be linked back to the temperature. 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