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Thread: How Does a Switch-Activated, Gas Fireplace Work Without Electricity?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2007
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    Colorado Springs
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    How Does a Switch-Activated, Gas Fireplace Work Without Electricity?

    My house has a gas fireplace insert. It has a pilot light, but is activated by a "light switch" on the wall. I assumed the fireplace would not work without electricity.

    But sure enough, my whole neighborhood lost power and my wife asked me to turn on the fireplace. I told her it wouldn't work, but tried anyway and hit the switch. "Whoompf!" the fireplace roared to life.

    My fireplace has no batteries of any kind anywhere. How does that work? Right now I'm going with "magic".

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto Ontario
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    11,248
    Pat, your fireplace would have a thermocouple and a Milli-volt gas valve.

    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).

    Regards, Rod.

  3. #3
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    May 2007
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    Well, there you go. Mystery solved. Thanks, Rod!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
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    Lubbock Texas
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    931
    Quote Originally Posted by Rod Sheridan View Post
    Pat, your fireplace would have a thermocouple and a Milli-volt gas valve.

    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).

    Regards, Rod.
    These"Thermocouples" were common in the 50's. We called them "Powerpiles"
    No PHD, but I have a DD 214

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Gibsons British Columbia Canada ( near Vancouver )
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    Answer to the question - - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim FInn View Post
    These"Thermocouples" were common in the 50's. We called them "Powerpiles"
    Jim is correct - there will be a ' powerpile ' that supplies the power for the gas valve - a typical powerpile produces .75 volts, enough for the task.

    A typical ' thermocouple ' like is used on a standard efficiency furnace, produces about 25 - 30 millivolts ( .025 volts ) .

    Dave Beauchesne

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