How do you wire a gas fireplace switch?

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Also, how does gas fireplace switch work?

When the thermocouple is heated by the pilot light, it generates a very small electrical voltage (millivolts) which can be run through a switch to turn on a Milli-volt gas valve (as opposed to a 24 volt gas valve used with a conventional thermostat).

Furthermore, can I add a remote to my gas fireplace? Yes, you can add a remote to your gas log set after it's been installed and the log set is already equipped with a millivolt valve. You may even be able to completely convert your gas log set to a remote control system with variable flame and thermostatic controls.

Secondly, how does a thermopile work in a gas fireplace?

If your pilot light stays lit, but the fireplace won't start, then the problem is likely related to your thermopile, a metal probe (round and slightly smaller than your pinky finger) that converts heat from the burning pilot light's flame into a tiny amount of electricity — just enough to open the gas valve when a

Do you need a chimney for a gas fireplace?

Ventless fireplaces fueled by gas or propane rely on indoor air for combustion, and they exhaust a low level of their combustion gases into the room in which they're located. A chimney or flue isn't necessary. The risk to your health is a long-standing and ongoing debate.

38 Related Question Answers Found

What is the wall switch for on a gas fireplace?

It's easy to know how to turn on a gas fireplace with an electronic ignition wall switch. Many gas fireplaces come equipped with a wall switch control panel for activating the unit and adjusting the level of the flame. Simply push the “On” button and the pilot should ignite.

How much does it cost to put in a gas fireplace?

The average costs associated with installing a gas fireplace include $600 for the firebox installation, $750 for the vent pipe, $2,750 for the full installation and finishing work, and between $150 and $800 for the gas line, depending on how far it needs to run.

Can you install a gas fireplace on an inside wall?

Their inner and outer shell construction allows for maximum heat insulation.” As long as you have a natural gas connection or propane availability, you can install a gas fireplace almost anywhere in your home—under a window, in either an outside or inside wall, at wainscot or floor level, in a corner or even in the

What is a millivolt switch?

This light switch is specifically designed to control a gas log set that utilizes a millivolt pilot control. This pilot system has a small flame that generates power for the unit's gas valve to operate. As a result, they do not require outside power to operate and can be used in the event of a power outage.

How do you vent a gas fireplace?

Venting Explained

Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces – most are vented to the outdoors horizontally directly through the wall, but they can also be routed vertically through the roof.
Wood Fireplaces and Stoves – venting must be terminated to the outdoors vertically.

Why is my gas fireplace not working?

Pilot light systems are the most common reason gas fireplaces fail to light, so check the main gas valve to make sure the gas is turned on. If gas is coming out of the pilot, but it still won't light, the spark igniter could be the problem. Look for and clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple.

Should the pilot light always be on in a gas fireplace?

Electronic ignition is when the pilot light on a gas fireplace/insert/stove is only running when the fireplace is on, this means that the unit is likely to have a battery backup as well. A standing pilot is always on, always using a small amount of gas to run constantly unless the gas is physically turned off.

Will a gas fireplace work if the power is out?

If you have a gas fireplace or stove with a standing pilot, it will light during a power outage since it doesn't require electricity to activate the pilot flame. Batteries should be used as a power source only in the event of a power outage, as battery longevity can be affected by the temperatures of the appliance.

How long can you leave a gas fireplace on?

two to three hours

Do gas fireplaces require electricity?

No. Rather than requiring electricity, gas stoves and fireplaces generate their own electricity. This is accomplished with a thermopile that is integrated into the pilot light. This thermopile creates millivolts of electricity that are used to open and close the gas valve.

Do gas fireplaces always have a flame?

It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”. The best way to determine if you have this type of gas fireplace is to look at the control knob of the fireplace.

Are fumes from gas fireplace harmful?

Gas fireplaces are generally considered cleaner than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, but they can also pollute indoor air quality if not properly vented. Toxic gasses emitted include deadly carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide -- a gas particularly harmful to those with asthma.

How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?

If you can't get the flame to light at all, and you're sure the gas is on, there's probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that's the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

Does Home Depot sell thermocouple?

Thermocouple/Thermopile - The Home Depot.

What does a thermocouple look like?

The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. The other end of the thermocouple sits in the flame of the pilot light.

How do you test a thermocouple?

Steps

Locate the pilot light controls on the gas valve.
Turn the pilot light on for 30 seconds.
Release the button to see if the pilot light goes out.
Turn off the gas supply to test the thermocouple again.
Count to 20 and wait for the pilot light to go out.
Listen for clicking near the gas valve.

Are thermocouples universal?

Universal Thermocouples. Universal thermocouples, as the name implies work on most water heaters. They are available online and in home supply stores for a reasonable cost. The length and the thread type are the two concerns when purchasing one.