My Gas Fireplace Has Electric Switch To Turn On. After I Turn It On It Turns Off In 15-30 Seconds.?
Was told by firplace guy that it is a bad thermocouple, but can’t get anyone to repair it. Told to buy it and install myself. Looking for instructions on how to do it. THKS
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October 18, 2009 @ 12:19 am
Arrgh. I hate gas fireplaces.
Pound for pound the worst heating devices on the market. Pretty, yeah sure, but pathetic heaters.
Rant over… soory.
Your fireplace guy is wrong. You won’t get any flame with a bad thermocouple (it controls the pilot). A bad thermopile will affect your burner.
A thermopile generates about 300 milivolts to operate your heater. This low voltage can be interrupted in its circuit by things 24vac won’t notice. Before you go for the jugular with the thermopile, check the following:
Is your thermostat 24AC rated or milivolt rated? 24vac t-stats will work… ’till they quit working.
The ‘on/off’ switch and safety switches (flame roll out) are also typicllly (and stupidly) 24vac rated from the mfg. They could be performing poorly. Also every spade connection should be tight.
Advanced DYIer project at best. Why? Because:
1) No two gas fireplaces are designed the same, even those of the same manufacture. Even good instructions will be hit and miss.
2) Burner arrangements are different and disassembly/ reassembly can be a nightmare.
3) Lastly, the scumbag manufacturers sometime use specific thermopiles AND thermocouples not available off-the-shelf at the hardware store.
Time for a different and more experienced repairman.
October 18, 2009 @ 4:53 am
look under HEATALATER or HEAT N GLO they are the maker of gas , electric , and wood-burning fireplaces they should be able to tell you the closest place to you home to purchase a new thermocoupler!!! and the easyest way to install it!!!
October 18, 2009 @ 9:15 am
This actually COULD be a bad thermocouple. I won’t get into all of the specifics here because there is really no point. There are also SEVERAL different kinds of ignition systems which use a switch and I don’t know which one you have. If you will contact me via my website http://www.american-fireplaces.com include your model number, serial number, ect. and I can get you GOOD information and possibly find a service person in your area.