What is a rocker switch on a gas fireplace?

Product Description. Many freestanding gas and propane fireplaces have rocker switches. These rocker switches allow the home owner to turn the fireplace on and off, and set to thermostat mode (3 way rocker switch). There are hundreds of different kinds of rocker switches.

Similarly, it is asked, how does the switch on a gas fireplace 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).

Similarly, 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.

Simply so, what does RS mean on gas fireplace?

The “RS” position (press the bottom part of the switch) permits the remote control switch to turn the fire on and off.

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.

27 Related Question Answers Found

How long can you leave a gas fireplace on?

two to three hours

How do you turn on gas logs?

How do you light a gas log safety pilot? You turn the control knob to the pilot position, push the knob in, light the pilot with a match, then hold the knob down for 30 seconds or so until the pilot stays lit by itself. Once the pilot light will stay lit on its own, you can then move the knob to the "On" position.

Can you run a gas fireplace when power is out?

There is no danger to continuously running a gas fireplace during a power outage. The blower that would normally turn on with the fireplace needs electricity to work. You can run your gas fireplace as long as needed to ensure you are warm and content without worry of overheating the unit.

Will a gas fireplace work when 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. Remember that fireplaces and stoves produce heat, so be sure no flammable objects are near them, and please keep children a safe distance away.

How do you reset the pilot light on a gas fireplace?

Hold the pilot button down for about 20 seconds to give the thermocouple time to heat up, then release it. The pilot should stay lit, but if it doesn't, relight it and hold the button a little longer. Turn the button to the “On” position, then replace the fixed glass assembly and the decorative cover. You're done!

Where is the gas valve for my fireplace?

The gas valve is always located within arms reach of the firebox. Although match-lit ignitions are the simplest control option, you need to take care when lighting the gas. If too much gas is released before ignition, it could cause irreparable damage to you or your home.

Are gas fireplaces safe?

Gas fireplaces are safe. But as with all gas appliances, they do produce carbon monoxide. If something goes wrong, carbon monoxide put the home's occupants at risk. Therefore, carbon monoxide detectors are a critical part of gas fireplace safety, even if you don't use the fireplace often.

Why does gas fireplace pilot go out?

If the pilot light on your gas fireplace won't stay lit, a very likely culprit is a component called a thermocouple. A thermocouple is a safety device and is a component of the ignition system. Its purpose is to not allow the gas valve to open if the pilot light isn't lit.

How do you replace a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?

Procedure for Replacing a Thermocouple

The only tool you need to replace a thermocouple is a wrench. Use it 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.

How do you adjust the pilot light on a gas fireplace?

On some fireplaces, there will be a "Lo-Hi" button that allows you to adjust the flame upward or downward. On others, there will be a screw that you can easily adjust with a screwdriver. Turning the screw clockwise will lower the flame, while a counterclockwise motion will turn it up.

How do you turn on a gas fireplace without the key?

When learning how to turn on a gas fireplace without a key, confirm that the unit has a control panel with an igniter switch. Remove any fireplace decoration that's in the way. Control panels can usually be found at or around the base of the fireplace, concealed by a decorative screen that should be moved.

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.

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.

Do gas fireplaces need to be serviced?

The initial and foremost guideline of any gas fireplace system is to have it inspected every year. With professional chimney companies, you can usually have your annual chimney cleaning and gas inspection scheduled at the same time. Matter of fact, your whole system should be inspected annually, top to bottom.

Can you clean a thermocouple?

If the Thermocouple is faulty it will cause the unit to shut down. How to clean? Remove Thermocouple from pilot assembly, using steel wool or emery cloth to lightly clean the tip removing any soot or build up that might have accorded due to an improper pilot flame.

How do you adjust a thermocouple?

To adjust the thermocouple, you must tighten the thermocouple nut with a wrench. Take care not to apply too much pressure to the nut -- just tighten it slightly. Then try lighting the pilot. If the pilot won't stay lit, replace the thermocouple with a new one of the same type.