5. 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. Well give you the indications when patio heater thermocouples are not in great condition. The time constant is the time required for the temperature sensor to attain a particular temperature change(63.2% of the step change). link to Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist), fireplace still keeps shutting off, it may be time to replace your sensor. Unscrew the old thermocouple by removing the bolts holding it in place. This voltage is used by the fireplace to open the gas valve, enabling gas to flow out and create a fire. 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. 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (81) $24.99 $ 24. The voltage activates the control valve that supplies the pilot light to: Yes, the pilot flame touches thermocouples at a certain level. Electronic flame sensors are much less universal, and you must find the exact part specified for your furnace model. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. He's constantly trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and of coursefireplaces. 2021 tagDiv. Sizing and heating capacities range from the petite, portrait-style . sitting with your loved one in front of your fireplace. Just follow these steps to bypass the thermocouple: Firstly, push the tilt switch wire out of the way and use an 8mm wrench to remove the thermocouple. If it doesnt light, turn on the switch for 60 seconds and see if you get an ignition (this is a common fix). Regency Fireplace Products | Gas Inserts, Wood Stoves, & More! Light some kindling wood or paper first, and wait for it to catch fire to some small logs or pieces of coal. 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. How much is a new thermocouple? When troubleshooting, start with the switch and follow your way up the fireplace. Re-test the Cleaned Thermopile Step 5. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. Once the wiring is free from the switch unit, bypass the wall switch by touching the two wires together. Also to know,can you replace a thermocouple yourself? Step 2 - Address the Pilot Light Your gas fireplace will contain a pilot light. It works rather like a fail-safe to keep unburned gas from accumulating and burning, exploding or causing another type of health risk. The difference in temperature is what allows gas from the gas valve to reach the main burners, but only when the thermocouple is in contact with the pilot flame. If pilot light is out, there is no power to keep the pilot valve open. Put them into a jar or bowl to not get misplaced. In most cases, a thermocouple that has gone bad wont be able to be fixed. Step 2: Disconnect the probe from the clamp. 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. Nowadays, most people have gas fireplaces instead of wood. The location of the burner is at the base of the fireplace unit. Thats 1 valve every 2 years! If you dont hear clicking, theres likely a problem with your pilot light. 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. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. 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. Else, its a bad high limit switch. If your unit is receiving no heat, this wont be so. Manage Settings Her interests include art and real estate investments. How To Replace A Thermocouple In A Gas Fireplace. Yes, but, The 5 Best Fireproof Fireplace Gloves For 2023 [Ranked]. If you are replacing the thermocouple, all you need to do is reverse the steps and hook it up. Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. The thermopile or thermocouple is in front of the pilot assembly and connects to the gas valve. It does its best, but dont give it too much challenge. If your patio heater fails to generate heat and the thermocouple gets damaged, you can bypass it until you replace the thermocouple with a new one. This occurs by virtue of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect, whereby an electric potential is generated between dissimilar metals when there's a large temperature difference, and the thermocouple probe and tubing are indeed made of different metals. Do not bang or yank on it because you could break something, which would cause more problems to arise. Thermocouple is a device keeps your pilot light lit. Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! A voltage is created when the junction senses a change in temperature. The thermopile, on the other hand, opens up the gas valve when the fireplaces are turned on. Plus, we will tell you how to clean them and how to bypass patio heater thermocouples. If youre reading it below 25 millimeters, you should purchase a new model. Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. This indicated that VALVE, Thermopile and Thermocouple were all good. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. The other ends of the wires are for attaching to the voltage reader. Don't Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away Step 3. Make sure to report it as a gas leak, and explain why you believe it may be coming from your fireplace. Step 1 Turn off the gas on the main line that supplies your gas fired appliance. Or fastest delivery Today . 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. Most cheap thermopiles will have weak power output (below 400mv) and will cause intermittent flame problems that will be hard to diagnose, because you will assume that your thermopile is GOOD, and problem is elsewhere. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. Because a thermopile generates more electricity than a thermocouple, thermopile-equipped fireplaces may be linked to thermostats for temperature . 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. This is basically the role of the pilot light. If it extends well above the thermocouple, its too strong. This type of gas valve used a single thermocouple. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. This thermocouple provides a millivolt signal to the gas valve allowing the appliance to stay running. Normally, the pilot light is enough to heat it, but debris can block and affect the pilot lights flame. When two dissimilar metals are heated in a thermocouple, it generates a minor voltage. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isnt, then theres probably a problem with your thermopile. 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. A reading below 300 millivolts would require you to replace the thermopile. The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. The legs are welded together at one end, into a junction, where the temperature is measured. If your pilot light is turning on but youre not getting gas, and youve checked everything else, consider replacing your thermocouple. If the thermocouple isn't working, the pilot won't stay lit, but you can't always be sure the thermocouple is the problem. Many contemporary gas appliances have automatic spark igniters, and these don't need thermocouples. Get everyone out of the house (pets included) and call 911 once youre outside. A wires diameter determines its temperature range. Working with Gas and Electricity is very dangerous and should only be done by licensed plumbers / gas fitters / electricians. Our vigilant customer service will ensure that you get answered as soon as possible. Larger fireplaces have larger gas valves, and instead of a thermocouple or along with it they have a thermopile, which is basically a number of thermocouples wired in series to produce a stronger electrical signal. Use care when dealing with gas lines. The pilot should also have a blue flame and a vivid hue. So, this guide will take you through how a thermocouple is cleaned. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Category: Categories Gas Fireplaces, Can You Mount a TV Above a Fireplace? Should this occur, stop what youre doing. Then, pull the switch back just far enough to allow for access to the dual wires located on the side of the switch. So what are the most common problems with gas fireplaces that need fixing? Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. Remove the thermocouple from the system (use the manufacture's guide) 3. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. As you can see, the thermocouple is not that difficult to bypass. 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