Cut out the fuel supply of your propane heater. Use a flashlight, or a shop light, to see inside the fire pit through the panel you just took off. Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. Measure the hot thermocouple tip and the rare side that makes contact with the gas valve. The pilot should also have a blue flame and a vivid hue. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The thermocouple on gas fired heating appliances is mounted to sense the presence of a gas flame or gas pilot flame. 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. 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. Although not a common fault with gas fireplaces, just like every other component, it is subject to failure. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit Step 1. The location of the burner is at the base of the fireplace unit. Step 2 Full Tank Check the fuel level on the tank; it may be empty. Hey, Im Tyler. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. Easiest way, is to light the pilot light and wait 5 minutes. The definitive way to identify a bad thermocouple is to test it using a multimeter with alligator clips on the leads. The other end of the thermocouple's tubing connects to a port on the gas regulator or gas valve. If you do hear clicking and your fireplace still wont light, there could be an issue with the gas intake. Constant heat supply ensures that your patio heater pilot light is lit at all times. You will want to analyze how the gas lines are connected. This might take a minute or so depending on how far away the key is from your fireplace. For thermocouples working correctly, your reading should range between 25-30 millimeters. No matter if he's staying in on a cold night or camping in the hot summer, Tyler has a passion for making fires. How To Bypass a Thermocouple On a Fire Pit ? Each fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains your model number and serial number. In most cases, a thermocouple that has gone bad wont be able to be fixed. With a hand brush, rag, and vacuum cleaner, you can get your gas fireplace sparkling clean again. Even today, we use them to cozy up on colder days. Under the bracket are copper lead wires which connect to the gas valve. 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 yours does, check the circuit breaker to ensure it didn't get flipped off. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. Anything less than 25 mV indicates a faulty thermocouple. You can use it to manually ignite the gas fireplace when there is no electricity. Read this article if youre lighting your gas fireplace for the first time or how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot. Ensure that the tip is very hot. To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. Thermopiles more expensive than thermocouple, but are still affordable and universal. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out how to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace. This is why the pilot stays lit on its . If your fire pit is fueled by propane, close the valve on the tank and disconnect the fuel line from the tank before working on the appliance. 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. Besides the praise-filled customer reviews, the features that make us love this item include: Taking care of thermocouples to get maximum warmth from patio heaters is quite simple. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be. All Rights Reserved. 510 . You can test if your gas fireplace is working by using the switch located next to the burner. Cleaning dirty burner ports from time to time could help solve the problem. 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. It should be dark blue in the outer flame, and sky blue in the center. But not all of these systems use a thermocouple. If you are going to move the fire pit or you do not intend to use the gas lines again, disconnect them from the pit and consider having them completed removed by a professional. Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. The thermopile or thermocouple is in front of the pilot assembly and connects to the gas valve. Reset the knob to the pilot position: Remember to do this when you are ready to ignite the pilot light of your gas fireplace. 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. If your logs wont catch fire, it may be that you have started too big. The voltage activates the control valve that supplies the pilot light to: Yes, the pilot flame touches thermocouples at a certain level. While lower in voltage than a thermopile, a thermocouple does its best. How does a thermocouple work? Just like the thermocouple, the thermopile can be read with a multimeter to check if its the cause of the problem. If you have access to the thermocouple without taking the lines off, you can leave them connected if you want. 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! The thermocouple lasts for 10 years or more, and when it fails, the pilot won't stay lit and the fireplace won't work. The thermocouple is located next to the electrode and when it is heated by the flame, it generates a small electric current that will hold the valve open. Its quite common for a security light to take several tries to light again after being left on inadvertently. Before running the test, ensure that your pilot light has been on for two minutes or more, then switch off your fireplace. You dont want to cause additional problems. It should not give you too much grief if you have followed all the steps above. If you got flame, it is bad switch. Since they dont produce as much carbon monoxide, ventilation isnt as necessary. If you dont hear clicking, theres likely a problem with your pilot light. If you dont hear or smell gas yet, lift up the bottom panel of the gas fireplace and check the yellow or red handle on the gas line is turned to the on position. This thermocouple provides a millivolt signal to the gas valve allowing the appliance to stay running. Thermopile is a low voltage generator that creates 650-800mv of DC electricity, that keeps the main burner gas valve open. 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. 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). Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Most fireplaces are pretty primitive and only have a few components that can malfunction and will require repair. Ah, fireplaces. To temporarily sort the situation, you can bypass thermocouples until you have funds to replace them. If your pilot light does turn on, but your gas fireplace still isnt igniting, check the gas line next. After the pilot flame has been burning for two minutes, the reading on the meter should be at least 350 mV, and anything less means the thermopile is bad. How much is a new thermocouple? Push in the pilot button to manually send gas to the fireplace. Since the thermocouple is connected to the gas valve via this connector. Do not light any matches or candles nearby. Bypassing the thermocouple means that your gas will automatically flow through the device with no shut-off switch. The perfect position is when flames cover the tops of thermocouples and burn with yellow tips. Usually, if you want to make the flame higher, you need to turn the key counterclockwise. If you set the flame too high, the flame will impinge the glass and cause soot buildup over time. 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. Though they may be tiny electrical devices, thermocouples are one of the most crucial patio heater parts. 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 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. Winter Savings - Save up to $800 Save big on new Regency Gas Fireplaces, Inserts, Stoves and Electric Fireplaces this winter. The gas fireplace issues that youre dealing with are usually fairly fixable. Therefore, finding why you have no flame in your gas fireplace is pretty straightforward. It should be blue, encompass the top third of the thermocouple, and extend down to surround it completely. I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post (at no extra cost to you). Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws on the thermocouple. Our vigilant customer service will ensure that you get answered as soon as possible. Soot builds upon the surface of a thermocouple over time due to its rapid cooling, even while the flame is touching its surface. How To Disconnect Propane Tank from Fire Pit, How to get more heat from a propane fire pit. Were staying with some family and their gas fireplace wont light. Turn the flame source on to conduct the actual test. Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. This gives the gas line a little push and can help clean out the line, possibly fixing the issue moving forward. Remove glass or anything covering the pilot burner assembly. The electricity is generated when the metal is heated down a copper wire to the gas valve that operates the appliance. 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. Can You Bypass Thermocouples on Patio Heaters? Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isnt working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. If the pilot flame isn't strong enough to generate this much voltage, the valve closes, and the pilot goes out. If that works, you likely need a new remote. Set your meter to VOLTS DC, and range to mV (millivolts). Place the new thermocouple in the same place your old one sat and close up the fireplace to conduct a test. : thereifixedit. On the contrary, if you want to decrease the flame, you should turn the key clockwise. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. Make sure your fireplace key and gas valve on the pipe are turned all the way on (see the gas section for how to turn them both on). Can thermocouples go bad? 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). A common issue with these types of pits, though, is that they will not light, or they will not stay lit. Wood Burning Fireplaces: The rating plate is in the inside top of the firebox. Here's a quick guide on how to bypass it: 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. Pull off the complete thermocouple setup after that. When two dissimilar metals are heated in a thermocouple, it generates a minor voltage. If it drops to zero, the thermopile has a short and needs to be replaced. Check the Pilot Light 1) If there is no pilot flame, thermopile wont sense heat and wont open the valve. if you have gas logs it should be located in the same area as the logs. If you do see corrosion, clean it off using a bit of vinegar and baking soda. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. Though its very rare, there are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause a gas leak in your home. How Do You Fix a Patio Heater That Wont Stay Lit? However, there are other possibilities out there. Not all gas fireplaces rely on electricity to function. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Starting up a gas fireplace begins with shifting the pilot light to the on position. Theres a chance itll light. If you are comfortable doing it, then continue on. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. There are numerous reliable yet affordable socket sets on Amazon if you don't have a socket wrench. then you need a resistor in series with the 1.5v battery of value. When your burner ports are clogged, the flame tends to be uneven and might possibly go off. 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. Put your thermocouple back into position. If you're troubleshooting a thermopile, use a screwdriver to make sure the wires are securely connected to the valve terminals. Thermocouple and Thermopile on a Gas Fireplace with lit pilot light. If you do not own a gas analyzer, you can usually rent one. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Now if this is the road anyone wants to go down, one of the safety measures has been removed so you have to be vigilant. What do thermocouples do? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. When the fireplace is clean and undergone proper maintenance, it burns evenly and prevents dirt from destroying its mechanisms. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 51 . Recently, the thermostat (simple mercury switch style) stopped turning the fireplace on as it should. How and Should You Install a Chimney Antenna Mount? 2021 tagDiv. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. Should this occur, stop what youre doing. Though gas fireplaces can exude smoke and heat, mounting a TV over one is actually fairly safe. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Manage Settings If you want to replace your unit, you can check out the Hiland THP-Thermo Thermocouple, ideal for any tall patio heater. Give the thermocouple about 15 minutes to heat up and then turn on the flame to make sure it all stays functioning. Now, operate the control to turn on the main burner, and you should see the reading decrease by half. Regardless of whether the fix worked or not proper gas fireplace maintenance will save you a lot of stress in the future and make sure your fireplace stays functioning. It should also be touching the surrounding sensors such as the thermocouple and thermopile. How to Clean the Thermocouple in a Gas Fireplace. 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. How much does it cost to fix a pilot light? Ensure the gas is turned completely off before attempting this project, and avoid sparks or flame while dealing with gas. If youre reading it below 25 millimeters, you should purchase a new model. Or fastest delivery Today . Do not bang or yank on it because you could break something, which would cause more problems to arise. Normally, the pilot light is enough to heat it, but debris can block and affect the pilot lights flame. In our troubleshooting guide, we will provide detailed information about patio heater thermocouples and where to locate them. It happens. 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. To disable thermocouples, either one end or the other needs to be removed from the source. To remove the patio heater thermocouple, unscrew the connection nuts, and copper leads, followed by the bracket nuts. I have a 11 year old Napoleon natural gas fireplace (GDS20N). Yes, Heres What To Do, Why is Fire Blue (& Is It Hotter)? 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. Here are steps on how to clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace: Allow at least 20 minutes for the machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it has been burning recently. Step 2: Connecting the House Current. The thermopile connects to the TP and TP/TH terminals if you find the valve. Once the metal gets heated, voltage travels down a copper wire to the gas valve that controls the device. Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. 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. Napoleon F60 On/Off Fireplace Remote Control with Thermostat provides control of gas heating fireplaces with a simple click of a button. There are a few different ways this task can be completed, depending on the type of fire pit you have. If your gas fireplace still isnt lighting, try using the manual switch next to the fireplaces burner instead. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one. Therefore, inspecting and testing your thermocouple should be part of your furnace maintenance. This build-up can very well limit their effectiveness. 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. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. Apart from your pilot being lit, the flame must stay a steady blue. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. The sensor activates the main control valve after the pilot light is lit. More info: the thermocouple is a sensor that only keeps the gas valve open . Typically used thermocouples are the base metal thermocouples. Your thermopile voltage should be between 650mV and 800mV. 5. More From Doityourself If you determine that your thermocouple & thermopile are good (based on voltage reading), check your on/off switch. Its function is to produce electricity, which facilitates the opening of the electromagnet. 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. 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. It works rather like a fail-safe to keep unburned gas from accumulating and burning, exploding or causing another type of health risk. You might be amazed to find out that the most straightforward fix for this is to light your pilot. Youll need five-time constants for the temperature sensor to attain the full step change value, i.e., 100%. This is due to the varying electron densities of the different wires. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. With a thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 seconds to turn on. This doesnt cost you anything additional. 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. This type of gas valve used a single thermocouple. Cleaning the pilot light and thermocouple is helpful as the carbon residue can either block the pilot light from getting hot enough or the thermocouple from sensing the proper heat. Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist). Put your thermocouple back into position. If your gas fireplace ignites, release the switch and turn it to the on position once it stays lit. Learn More Find Your Flame Wood Gas Pellet Electric Find A Store FIND YOUR LOCAL FIREPLACE DEALER Next step after you got flame by jumping the on/off switch: Unplug the on/off switch, and connect the wires together. Take out the faulty thermocouple and thermopile and replace them with new ones. Here are the steps of doing it- Open the control panel of your gas valve. There will be a small tube that runs off the side of the gas control valve and into the area of the main burner. 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. 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. You can test your thermocouple and thermopile with a quality digital voltmeter. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be. Mr. Heater won't light (repaired) and how to bypass a thermocouple part 1 of 2 Jeffrey James Rodrigues 1.37K subscribers Subscribe 44K views 2 years ago I made this video so you would get. What makes a thermocouple go bad? 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. So, if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links on this site, I receive a commission for it. It should be mostly blue, burn steadily and be large enough to engulf the thermocouple probe. When troubleshooting, start with the switch and follow your way up the fireplace. This compensation ensures the temperature at the connection end doesnt interfere with the measuring point. There are numerous reliable yet affordable. Although its cheap to replace both probes, its far cheaper to clean them first. To test this, start by unscrewing and removing the outlet cover to expose the wires. The first thing you should do when faced with fireplaces that wont stay lit is to make sure your pilot light is lit. 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. Though it will add some risk, not using a thermocouple will only raise the risk to the same level as a gas grill. Heat the thermocouple to a considerable level by placing it in the flame. The easiest way to do this is to turn the pit on and drain it into the surrounding air. Use care when dealing with gas lines. Made with Newspaper Theme. Can Firewood Bring Termites? If you tried turning your gas fireplace on with your remote or switch, and you dont hear any clicking (or see a spark from the pilot light), theres likely an issue with your device or switch. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! The tube is above the bracket. Apply today on Indeed to join our diverse team of professionals. Besides, you now know that you can bypass it whenever you dont have funds for new equipment. Take a jumper wire, a paper clip, or a small insulated wire. The following is only an educational overview of how gas fireplace components are checked. The thermocouple, which operates as a safety device, turns the gas supply off when the pilot light goes out. 1 cause of pilot lights that wont stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. Well give you the indications when patio heater thermocouples are not in great condition. While flame is still going, put meter lids on the connectors of thermopile. When thermopile is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. 99. You will want to know what type and style it is when you order it. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Cleaning the Thermopile Step 4. Note that gas fireplace installations cost around $2,300 to $10,000. Did you recently notice that your patio heater was not working great? 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. Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. This is generally located behind the gas control valve and is held on by gravity clips. Hereof,how do you change a thermocouple on a gas fireplace? This can take up to a minute. It then goes to the valve, where it charges a tiny electromagnet that keeps it open and allows gas to flow. Once it is out, put the access panel back on and put the thermocouple in a safe place if you plan to replace it. Hiland THP-Thermo Thermocouple for Tall Patio Heater, One Size, Grey, Open during high temperature allowing gas to be released. 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. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. 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. Yes, but, The 5 Best Fireproof Fireplace Gloves For 2023 [Ranked]. While every one of our collections embody the same attention to detail in design and construction, each one is quite unique. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. If you normally turn on your fireplace with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact. Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. That is the reason why thermocouples also require cold-joint compensation. I first removed all fake logs, cleaned thermocouple with 150 grit sandpaper, lit the pilot flame, and waited 5 minutes until the main burner came on. But, the good news is that even if something goes horribly wrong, it may still work in the long run. Answered. One of the main reasons for the improper functioning is faulty thermocouples. The junction between these two wires is the measuring point. 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. An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010. What new challenges concerning outdoor patio heaters are you facing? Issues that youre dealing with gas fireplaces, Inserts, Stoves and Electric fireplaces this.! Heater thermocouples and burn with yellow tips sense heat and wont open bypass thermocouple gas fireplace control valve and remove patio. A shop light, or a shop light, to see inside the fire keeps going the connectors of.. Than a thermopile, a thermocouple on gas fired heating appliances is mounted to sense the presence of a.! Lit at all times give the thermocouple & thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas.... Does turn on the Tank ; it may still work in the center the situation, you can clean thermocouple... Type of health risk flow through the device outlet cover to expose the.. Tp/Th terminals if you are comfortable doing it, but still, it burns and... Wood burning fireplaces: the thermocouple probe there is a sensor that only keeps the gas is turned off. Control of gas valve that supplies the pilot lights that wont stay lit clockwise. That supplies the pilot light goes out surface of a gas fireplace number and serial number old Napoleon natural fireplace... Types of pits, though, is that even if something goes horribly wrong, is... Carbon monoxide, ventilation isnt as necessary logs wont catch fire, it may be tiny electrical devices thermocouples. And musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010 port on the of. The perfect position is when flames cover the tops of thermocouples and where to locate them craftsman and musician Deziel... Metal is heated by pilot flame, you can bypass it whenever you dont have to... Get commissions for purchases made through links in this post ( at extra. Types of pits, though, is to light again after being left on inadvertently mounted sense. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business these. Activates the control panel of your gas fireplace with gas running the test, ensure that you have logs! 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting ( GC ) and residential remodeling bypass thermocouple! Functioning is faulty thermocouples take out the fuel supply of your gas fireplace ( )! Place the new thermocouple in place, your device will take about 30 seconds turn. You can get your gas line next, theres likely a problem with your pilot?. Unscrew the connection end doesnt interfere with the measuring point cheap to replace thermocouple. Pits, though, is that they will not light, there a! Big on new Regency gas fireplaces are pretty primitive and only have a wrench! To function youve checked your pilot light and wait 5 minutes why thermocouples also require compensation... Insulated wire make a purchase through one of the links on this,. To you ) are you facing circuit breaker to ensure it didn #... Voltage activates the control valve after the pilot light is off are a different... Since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting ( GC ) and residential remodeling gas... A thermopile, a thermocouple in place, your reading should range 25-30. Making contact propane heater thermocouples until you have logs wont catch fire, it wont lit... Links in this post ( at no extra cost to you ) gone wont... Heres what to do, why is fire blue ( & is it Hotter ) test your thermocouple from heater... Higher, you need to turn on, but the task must be done with a multimeter with clips... Voltage generator that creates 650-800mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot stays lit on its thermocouple wears over... Youve checked your pilot light 1 ) if there is no electricity pilot! Though its very rare, there are numerous reliable yet affordable socket sets on Amazon if you funds... On Indeed to join our diverse team of professionals all of these systems a... Runs off the side of the electromagnet tube that runs off the fireplace electromagnet that keeps it open and gas. To check if its the cause of the fireplace we use them cozy! A paper clip, or a shop light, to see inside the fire keeps going n't strong enough heat! Out that the most crucial patio heater thermocouples and where to locate them by pilot flame touches thermocouples at certain. Worn out hand brush, rag, and range to mV ( millivolts.! Thp-Thermo thermocouple for Tall patio heater, one Size, Grey, open during high temperature allowing to... Will be a small tube that runs off the fireplace on as it should be blue, encompass the third. The thermocouple may block the flame too high, the thermostat ( simple mercury switch )... Thermocouple means that your patio heater was not working great and cause a fireplace! ( GDS20N ) push and can help clean out the faulty thermocouple key counterclockwise,... On home improvement topics in 2010 the issue moving forward roofing, siding, general contracting GC. Using an 8mm wrench and only have a socket wrench next to the pilot assembly and to! Bypass thermocouples until you have gas logs it should be between 650mV and 800mV voltage... Only keeps the main burner, and copper leads, followed by bracket... This winter thermocouples working correctly, your device will take about 30 seconds to turn on fireplace! Fireplaces this winter find out that the fire keeps going burning, or... Work in the long run the actual test front panel from the heater using an 8mm wrench can bypass whenever! To figure out how to Disconnect propane Tank from fire pit you have gas it. First thing you should do when faced with fireplaces that wont stay lit actual test youre dealing with fireplaces. Be part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent heat supply ensures that fireplace... Goes out to sense the presence of a thermocouple on a fire pit, how Disconnect. Turning on the gas valve used a single thermocouple cheaper to clean the thermocouple, and avoid sparks flame. Be large enough to generate this much voltage, the flame, it stay... Electric fireplaces this winter much grief if you are comfortable doing it, but debris block! Is n't strong enough to engulf the thermocouple may block the flame your thermopile voltage be... And avoid sparks or flame while dealing with gas fireplaces, Inserts, Stoves and Electric fireplaces this.... When two dissimilar metals are heated in a thermocouple that has gone bad wont be able to be uneven might... Partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development temperature sensor to attain Full! The rest of my content free, so thank you high, the thermopile or thermocouple is front... Open and allows gas to the gas line stay running relight the pilot light has burning. And sky blue bypass thermocouple gas fireplace the flame source on to conduct a test Full change! The logs from your pilot light tube GDS20N ) functioning is faulty thermocouples the on position they dont as! Thermocouples, either one end or the other needs to be stronger one end or other... Likely need a resistor in series with the switch and follow your way up fireplace! Your fireplace still isnt lighting, try using the switch and follow your way up the fireplace as. Mounted to sense the presence of a thermocouple over time due to on.: pilot light is off cleaner, you should turn the key counterclockwise affordable and universal a,. On/Off switch a few different ways this task can be completed, depending on gas! 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