What is the wall switch for on a gas fireplace?

The wall switch sends an electrical signal to your fireplace to open a valve and release the gas for the pilot light to light it. Without power most fireplace valves will not open.

Do you need a special switch for fireplace?





The Robertshaw gas valves very widely used in gas fireplaces are rated for 100 milivolts of coltage loss through the main burner control circuit —a typical wall switch has 10-15 millivolts of loss. So in my experience, there is no particular need to use specialized switches.

How do you replace a fireplace switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So you go pick up your switch. Put it back into place and push until you hear a loud. Click. We go ahead and we hook back up our wires. And then you assemble the back.

How do you install a wall switch for a fireplace?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: These are the top and bottom terminals of the control valve route. The other end of the wire through the grommet on the right side of the fireplace. Continue routing wire to wall switch location.

What is the switch on the side of my fireplace?

If the damper is not fully open, smoke and carbon monoxide from the fire will vent into your home. To open the damper, locate the lever at the top of the inside of your fireplace. Depending on your fireplace model, the lever will either shift from side to side or up and down to open your damper.

How do you turn on gas fireplace with wall switch and key?





Instructions

  1. Locate Gas Valve Knob. Find the gas valve knob on the wall or floor. …
  2. Open Front of Fireplace. Open up the glass doors or screen to the fireplace.
  3. Locate Ignition Area. …
  4. Prepare Ignition Source. …
  5. Place Key in Gas Valve. …
  6. Light Ignition Source. …
  7. Slightly Turn on Gas Valve. …
  8. Turn Gas Valve on Full.

Can I use a regular switch for fireplace?

The thermopile in your fireplace puts out millivolts, nothing near the 120V the light switch was designed for. It’s probably just a matter of finding a switch with a low enough on resistance. A generic low voltage switch from a electronics store, or ripped out of a toy, would probably do it (for example a 12V SPST).

Why is my fireplace switch not working?

What can happen over the years, is that the connections inside the switch can get dirty, corroded, or broken, causing a loss of this voltage at the switch. So by the time the small amount of voltage gets sent back to the fireplace, it is not enough to signal the fireplace to turn on.

What is the switch on my wood fireplace?

When no wall switch has been installed for the blower, a thermostat switch makes it possible to control the blower’s on and off operation automatically.

Can I put a smart switch on my fireplace?



Add the TV xStream Smartswitch to turn your fireplace into a voice controlled fireplace. Works with millivolt Gas Valves and Electronic Spark Pilot Ignition systems. NOT all fireplaces are compatible. Look at images to see connection options.

How much does it cost to add a switch to a gas fireplace?

You can control the BTUs with an electrical switch, and this will add between $250 and $500 to your gas fireplace installation costs. Installing a log lighter, gas valve, and the key to switch your gas on an off costs around $250.

Can I add a switch to my gas fireplace?

The short answer is yes, you can add a fireplace switch to gas logs, fire glass, and other hearths. The more detailed answer is some fireplaces and fire pits may require the installation of a different gas valve type.

How do you tell if a damper is open or closed?



Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. If you don’t feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed.

How do I know if my fireplace is open or closed?

Check for a draft



Stick your hand near the opening of the fireplace. If you feel air breeze against your hand, then it’s safe to say that the damper is open. If there’s a clear absence of a draft, then it’s closed.

Should fireplace damper be open or closed?

open

A fireplace damper should always be kept open while the fire is burning. Furthermore, keep the damper open until all the embers are completely out; since smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide can enter the house. Once the ember bed is entirely out, close the damper.

Can you leave damper open overnight?



Leave the damper open overnight. Yes, you will lose some heat up the flue, but you will save the occupants of the home from poisoning by colorless, odorless carbon monoxide.

How do I turn my damper off?

Once you access the trunkline, you will find the damper lever, which is attached directly to the duct. To adjust the damper lever, you will need to turn it to the left or right. If you want to close the damper, you will need to turn the damper lever in the opposite direction of the duct.

How do you control a fireplace damper?

How to use the fireplace damper to control the fire

  1. Open the fireplace damper all the way when starting a fire.
  2. Let the fire burn for a few minutes then adjust the damper so that it is partially closed (about half way) to see how it affects the fire.

Should damper be open or closed in summer?

closed



Even if you have a chimney cap, it is a good idea to keep the damper closed in the summer. Chimney caps can become damaged creating a pathway for rainwater or pests to get into your chimney. Closing the damper will ensure that they can’t get into your home through the fireplace.

What’s the difference between a damper and a flue?

A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.