Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. A thermocouple, unlike a thermopile, produces somewhat less voltage. https://www.hunker.com/12604220/how-to-clean-the-thermocouple-in-a-gas-fireplace. Physical damage to the connectors. If it drops to zero, the thermopile has a short and needs to be replaced. If youre reading it below 25 millimeters, you should purchase a new model. 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. What do thermocouples do? It would become very frustrating if you were halfway through the process only to find out that you needed to run to the nearest hardware store. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. Answered. Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. 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. How Do You Clean a Thermocouple on a Propane 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. Stoves: The rating plate is typically affixed to the back of the stove. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. If you hire a contractor to do the work, it will cost $45 to $150. It measures this by detecting the pilot light's heat via the thermocouple. No matter if he's staying in on a cold night or camping in the hot summer, Tyler has a passion for making fires. But, the good news is that even if something goes horribly wrong, it may still work in the long run. The gas fireplace issues that youre dealing with are usually fairly fixable. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. 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. Propane fire pits are a great way to ensure that you have a controlled fire that does not require starter fluid and a lighter. So, if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links on this site, I receive a commission for it. This thermocouple provides a millivolt signal to the gas valve allowing the appliance to stay running. Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. A. Thermocouple-Only: Found in: Most gas log sets with standard safety pilot knob control. A common issue with these types of pits, though, is that they will not light, or they will not stay lit. How much does it cost to fix a pilot light? As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It should be blue, encompass the top third of the thermocouple, and extend down to surround it completely. With a hand brush, rag, and vacuum cleaner, you can get your gas fireplace sparkling clean again. The thermocouple lasts for 10 years or more, and when it fails, the pilot won't stay lit and the fireplace won't work. If you plan to replace it, there is no point in removing the lines. A 1/8 inch NPT plug, accessible for test gauge connection, must be installed immediately upstream of the gas supply . Beside above,how much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace? 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. My Gas Fireplace Repair: How to Test Your Thermopile, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. For North Carolina homeowners, Air Experts can check the thermocouple and every other component of their gas furnace during a gas furnace repair appointment. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. If the thermocouple isn't working, the pilot won't stay lit, but you can't always be sure the thermocouple is the problem. Continue with Recommended Cookies. To temporarily sort the situation, you can bypass thermocouples until you have funds to replace them. Her interests include art and real estate investments. Remove the valve using your pliers. Try using the remote again. GA3650TB GA3650TB Blower fan kit fits DESA Fireplaces made under the brand names of Comfort Glow, FMI and Vanguard GA3750A GA3750A Blower fan kit fits DESA Fireplaces made under the brand names of Comfort Glow, FMI and Vanguard CDCF Fireplace Parts Comfort Glow compact ventfree fireplaces CDCFNR fireplace in Natural gas CDCFPR fireplace in Propane If it doesnt light, turn on the switch for 60 seconds and see if you get an ignition (this is a common fix). Besides, you now know that you can bypass it whenever you dont have funds for new equipment. 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. 1) If there is no pilot flame, thermopile wont sense heat and wont open the valve. If you don't get pilot lighting, check the thermocouple and repair your fireplace to keep your home safe and warm all year round. Step 1 Turn Off Fuel Supply Always turn off the fuel supply before working on your fire pit. You should also visually inspect the thermocouple tube for signs of corrosion because that will affect the operation of the thermocouple. Also to know,can you replace a thermocouple yourself? 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! See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The pilot or millivolt valve in a gas fireplace serves as part of the ignition process for the main burner. Clean the threads of its attachment screw using your pencil eraser. Should you require further clarification, never hesitate to ask. Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years. Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one. Though gas fireplaces can exude smoke and heat, mounting a TV over one is actually fairly safe. Follow Valor on social media for exclusive news, photography and more. If that is something youre looking for, keep reading because well make it as simple as possible. 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. The good news is gas valves almost never fail! You will find the pilot inside the ignition system at the top of the burner assembly. Cleaning the Thermopile Step 4. 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. 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. Remove the thermopile wiring connector from the gas control. Theres also a chance your thermocouple is working properly, but theres a blockage in the gas openings. This panel is usually found behind the gas shutoff valve and is held on with a couple of clips. Turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light. Place one lead on one of its sides. The thermocouple, which operates as a safety device, turns the gas supply off when the pilot light goes out. I have two fireplaces (one indoor and one outdoor) and I do what I can to maintain them. If it extends well above the thermocouple, its too strong. The items youll need to clean the thermocouple of your propane heater include: Here is the procedure for cleaning thermocouples: Safety tip: Dont use cleaning products on thermocouples as some may contain flammable materials. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. A broken thermocouple is possible, but not likely. What Causes the Electric Igniter on a Stove to Spark? If you dont hear clicking, theres likely a problem with your pilot light. It measures this by detecting the pilot lights heat via the thermocouple. 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. Once you know the basics of the process, though, you can figure the others out, so keep on reading. Answered, When to Close Glass Doors on a Fireplace (The Truth). Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. 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. Recommended multimeter brands: Klein Tools, Fluke (expensive), Fieldpiece (also expensive), Milwaukee, Bosch, Southwire. VentFree.org 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. Some gas fired heating equipment relies on an electronic ignition to ignite the flame. How much is a new thermocouple? Use the wrench to unscrew the connector that holds the thermocouple to the gas valve, then unhook the probe from its clip and pull out the entire thermocouple assembly. Do not bang or yank on it because you could break something, which would cause more problems to arise. It should also be touching the surrounding sensors such as the thermocouple and thermopile. There will be a small tube that runs off the side of the gas control valve and into the area of the main burner. Lets say that you dont want to deal with a thermocouple, even though its an important safety valve in your fireplace setup. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out how to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace. With a thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 seconds to turn on. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace won't stay lit. Take out the faulty thermocouple and thermopile and replace them with new ones. If you are not going to bother with a new one, make sure that you check for gas leaks every now and then. Grasp the sides and pull the panel up and away. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. When two distinct metals are heated within the same thermocouple, a tiny voltage is generated. If you determine that your thermocouple & thermopile are good (based on voltage reading), check your on/off switch. After that, switch off the gas and unplug any other thing connected to it to ensure nothing will spark when youre cleaning the thermocouple. There are numerous reliable yet affordable socket sets on Amazon if you don't have a socket wrench. It should not give you too much grief if you have followed all the steps above. How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple? I fixed my gas fire pit. The first step in the process is the most vital. -Your are now a master fireplace serviceman . This is generally located behind the gas control valve and is held on by gravity clips. Video of the Day Step 2 Remove the thermocouple access panel. If you believe there is a serious problem, dont hesitate to contact a professional. 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.. The purpose of the ODS is to shut off the supply of gas to the heater/fireplace when the oxygen level drops below 18%. Find your Heatilator product installation or owner's manual. If you got flame, it is bad switch. Faulty ones may interfere with the outcome of the test readings. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be. 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 your fireplace still doesnt light with the burner switch set to on, and your pilot light is on, check the gas line. Manage Settings If youre getting gas, but no light yet, try using a lighter to ignite the gas opening. With the help of a stainless steel brush and fine-grit sandpaper, you can scrub off as much piled up soot as possible. Many contemporary gas appliances have automatic spark igniters, and these don't need thermocouples. 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (81) $24.99 $ 24. However, it is possible to find a fireplace that doesnt have a chimney. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. 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 following is only an educational overview of how gas fireplace components are checked. A thermocouple allows the gas line to open once its heated up enough. 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). If the appliance has a thermocouple, the problem may be a faulty thermocouple. If flames extend past thermocouples, they are stronger. Thermopile is a device your main flame lit, by opening the valve to the main burner, when there is call for fire (flame switch turned ON). Though it will add some risk, not using a thermocouple will only raise the risk to the same level as a gas grill. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Once the metal gets heated, voltage travels down a copper wire to the gas valve that controls the device. FREE delivery Sat, Feb 18 on your first order. Unscrew the old thermocouple by removing the bolts holding it in place. : thereifixedit. You may decide you want to bypass the thermocouple so that your heater comes on more quickly. If flames are weak and blue they hardly reach thermocouples, therefore, they should be strengthened. The perfect position is when flames cover the tops of thermocouples and burn with yellow tips. The terminals are labeled TP and TP/TH, as illustrated at My Gas Fireplace Repair. However, there are other possibilities out there. Allow at least 20 minutes for the machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it has been burning recently. Troubleshooting any type of appliance, and especially gas appliances, can be dangerous. The thermocouple must stay in constant contact with the flame of the pilot. 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. 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. How Do You Test Patio Heater Thermocouples? The definitive way to identify a bad thermocouple is to test it using a multimeter with alligator clips on the leads. If your gas fireplace ignites, release the switch and turn it to the on position once it stays lit. Then, pull the switch back just far enough to allow for access to the dual wires located on the side of the switch. Before running the test, ensure that your pilot light has been on for two minutes or more, then switch off your fireplace. This can take up to a minute. Anything less than 25 mV indicates a faulty thermocouple. Some people cant pronounce it, much less figure out how to clean it. Even today, we use them to cozy up on colder days. A thermocouple is a heat-activated switch that tells your gas-fired appliance when heat is needed. 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. If you havent already, use a wire brush to clean the openings. 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.. Gas fireplace repair costs $200 to $1,000 on average. This compensation ensures the temperature at the connection end doesnt interfere with the measuring point. How to Get More Heat From Your Gas Fireplace, Why is Fire Blue (Is It Hotter)? The thermocouples will work by measuring the temperature differential from the junction area where the thermocouple's output voltage was measured. 99. It does its best, but dont give it too much challenge. Locate two terminals called 'TH' and 'TP'. Put your thermocouple back into position. Made with Newspaper Theme. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. Set your meter to VOLTS DC, and range to mV (millivolts). Call Air Experts at 919-480-2727 or contact us online today to schedule furnace repair service! Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your Do You Need Chimney or Fireplace Cleaning or Inspection? If it's yellow or orange, undersized and unsteady, the pilot tube is probably clogged, and it needs to be cleaned. 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. Heat the thermocouple to a considerable level by placing it in the flame. Dont worry, that is completely normal. Read this article if youre lighting your gas fireplace for the first time or how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot. The pilot should also have a blue flame and a vivid hue. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. Its easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Though its very rare, there are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause a gas leak in your home. Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. 2. However, there are other possibilities out there. Now, operate the control to turn on the main burner, and you should see the reading decrease by half. If you purchased a power cord, simply connect the white wire from the power cord to the terminal marked N on the relay, and the black wire to the terminal marked L. Once you've done this, plug the wire into the outlet under the fireplace. Before you can access the thermocouple, you will need to take the access panel off. You can tell if its on if the handle is parallel with the gas pipe. Holding it down for this long is important as the pilot light needs to heat the thermocouple before the gas turns on. 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). This is why you needed to remove the gas from the lines after turning the supply off. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. As you can see, the thermocouple is not that difficult to bypass. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Yes, but, Can You Paint A Marble Fireplace? Set your meter to ohms. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Want some nicer rocks or logs for your gas fireplace? Give the thermocouple about 15 minutes to heat up and then turn on the flame to make sure it all stays functioning. And there you have it: magic without the pixie dust! Turn the flame source on to conduct the actual test. This site is the place where I share everything Ive learned to help you with your fireplace needs. Why will my gas fireplace not stay lit? 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