What does millivolt ignition mean?
The disadvantages of using millivolt ignition are that:
- you are always using a small amount of fuel, and
- millivolt current only travels a few feet down a wire, so it is impractical to use a millivolt heater with any kind of outside control system.
- The pilot keeps the interior of the heater warm enough to become an inviting home for small creatures, which can increase maintenance difficulties. ...
How do you test an ignition module system?
- Engine Fails to Start. If the positive hot wire from the battery that feeds the distributor has no voltage to it, the HEI distributor will not function.
- Plug Wire Engine Miss.
- Reduced Fuel Economy.
- Weak Spark.
- Electrical Arc and Shorts.
- Hard Starting.
- Smog Check Failure.
How to wire millivolt gas valve?
Let's look at what each of these terminals means:
- TH – The 24v hot leg from the thermostat on a call for heat (R+W closing) to the gas valve (TH terminal) to open the solenoid to allow gas to ...
- TR – The 24v common/return side of the transformer.
- TH/TR – This is not internally wired to the gas valve. Not using this makes no difference to the circuit. ...
How to install ignition control module?
Tools you’ll need:
- Digital multimeter
- Test light
- Someone to help
What's the difference between millivolt and electronic ignition?
So what are the real differences between modern (IPI) and millivolt gas fireplaces? A millivolt system does not require any external power, and operates solely off of the pilot light being lit, whereas an electronic ignition system requires external power, usually a standard electrical outlet.
How does a millivolt system work?
Millivolt Gas Valve This type of valve makes use of a standing pilot that continuously burns to heat a device, either a thermocouple or thermopile, which then produces a small amount of electricity - less than a single volt, hence "milli"-volt.
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.
Can I convert my pilot light fireplace to electronic ignition?
Some gas fireplaces can be upgraded with electronic ignition systems to boost fuel conservation and efficiency. The savings you realize from the use of an electronic system will far outweigh the small cost of the change. This applies whether you retrofit your old fireplace or completely change the system.
How do I know if I have a millivolt system?
0:292:31Determining Your Thermostat Type - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo find out which kind you have simply remove your thermostat from the wall and just look at theMoreTo find out which kind you have simply remove your thermostat from the wall and just look at the wires that are connected to it it's not hard all you need is a screwdriver.
How do you wire a millivolt gas valve?
0:012:54750 Millivolt Gas Valve, Thermopile Wiring & Wiring Diagram! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipActually wired into the gas valve and it's wired into the pilot solenoid valve. So we have our powerMoreActually wired into the gas valve and it's wired into the pilot solenoid valve. So we have our power coming into the tht p on the red wire right here and that gets connected to this wire.
Do you need a special switch for a gas 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 many millivolts do you need to open a gas valve?
A new 750 should put out 750 if pilot flame is proper. Under load 550 is good. Alot of valves require min. 350mv to open burner.
Can I light my gas fireplace without electricity?
Most gas fireplaces can run without electricity. Gas fireplaces that have a standing or vertical pilot light can light with or without electricity. If your gas fireplace has a different type of ignition system, you will not be able to run it without electricity unless it has a backup battery.
What does IPI mean on a gas fireplace?
Intermittent Pilot IgnitionIPI (Intermittent Pilot Ignition) is when the pilot light is only lit when the control board gets the call for heat, either from a thermostat or from someone flipping a switch. CPI (Continuous Pilot Ignition) is when the pilot is lit constantly.
Can you add a remote control to an existing 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.
How do I convert my gas fireplace to electric?
There are 3 main steps to convert a gas fireplace to electric:Disconnect the gas line and safely cap it. This must be done by a qualified gas technician, and is not a do-it-yourself project.Run a dedicated electrical line to the site of the fireplace. ... Design your dream fireplace and decide on size and shape!
How much does a milivolt system cost?
The Milivolt system would use approximately 600 – 800 BTUS of fuel an hour, with 24/7 usage, you can expect to pay approximately $14.00 per month with propane and $5.00 per month using natural gas.
What is the difference between a Milivolt and an IPI?
The difference between the IPI compared to the Milivolt system is that a Milivolt has a pilot light that stays on 24/7. The IPI system does not use a pilot light and instead relies on an electronic ignition switch to light the pilot after flipping on the wall switch or using the remote.
What type of ignition switch is used on a fireplace?
There are two different types of gas electronic ignition switches used on fireplaces manufactured in the U.S, both of which Kozy Heat supplies. These are the IPI and Milivolt ignition systems.
Can you turn on a gas pilot ignition?
If your power goes out, the Milivolt system could be manually turned on to heat your home.
Can I turn on a Milivolt if power goes out?
If your power goes out, the Milivolt system could be manually turned on to heat your home. The IPI system would not be able to ignite the pilot light manually based on an electronic ignition switch during a power outage. But the IPI switch would not consume gas unless you flipped on the wall switch or used the remote.
What type of ignition system does a gas fireplace use?
The most common type of gas fireplace uses a millivolt ignition system. The piezo ignitor is usually connected to a button that generates a spark when depressed. The pilot flame heats both the thermocouple and thermopile sensors. These sensors contain material that creates a small amount of voltage when heated.
How many millivolts does a thermopile generate?
The thermopile is basically just a large thermocouple, but instead of generating 20-30 millivolts, it generates up to 900 millivolts, enough power to ignite the main burner when the wall switch is turned on.
What is millivolt ignition?
Millivolt- Millivolt ignition systems are one of the most proven types of ignition systems in the fireplace industry. A millivolt ignition needs a pilot light lit to work. Follow the manufacturers instructions for how to light the pilot light. For the pilot light to remain lit, there is a safety feature called a thermocouple ...
What voltage does an intermittent pilot ignition run on?
Intermittent pilot ignitions typically run on a 6-volt system.
Why do electronic ignition systems cost more?
Typically because the electronic ignition systems are more sophisticated they will cost a bit more. Otherwise, both are easy to use and allow you to use your appliance very easily with the flip of a switch, push of a button, or adjusting the thermostat. 2 years ago.
How does a pilot light work?
The pilot light contacts a sensor in the path of the flame. This sensor sends a signal back to the control module that the pilot is light. It then shuts of the igniter and lights the main burner.
What are the advantages of electronic ignition?
The advantages of using electronic ignition are that: 1 you only use fuel when there is a call for heat, and 2 if the pilot is extinguished during startup it will automatically relight. 3 24V power travels very well down the wires, permitting this design to be used in conjunction with an external control system or certain types of remote control. In addition, 24V power permits the use of digital circuitry, providing far more sophisticated controls. 4 Temperature control is extremely easy and accurate, and 5 All connections on the circuit board are plug connectors and are not conducive to the formation of corrosion.
Can you use millivolts with natural gas?
In addition, millivolt ignition is no longer allowed with natural gas in certain areas (such as California) because of concerns about fuel usage when the unit is not firing. Please consult your local authorities to see if they have specific requirements about pool heater ignition systems.
Can you use a millivolt heater outside?
millivolt current only travels a few feet down a wire, so it is impractical to use a millivolt heater with any kind of outside control system. The pilot keeps the interior of the heater warm enough to become an inviting home for small creatures, which can increase maintenance difficulties.
What is a millivolt ignition?
The RF Millivolt Ignition is a proprietary ignition used in some Empire models. This ignition is an millivolt ignition with a battery backup allowing it to run with or without 110v / 120v power. The RF Millivolt Ignition also includes a thermostatic remote that can vary flame height and control the blower.
How does an electronic ignition work?
Electronic ignitions all work in much the same way, once the fire is turned on by the user an electronic signal first turns on the pilot light. After the pilot light is confirmed on the electronic unit then allows for the burner to open. Some electronic ignition units are now including a battery back up system.
What is intermittent pilot ignition?
Intermittent pilot electronic ignition systems are a battery powered electronic ignition system which include a remote. Intermittent pilot ignitions operate as follows, once the fire is turned on by the user an electronic signal first turns on the pilot light. After the pilot light is confirmed on the electronic unit then allows for the burner to open. Intermittent pilot vent free log and burner sets include an oxygen depletion sensor.
What is a total signature ignition?
The Total Signature Command System ignition is a proprietary ignition used in some Monessen models. This ignition is an electronic ignition with a battery backup allowing it to run with or without 110v / 120v power. The Total Signature Command System includes the SCSACM A/C module which allows for the control of up to three electric components that are used in conjunction with the fireplace. This ignition system also includes a full function touch screen LCD remote control.
What type of electricity is used for an electronic ignition?
Electronic ignition systems generally require the use of 110v / 120v electricity to operate. This type of ignition system includes intermittent pilot ignitions (power is stepped sown) and direct ignitions (uses direct 110/120v electricity). Electronic ignitions all work in much the same way, once the fire is turned on by ...
Do millivolts require external power?
This type of ignition system does not require any external power. Millivolt ignitions are also remote ready and can accommodate anything from a simple on/off wall switch to a programable thermostatic remote. The pilot light can be turned off for extended periods of non-use and them re-ignited when needed.
Do match light burners have a pilot light?
This type of ignition requires that the burner be lit manually with either a match, lighter or some other source. Match light units do not have a pilot light and also has no oxygen depletion sensor. Match light log and burner sets are becoming less and less common.
How do millivolts work?
To summarize that post, a millivolt system works like this: 1 Gas flows into a series of valves attached to your gas fireplace. 2 The valves are always closed unless something opens it. This prevents gas from flowing into your home when the fireplace is not lit. 3 A device called a thermocouple will hold open the pilot light valve as long as the pilot light is lit. 4 The larger valve for your main burner is controlled by a wall switch or remote control. This larger valve will not open until the remote or wall switch is set to on.
How does an electronic igniter work?
An electronic igniter uses a small amount of electricity to spark the pilot light. A sensor detects an active pilot flame. If all is good, the main burner valve opens, allowing gas to flow through to the main burners. The pilot light ignites the flame on the main burners. Voila!
What is IPI mode on a fireplace?
To make it really simple, a modern electronic ignition fireplace that is set to IPI mode goes through the following steps: Gas flows into the fireplace but all valves are closed, including the pilot light valve.
Does an IPI gas fireplace need a pilot light?
Summary. An IPI gas fireplace does not require the pilot light to run all the time. It uses a control board and an external power source to electronically ignite the burners and operate the gas valves. You don’t have to worry about “what if my pilot light goes out” scenarios.
