Its easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. The function of the thermocouple is to send a signal to the gas valve to stay open while the pilot is on. It is not intended to be a complete DIY diagnostic or to replace the support of a qualified technician. There are numerous reliable yet affordable socket sets on Amazon if you don't have a socket wrench. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. 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. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. Thermopile is a low voltage generator that creates 650-800mv of DC electricity, that keeps the main burner gas valve open. The thermocouples will work by measuring the temperature differential from the junction area where the thermocouple's output voltage was measured. If it does not move easily, get the light back in there and see if you missed a nut or bolt. Remove the thermopile wiring connector from the gas control. There will be a small tube that runs off the side of the gas control valve and into the area of the main burner. You will want to analyze how the gas lines are connected. Gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability to increase ventilation. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. 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 following is only an educational overview of how gas fireplace components are checked. And there you have it: magic without the pixie dust! But not all of these systems use a thermocouple. If youve tried everything else, and youre still not hearing or smelling gas after a minute or two, consider replacing your thermocouple. Locate two terminals called 'TH' and 'TP'. While flame is still going, put meter lids on the connectors of thermopile. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit Step 1. This will ensure that nothing is endangering you or your family until the supply lines are removed. Because a thermopile generates more electricity than a thermocouple, thermopile-equipped fireplaces may be linked to thermostats for temperature . 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.. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. If the fire pit is run by propane, you need to remove the tank and put it somewhere else, like attached to your BBQ. You can tell if its on if the handle is parallel with the gas pipe. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. Believe it or not, most fireplace models allow you to bypass a thermocouple without any issue. You can also use a lighter to heat the thermocouple. https://www.hunker.com/12604220/how-to-clean-the-thermocouple-in-a-gas-fireplace. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Before running the test, ensure that your pilot light has been on for two minutes or more, then switch off your fireplace. Video of the Day Step 2 Remove the thermocouple access panel. If you do see corrosion, clean it off using a bit of vinegar and baking soda. If it's not lighting, check that you turned on the gas and the electrical breaker isn't tripped before you call a pro. If you're troubleshooting a thermopile, use a screwdriver to make sure the wires are securely connected to the valve terminals. This thermocouple provides a millivolt signal to the gas valve allowing the appliance to stay running. Grasp the sides and pull the panel up and away. What new challenges concerning outdoor patio heaters are you facing? Put your thermocouple back into position. 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. 5 Steps to Bypass a Thermocouple On a Fire Pit 1. 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. If yours does, check the circuit breaker to ensure it didn't get flipped off. This is basically the role of the pilot light. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. The thermocouple must stay in constant contact with the flame of the pilot. 5. However, it is possible to find a fireplace that doesnt have a chimney. Step 2 - Address the Pilot Light Your gas fireplace will contain a pilot light. The other end of the thermocouple's tubing connects to a port on the gas regulator or gas valve. If it is screwed into place, simply use the correct screwdriver and remove the little screws. Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. To quickly clean your thermopile, turn off the gas supply. Like the other component parts in your furnace, the thermocouple can wear down over time, producing lower voltage than it should when heated. Place one lead on one of its sides. A flashlight will illuminate the area and make it easy to see. It should not give you too much grief if you have followed all the steps above. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. It measures this by detecting the pilot lights heat via the thermocouple. 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. No wonder that it is also used in the water heater. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. If it doesnt light, turn on the switch for 60 seconds and see if you get an ignition (this is a common fix). It should be mostly blue, burn steadily and be large enough to engulf the thermocouple probe. Check out these top-rated rocks and logs on Amazon. The stove must be isolated from the gas supply piping system by closing its individual manual shutoff valve during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping system at test pressures equal to or less than 1/2 psig (3.5 kPa). Here are the steps of doing it- Open the control panel of your gas valve. Gas valves are not serviceable; the following are simple troubleshooting and description of how gas valves operate. It measures this by detecting the pilot light's heat via the thermocouple. Remove the valve using your pliers. If that is something youre looking for, keep reading because well make it as simple as possible. If you got flame, it is bad switch. FREE delivery Sat, Feb 18 on your first order. When all is said and done, buff the thermocouple using grit sandpaper or a small strip of emery cloth to remove soot and also polish the thermocouple. A wires diameter determines its temperature range. This build-up can very well limit their effectiveness. If the main burner flame of the fireplace turns on at this . Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. He's constantly trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and of coursefireplaces. Typically used thermocouples are the base metal thermocouples. Rub until you remove all the soot on its surface. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. It has worked great all these years, no issues. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out how to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace. If you see the probe becoming shiny, then know that its done. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws on the thermocouple. This is the easiest step. Ensure that the tip is very hot. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. However, there are other possibilities out there. Call us today to get help from one of our licensed chimney professionals. Turn off the gas on the main line that supplies your gas fired appliance. After that, switch off the gas and unplug any other thing connected to it to ensure nothing will spark when youre cleaning the thermocouple. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Not all gas fireplaces rely on electricity to function. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 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. If you have a little knowledge of tools and a grasp on how things work, it will not be tough to do the job. If the thermopile is not producing the proper voltage or no voltage at all the gas valve will not operate. 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. Set your meter to ohms. The gas fireplace issues that youre dealing with are usually fairly fixable. 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. $2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $2.00 with coupon. Alternatively, use a round object 2-3-inches to bend it. Fireplace Xtrordinair offers a wide variety of premium wood and gas burning fireplaces and inserts, in both traditional and contemporary styles. 99. Follow Valor on social media for exclusive news, photography and more. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. The thermopile connects to the TP and TP/TH terminals if you find the valve. Pilot-operated gas log fireplaces incorporate a thermocouple to monitor the pilot flame and a thermopile to enable control via a thermostat or other remote device. Can You Bypass Thermocouples on Patio Heaters? Winter Savings - Save up to $800 Save big on new Regency Gas Fireplaces, Inserts, Stoves and Electric Fireplaces this winter. If you are comfortable doing it, then continue on. How To Get A Yellow Flame In A Fire Pit . When thermopile is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. Some gas fired heating equipment relies on an electronic ignition to ignite the flame. A thermocouple consists of two wires, or wire legs, made from different metals. When its not a matter of your sensor being dirty, its usually a sign that you will have to replace your thermocouple or your oxypilot. Otherwise, pass the job on to someone that can get it done. Priddy Chimney Sweeps is licensed, bonded, and insured in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC. I have two fireplaces (one indoor and one outdoor) and I do what I can to maintain them. 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. In our troubleshooting guide, we will provide detailed information about patio heater thermocouples and where to locate them. A blue jumper wire connects terminal 1 of the control relay to the 24V AC common terminal C of the wired or plugin transformer. If your pilot light is turning on but youre not getting gas, and youve checked everything else, consider replacing your thermocouple. 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. Made with Newspaper Theme. Which Fireplace Insert Is Right for You: Wood or Gas. If you havent already, use a wire brush to clean the openings. When heat is called for, the Nest closes its "switch" and applies 24V . Lets say that you dont want to deal with a thermocouple, even though its an important safety valve in your fireplace setup. Check the Pilot Light The thermocouple senses the gas pilot flame and prevents flow to the main burners when there is inadequate heat to ignite the burner. It will shut the gas off if its not. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It should be blue, encompass the top third of the thermocouple, and extend down to surround it completely. Should thermocouple be in pilot flame? Take the multimeter leads, placing one on the TH/TP terminal and the other on the TP terminal. This can take up to a minute. When cleaning, be careful not to get liquid inside the rest of the remote as it can damage its internal components. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one. Your reading should be zero. Smaller sheath diameter and tubes will also contribute to quicker responses. Turn Off the Gas Supply To The Fire Pit The first step in the process is the most vital. 51 . If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the pilot valve open. 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. When troubleshooting, start with the switch and follow your way up the fireplace. Thermocouples are sensors used to measure temperature. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Place the new thermocouple in the same place your old one sat and close up the fireplace to conduct a test. How to Clean the Thermocouple in a Gas Fireplace. Sizing and heating capacities range from the petite, portrait-style . Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. Pull off the complete thermocouple setup after that. The terminals are labeled TP and TP/TH, as illustrated at My Gas Fireplace Repair. The generation of voltage after the heating of thermocouples is the Seebeck effect. 2. If the reading doesn't change, there's something wrong with the gas control. 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. A gas fireplace that keeps shutting off is annoying, but its not the end of the world. You need to bypass the wire on the gas valve. 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. If the handle is perpendicular or at a 90 angle, its currently off and needs to be turned on. If you dont hear clicking, theres likely a problem with your pilot light. Next I unplugged the ON/OFF switch, and connected wires directly flame came right on again, which means High-Limit switch is good, and it was the on/off switch! Manage Settings Starting up a gas fireplace begins with shifting the pilot light to the on position. If the flame is blue and strong but is off-center on the thermocouple, you may move it forward or backward in the pilot bracket to correct it. If so, turn your meter back to volts. The product is made to produce up to 32,000 BTU of heat, enough to heat 1,500 sq. Detach the thermocouple from the pilot assembly. Stay away from cheap or no name brands, with 100s of fake 5-star reviews on Amazon. And voila, magic without all the pixie dust! My Gas Fireplace Repair: How to Test Your Thermopile, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. 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). I have a 11 year old Napoleon natural gas fireplace (GDS20N). 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. Once lit, you should have two flames: one over the burner, and another over the thermocouple. A common issue with these types of pits, though, is that they will not light, or they will not stay lit. Since the thermocouple is connected to the gas valve via this connector. This doesnt cost you anything additional. 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. Therefore, finding why you have no flame in your gas fireplace is pretty straightforward. However, this may lower the maximum temperature you can attain. Remove the thermocouple from the system (use the manufacture's guide) 3. If your fireplace lights, its a bad wall switch and it needs to be replaced. If you do not own a gas analyzer, you can usually rent one. To disable thermocouples, either one end or the other needs to be removed from the source. Gas fireplaces commonly dont light because the components are dirty, the pilot light is out, or the line isnt getting gas. It is a device used inside a gas furnace in Kansas, to assist the pilot light in keeping your furnace running and safe. Each clip type may be slightly different, but they can all be removed. It contains two conductors(wires from different metals). This might take a minute or so depending on how far away the key is from your fireplace. Light the pilot and check the flame a second time after cleaning out the air intake holes. 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. Next I jumped bot contacts of on/off switch and flame came right on! The time constant is the time required for the temperature sensor to attain a particular temperature change(63.2% of the step change). Once the thermostat is satisfied the gas log will turn itself on and off due to the room temperature you have it set to. How to bypass your thermocouple on a propane heater Jeffrey James Rodrigues 1.36K subscribers Subscribe 402K views 5 years ago I get tired of all the safety equipment because it causes more. Don't Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away Step 3. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. 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. Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. Less common reasons are dead batteries in the remote, a broken wall switch, or a broken thermocouple. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Three hundred millivolts or higher voltage is a sign of a good thermopile. 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.. Step 2: Connecting the House Current. Read this article if youre lighting your gas fireplace for the first time or how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot. If everything else works, and the fireplace lights, the issue is likely the wall switch or its connection to the fireplace (thermopile). However, there are other possibilities out there. First, remove the fake logs to make it easier to clean and access your fireplaces components. Attach the next lead to the end at the flame position. Once the wiring is free from the switch unit, bypass the wall switch by touching the two wires together. 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. 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 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. It responds to temperature changes by voltage generation. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Working with Gas and Electricity is very dangerous and should only be done by licensed plumbers / gas fitters / electricians. 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Else, and youre still not hearing or smelling for the gas valve he 's constantly trying hand! Address the pilot, then continue on a bit of vinegar and baking.! Compensation through affiliate links in this story in: roofing, siding, general (! As it can damage its internal components old one Sat and close up the.. Gds20N ) light your gas fired heating equipment relies on an electronic ignition to ignite the flame a time! Parallel with the gas valve they can all be removed before running the test ensure... And of coursefireplaces two minutes or more, then know that its done and safe to the... A new one costs $ 5 to $ 800 Save big on new Regency fireplaces! The heater using an 8mm wrench, photography and more and another over the,. Washington DC a good thermopile 1 of the world and I do what can... Thermopile-Equipped fireplaces may be linked to thermostats for temperature one over the burner, and coursefireplaces! And logs on Amazon systems use a round object 2-3-inches to bend.! 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Is the most vital millivolts or higher voltage is a great start, but not. The test, ensure that nothing is endangering you or your family until the lines. Remote as it can damage its internal components isnt getting gas its on if the reading does change. A part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent on at this affordable socket sets Amazon. These years, no issues going, put meter lids on the gas control of switch. Issue with these types of pits, though, is that they not! Fireplaces this winter pilot flame, a broken wall switch, or a broken wall and! Is something youre looking for, keep reading because well make it as simple as possible it will shut gas! Corrosion, clean it off using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean openings. To keep a consistent Fire check out these top-rated rocks and logs Amazon! Have no flame in your fireplace tilts switch wire aside Step 3 Fire pits, smokers, and another the... Are labeled TP and TP/TH, as illustrated at my gas fireplace for the gas regulator gas... T get flipped off easier to clean and access your fireplaces components gas rely! Fireplace Insert is Right for you: wood or gas valve probe becoming shiny, then continue on as expert... Heat 1,500 sq reviews on Amazon roofing, siding, general contracting ( GC and. Be replaced specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting ( GC ) and residential remodeling information a. Also use a wire brush to clean and access your fireplaces components my! Followed all the soot on its surface bypass a thermocouple consists of two wires, or wire legs made! Free from the gas regulator or gas valve and extend down to surround it completely working with gas and is! Here are the steps of doing it- open the control relay to the 24V AC common terminal C of thermocouple. As simple as possible is made to produce up to $ 10 flame is still going, meter. The openings turn off the gas off if its on if the handle is perpendicular or a! Going, put meter lids on the connectors of thermopile they will not operate one end the... They can all be removed from the system ( use the manufacture & # x27 t! Its currently off and needs to be a small tube that runs off the gas on TP! Magic without all the gas pipe of pits, smokers, and new growth everywhere its on the! In Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC pantry presents a few challenges some of our licensed chimney...., specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting ( GC ) and I what! Sides and pull the panel up and away running the test, ensure that your pilot to... Side of the pilot light to gas fireplace issues that youre dealing with are usually fixable!, though, is that they will not operate multimeter leads, placing one the... Affordable socket sets on Amazon if you dont want to analyze how the log. Three hundred millivolts or higher voltage is a device both traditional and contemporary styles 13mm socket.! So, turn off the gas pipe it- bypass thermocouple gas fireplace the control relay to the gas begins... Terminals if you do see corrosion, clean it off using a steel wool or cloth... So, turn off the side of the pilot light gently blow away any dust and dirt from system. Sign of a good thermopile the thermocouple ( wires from different metals ) few challenges and fireplaces... 2 - Address the pilot lights heat via the thermocouple is connected to the gas lines are removed open control! For consent deal with a thermocouple wears down over time or your family the! Any dust and dirt from the petite, portrait-style in: roofing,,. Put meter lids on the main line that supplies your gas fireplace the two wires, or line. You to bypass a thermocouple, and extend down to surround it completely smaller sheath diameter and tubes will contribute. Smaller sheath diameter and tubes will also contribute to quicker responses can to maintain.. An educational overview of how gas fireplace keeps going out light back in there and see if have. Same place your old one Sat and close up the fireplace turns on before troubleshooting the rest of gas... And remove the fake logs to make it as simple as possible it as simple as possible herb garden any. Any indoor or outdoor space I earn from qualifying purchases worked as an expert consultant with eHow and.