If the main burner doesnt turn on, but the pilot light is still burning, its likely that the thermocouple has failed and needs to be replaced. Gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability to increase ventilation. If you are replacing the thermocouple, all you need to do is reverse the steps and hook it up. The thermocouple, which operates as a safety device, turns the gas supply off when the pilot light goes out. The pilot or millivolt valve in a gas fireplace serves as part of the ignition process for the main burner. Thermopile 750mv 33" Gas Fireplace Thermocouple for Gas Fireplace, Water Heater, Gas Fryer Cluster Thermocouple. How Do You Test Patio Heater Thermocouples? If you want to replace your unit, you can check out the Hiland THP-Thermo Thermocouple, ideal for any tall patio heater. So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. Cleaning the Thermopile Step 4. Turn Off the Gas Supply To The Fire Pit The first step in the process is the most vital. Heres what I found. The thermocouple on gas fired heating appliances is mounted to sense the presence of a gas flame or gas pilot flame. Read more. Once your unit is clean, put it back on the pilot assembly. This build-up can very well limit their effectiveness. The tube is above the bracket. Leo is also a Certified HVAC, Oil & Gas Heating Technician/Installer. Although not a common fault with gas fireplaces, just like every other component, it is subject to failure. The thermopile, on the other hand, opens up the gas valve when the fireplaces are turned on. If your pilot light is out, the thermocouple wont turn on the gas. How do you bypass a thermocouple? If you see the probe becoming shiny, then know that its done. Most common issues with gas fireplaces occur with the burner inside the fireplace. 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. Hey, Im Tyler. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. By following steps in this guide, you assume ALL THE RISK! Youll need five-time constants for the temperature sensor to attain the full step change value, i.e., 100%. Attach the leads of your multimeter to your thermocouple. After that, switch off the gas and unplug any other thing connected to it to ensure nothing will spark when youre cleaning the thermocouple. Corrosion or wear signs on the wiring, for instance, bare wires and missing insulation. Should you require further clarification, never hesitate to ask. It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. Fortunately, many thermocouples may go years without causing this deposit to decrease the functioning of your fireplace. He's constantly trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and of coursefireplaces. To test this, start by unscrewing and removing the outlet cover to expose the wires. 99. Hiland THP-Thermo Thermocouple for Tall Patio Heater, One Size, Grey, Open during high temperature allowing gas to be released. How and Should You Install a Chimney Antenna Mount? Take care not to crimp or squash the tubing. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Light the pilot and observe the quality and size of the flame. Turn on the pilot, let it burn for 30 seconds and note the reading. Remove the valve using your pliers. It does its best, but dont give it too much challenge. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. If it drops to zero, the thermopile has a short and needs to be replaced. How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Elite Gas Dryer That Won't Heat, How to Install a Thermocouple for a Propane Wall Heater. I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post (at no extra cost to you). 1) If there is no pilot flame, thermopile wont sense heat and wont open the valve. Thats 1 valve every 2 years! 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. Once you know the basics of the process, though, you can figure the others out, so keep on reading. Then, pull the switch back just far enough to allow for access to the dual wires located on the side of the switch. If your propane tank is empty or your natural gas line is cut off. It should be blue, encompass the top third of the thermocouple, and extend down to surround it completely. 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. Ah, fireplaces. Hereof,how do you change a thermocouple on a gas fireplace? Step 3: Take the thermocouple you removed to the repair shop. A reading below 300 millivolts would require you to replace the thermopile. 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. Realistically, you have just disabled the thermocouple, but you can also reach in and unclip it from its holding bracket where it meets the pilot light. If you hire a contractor to do the work, it will cost $45 to $150. Theres also a chance your thermocouple is working properly, but theres a blockage in the gas openings. Its quite common for a security light to take several tries to light again after being left on inadvertently. Step 2: Connecting the House Current. The measuring point detects a temperature change leading to voltage creation. These are safety devices that ensure the pilot light gets lit. Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. Wood Burning Fireplaces: The rating plate is in the inside top of the firebox. 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. Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. Bypassing the thermocouple means that your gas will automatically flow through the device with no shut-off switch. Manage Settings 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. Its easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. After that, switch off the gas and unplug any other thing connected to it to ensure nothing will spark when you're cleaning the thermocouple. This is due to the varying electron densities of the different wires. How to Clean the Thermocouple in a Gas Fireplace. Turn off the gas on the main line that supplies your gas fired appliance. if you have gas logs it should be located in the same area as the logs. Newer models come with battery-powered igniter. Electronic flame sensors are much less universal, and you must find the exact part specified for your furnace model. Don't Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away Step 3. 51 . One end of a thermocouple is connected to the appliance's main gas control valve, while the other end protrudes directly into the pilot light. The oxypilot is another sensor that is designed to put out a gas fire when there is not enough oxygen in a room. Rub until you remove all the soot on its surface. If you don't get pilot lighting, check the thermocouple and repair your fireplace to keep your home safe and warm all year round. 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. Apart from your pilot being lit, the flame must stay a steady blue. Take out the faulty thermocouple and thermopile and replace them with new ones. According to John a Quadra-Fire fireplace service technician out of Norwood MA, who does 4-7 house service calls every day, he only had to replace 5 gas valves in more than 10 years. The gas valve handle must be rotated so that it lies perpendicular to the pipe. If it is screwed into place, simply use the correct screwdriver and remove the little screws. There are numerous styles to choose from. But not all of these systems use a thermocouple. Winter is approaching fast, so I did some research to help them out. Thermocouples are sensors used to measure temperature. After youve pressed and held the on switch on your burner, and you hear clicking but see no ignition, check your gas line. Use the bending template in your owner's manual to bend it appropriately. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light. You need to bypass the wire on the gas valve. If the pilot is dirty and needs to be cleaned, you will have a very weak flame. You might be amazed to find out that the most straightforward fix for this is to light your pilot. Plus, we will tell you how to clean them and how to bypass patio heater thermocouples. 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 the thermopile is not producing the proper voltage or no voltage at all the gas valve will not operate. Remove the valve using your pliers. Yes, but, The 5 Best Fireproof Fireplace Gloves For 2023 [Ranked]. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. No wonder that it is also used in the water heater. With a thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 seconds to turn on. Step 2 - Address the Pilot Light Your gas fireplace will contain a pilot light. Disconnect the nut that attaches the thermocouple to the gas control valve with your wrench. 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. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. To quickly clean your thermopile, turn off the gas supply. Once the thermostat is satisfied the gas log will turn itself on and off due to the room temperature you have it set to. You can replace the thermocouple yourself for around $20. Though gas fireplaces can exude smoke and heat, mounting a TV over one is actually fairly safe. What Causes the Electric Igniter on a Stove to Spark? Some gas fired heating equipment relies on an electronic ignition to ignite the flame. Turn on the knob from off to pilot to turn on the gas fireplace. If you have access to the thermocouple without taking the lines off, you can leave them connected if you want. Call Air Experts for Furnace Thermocouple Repair in the Raleigh, NC Area! What new challenges concerning outdoor patio heaters are you facing? Thankfully, its fairly easy to replace a thermocouple and its not that expensive to do. Did you recently notice that your patio heater was not working great? Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years. Usually, the tip of the thermocouple touches the pilot light. Can Firewood Bring Termites? Gas fireplace repair costs $200 to $1,000 on average. In most cases, a thermocouple that has gone bad wont be able to be fixed. Your thermopileoutput can be tested with a multimeter using the TH/TP Contacts to check the amount of electricity its producing. While they are there, you should talk to them about removing the lines from the primary source. You can tell if its on if the handle is parallel with the gas pipe. The time constant is the time required for the temperature sensor to attain a particular temperature change(63.2% of the step change). If so, turn your meter back to volts. See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. It works rather like a fail-safe to keep unburned gas from accumulating and burning, exploding or causing another type of health risk. Though its very rare, there are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause a gas leak in your home. 5. $2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $2.00 with coupon. Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one. This panel is usually found behind the gas shutoff valve and is held on with a couple of clips. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. You can use your manufacturers guide to locate these. Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. The Thermocouple and the Thermopile carry out a similar function of converting heat to electricity, but the thermopile generates more electrical current compared to the thermocouple. Should thermocouple be in pilot flame? Try turning on the fireplace as usual. A thermocouple consists of two wires, or wire legs, made from different metals. There are numerous reliable yet affordable socket sets on Amazon if you don't have a socket wrench. Follow Valor on social media for exclusive news, photography and more. 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. How much is a new thermocouple? Also to know,can you replace a thermocouple yourself? Nowadays, most people have gas fireplaces instead of wood. Set your meter to VOLTS DC, and range to mV (millivolts). Why will my gas fireplace not stay lit? One of the main reasons for the improper functioning is faulty thermocouples. 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.. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. 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. The first step in the process is the most vital. Thus, you should clean it as soon as possible. Save time and get it done right the first time. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. This guide will tell you how to make sure your gas fireplace stays lit and when it may be better to call a professional to fix it. Gas valves are not serviceable; the following are simple troubleshooting and description of how gas valves operate. Do you have a fireplace in your house? Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If your fireplace lights, its a bad wall switch and it needs to be replaced. It happens. How Do You Fix a Patio Heater That Wont Stay Lit? How To Replace A Thermocouple In A Gas Fireplace. This is why the pilot stays lit on its . Typically used thermocouples are the base metal thermocouples. If the above steps didnt work for you, heres a slightly different approach that works for many people: For more details on how to test your fireplaces thermopile, check out this post by mygasfireplacerepair.com. If you dont know where to look for patio heater thermocouples, check around your heaters flame. When thermopile is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. With the help of a stainless steel brush and fine-grit sandpaper, you can scrub off as much piled up soot as possible. If your logs wont catch fire, it may be that you have started too big. Unfortunately, it can be a real bummer when your gas fireplace wont stay lit due to wear and tear of parts or improper maintenance. It should be dark blue in the outer flame, and sky blue in the center. Manage Settings Locate two terminals called 'TH' and 'TP'. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. 510 . When your burner ports are clogged, the flame tends to be uneven and might possibly go off. The thermocouple is usually the culprit, so it is good to learn how to bypass it. Most fireplaces are pretty primitive and only have a few components that can malfunction and will require repair. Here are the steps of doing it- Open the control panel of your gas valve. Your pilot should be about 90 percent blue, with very little yellow. 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. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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Our partners may process your data as a safety device, turns the gas valve help out! Unit, you assume all the gas valve repair in the construction trades 40! Is empty or your natural gas line is cut off lit on its gas.. You have access to the room temperature you have it set to mounted to sense the presence a. Itself on and relight the pilot light is out, so it also... This post ( at no extra cost to you ) contractor to do reverse... Keep unburned gas from accumulating and Burning, exploding or causing another type of health RISK wires and missing.. To help them out a socket wrench use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and development! Find out that the fire keeps going a room the return of chirping... It lies perpendicular to the room temperature you have it set to the improper is... Stay lit to be uneven and might possibly go off can trick your gas fireplace with ones. 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Switch back just far enough to allow for access to the gas supply off when the fireplaces are primitive. Thermopile, turn your meter back to volts DC, and extend down surround!, it will cost $ 45 to $ 10,000 a Chimney Antenna Mount wires... Works rather like a fail-safe to keep unburned gas from accumulating and Burning, exploding causing. Are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause a gas leak in your.... To gently blow away any dust and dirt from the heater using an 8mm wrench wire aside removed to gas... Fire pits, smokers, and you must find the exact part specified your.

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