Now, what is a thermocouple? Troubleshooting things like this can be extremely frustrating. When troubleshooting, always start with the easiest thing first, to avoid replacing pricey parts that werent broken in the first place. that the fireplace is plugged directly into a wall socket, and that the power and your sure the remote is not a t-stat remote, correct? There are three reasons why an ordinary power strip would turn itself off, namely: 1). They can either burn out or tangle up and cause a short circuit. Direct contact with heat or electricals could ignite the liquids. Electric fireplaces need to be plugged in somewhere to work. If your Heat & Glo is not working properly, you may need to remove the thermocouple, to either clean it or replace it. I have an electric fireplace that has 5 Why Does My Gas Fireplace Have a Small Flame? fireplace as an example for each problem, showing what the manufacturer Its 7 years old and a year ago it began to shut itself off. Give sufficient time for the heater to cool. No pets here. remote, change the batteries and see if you can turn your electric fireplace Once the pilot is on, push in the knob again, and set it to the on position. Check your fuse box or breaker To troubleshoot if this is the problem, try recreating it by plugging the electric fireplace into another outlet. that any dials or buttons to control the brightness of the flames are on and This includes dust or dirt build-up as well as more obvious to spot objects like carpet. It can turn on with a switch at the wall, one for blower and second one for flame or the remote for just the flame. a thermostat to help keep the room at a constant temperature. Two low voltage wires extend from the remote control receiver to the gas valve, and perhaps from a separate toggle switch to the gas valve. So, shall we take a peek at it then? We added some shielding and the problem went away. 7 Fixes. You can do this with a glass cleaner. However, one of the most important questions to ask when purchasing an electric fireplace is how much square footage it can heat. The toggle switch and remote control receiver turn the fireplace on by connecting those two wires together. Like many other freestanding electric As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. And your gas fireplace will be working like its usual self again. Yes, you read that right. The devices electric component could have either burnt out or short-circuited. If you have to replace yours, make sure you use one recommended by the manufacturer. Once its fan sensor switch detects the set temperature, it will turn on the blower. I'm a writer that is passionate about home improvements, remodeling, and renovating. If you live in a subdivision, new home owners could move in and their radio/garage door radio frequency "could and has" turned on fireplaces. automatically adjust the heat output when required to ensure that the room Remove any dirt or dust from real fire. Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. If you can't relearn to a new frequency, you only option may be to buy and install a new remote/receiver where you can "learn" it to several frequencies. 4. Now, most people dont have a remote controller for their fireplaces. The second possible cause is radio interference or a problem with the remote. If you hear any rattling noises, push the cord into the wall firmly. turn on and give out any heat. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? So, how can a remote turn on a gas fireplace by itself? Therefore, in order for my electric I also have an additional dial on the fireplace that I used to adjust the My fireplace is doing this now, too. Also check that the rotating mirrors are Depending on the type and model of electric fireplace, My electric fireplace has an LED light source which shouldnt need to be changed. I think you nailed it. The toggle switch and remote control receiver turn the fireplace on by connecting those two wires together. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Like if the oven turns on its own or if the fireplace lights up automatically. Why did my fireplace turn on by itself? Related Content:Electric Fireplace Keeps Shutting Off? Leave the It has been working properly until today--it decided to come on by itself. If it doesnt trip, then you know you had too many things plugged into it. There is also a thermopile that provides enough power to open/close the solenoid that controls the main burners (on it's own, without requiring you to first manually hold the solenoid in place like the pilot). What is a word for the arcane equivalent of a monastery? Houses consume more power when people are sleeping, so many timers are set to turn off or reduce power to various appliances during this time. And, you should probably. Set it to pilot, push in the knob, and hit the igniter multiple times until the pilot light is lit. See what I use and my recommended tools here. And thats for a very good reason. Plug something else, like your toaster, into the plug and see if it works. Wear gloves, to make sure you do not get any residue on your hands. I've made several calls and no one knows what to do, so if you find the answer, please let me know. The most likely cause of this problem is that wiring is burned or shorted out. How do you ensure that a red herring doesn't violate Chekhov's gun? turning on or blowing cold air. Remove the faceplate and test the wires with a voltage meter, to make sure that power is getting to the switch. If your electric fireplace won't turn on: Ensure that the fireplace is plugged directly into a wall socket, and that the power switch is turned on. 3. The fireplace heater will It has three positions, pilot, on, and off. to turn the dial back until I hear a click. Check to ensure that the spindle is still connected to the motor and that nothing is blocking the spinner spindle from moving. But when they turn it back onit would not release gasuntil you manually light the pilot. Many problems with your electric fireplace are pretty easy to troubleshoot and fix on your own. To check if your electric fireplace has too much dust, turn it off and unplug it. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer directly. Does a gas fireplace have an automated shut-off switch? Generally, however, the way to reset your electric fireplace is to turn all switches on your fireplace to the off position and unplug it from the wall for at least five minutes. Therefore, ensure to check your remote control status and switch the batteries or replace it if needed. So if the fireplace is stuck on, I would think it's one of two things: There is a short in the controller and power is always being provided to the solenoid. Most electric fireplaces are built for indoor use only. Why does my electric fireplace turn on by itself? recommends in the manual, and how I would try and fix the problem. Many components on an electric fireplace arent serviceable (the manual for my electric fireplace states that there are no user-serviceable parts) and so you may be offered a replacement fireplace. Tile Color and Brick in Kitchen and Dining Room. Let me try and explain. This energy does two things: one, it charges the valve to allow the pilot to stay lit. Many people enjoy the ambiance that an electric fireplace can provide, as well as the convenience and cost-effectiveness of this type of heater. The longer its on the more likely it will happen. If they are shorted together any other place it will also turn the fireplace on. [Your questions answered in 2023]Continue, Electric fireplaces have become a popular alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Disconnect between goals and daily tasksIs it me, or the industry? My dad used to have a gas fireplace and when he went down to his radio shack and started transmitting, the fireplace would often kick on. This can sometimes lead to appliances like the electric fireplace stopping unexpectedly if there is a power surge or brownout that affects the timer settings. I created this website to help others learn about all types of fireplaces and how they can make the most of them. screen from a rotating rod that has strategically placed mirrors along it. You don't have ghosts,,,,just a "sick" thermopile. Ensure that the thermostat settings are coherent with your room temperature. Replace the batteries in the thermostat that keeps the room at a certain temperature. brightness of the flames. that the electric fireplace heater is clean and dust free. However, a faulty electric fireplace poses a severe risk to the occupants of the house. The occasional shut down has now become a nightly event. 2023 householdair. So if the fireplace was on already and you disconnect the main power, I would expect the fire to stay on. So how did the problem get fixed?? we re-lit it 2 nights ago. Ensure problem. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? If you have it wired to an on and off switch, then you will need to test the switch. If everything checks out ok, you may wish to replace the thermostat anyway. Electric fireplaces come in many different According to the repairman, over time, a tiny amount of corrosion (or even just plain wear) will affect the connection inside the switch, creating increased resistance. There is always a scientific reason behind this. If the temperature on the thermometer is within a reasonable range, proceed to clean and inspect the fireplace for issues. ghost. Ive used my own freestanding electric temperature above the current room temperature, or the fireplace heater wont The other routes are from the toggle switch to the gas valve. Do not put your hand on anything, just get it close, to see if there is an unusual amount of heat. The high-limit switch shuts off the heater when it is overheated. If your electric fireplace trips the circuit breaker all on its own, you may need to find a different circuit to plug it into. Drill the mounting screws, turn on the circuit breaker, and test the switch by turning it on. This can be caused by several issues. Open the remote up and spray canned air to clean dust and dirt. Resetting an electric fireplace is usually super simple, but if you have your manufacturers instruction manual to hand, do check that for specifics. This is usually caused by the thermostat being set too low. Radio interferrence? One of the main causes of overheating electric fireplaces is dust and dirt build up over months and years. Fireplace burner - air mixing valve needed? The possibility that your neighbors garage door opener could cause your fireplace to turn on is dependent upon the quality of design and build of the remote control system designed into your fireplace. 5 Things To Know, Gas Fireplace Keeps Beeping? The engineer should also clean the fire and clean and/or replace the pilot assemblyor take the burner tray out to get at the thermocouple to change it. Thats because it saves money and time, which is the ultimate goal. Use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten any loose connections. 2. Turn the breaker off before doing any work to the switch. Many electric fireplaces also come with an Do Bioethanol Fireplaces Need Ventilation (Fresh Air)? If the local gas company turns the gas off in your neighborhood to fix a leak, it would go off. We've never had this issue before either.Thanks for your response. turned up. Test the thermostat by powering on the fireplace for a few minutes to ensure proper functioning. If your Dimplex electric fireplace won't turn on, the first thing to check is the power source. The energy generated by this device is somewhere around .750-.250 millivolts (DC). Air Conditioner Repair Near Dallas: How to Find the Best Company? We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Before you can find out why the remote causes the fireplace to turn on by itself, youll have to know which part is causing the problem. The solenoid is stuck open. switch on the electric fireplace is turned on. Make certain bulbs are screwed in tight. Sometimes, something might fall into the duct, causing it to clog up. | Different Types of Fireplaces | How To Turn On A Gas Fireplace With A Wall Switch. Listen to find out where in the Fitting an L-Shaped Couch? a small amount of noise, particularly from the blower. If the unit is still not working, you will need to replace the thermocouple. current room temperature or the fireplace heater will keep shutting off. Also is it electronic ignition or standing pilot. My fireplace has a thermopile, but it also has electronic start added as an option. remote (if it has one). The most common issue is the overheating shutoff sensor, which will cause the unit to shut off, and then back on after it has cooled. Electric fireplaces have several cleaning and maintenance components that are designed to help them perform properly. If your fireplace is plugged into an extension cable, try putting the power cable straight into the wall socket and see if it will turn on. The most common reason that a circuit breaker trips is because the circuit is overloaded. room temperature. Another possibility is that your heater's safety switches are triggered. Your electric fireplace turns on by itself because an incorrectly calibrated thermostat can automatically power it up if the room temperature has dropped below the setting on the thermostat. I have searched and searched and haven't seen this issue come up. If the power to the electric fireplace is on, the temperature in the room may have dipped below the temperature set on the thermostat dial, which can cause the fireplace heater to turn back on in order to heat the room back up to the set temperature. On most fireplaces I've seen (non-electronic start), a thermocouple provides enough power, along with the initial press/hold of the solenoid, to keep the solenoid open for the pilot light to remain lit. What video game is Charlie playing in Poker Face S01E07? This has to be done before you can light the pilot light. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We recommend to use caution and seek the advice of qualified professionals. In this case, the master switch moves into an off position where it randomly turns off. Likewise, the fireplace will automatically light itself if the room temperature falls below a pre-set threshold. Turn the wall switch into on position, and your fireplace will light up. Test the thermostat by powering on the fireplace for a few minutes to ensure proper functioning. and so must have a source of mains electrical power to operate. Unplug your electric fireplace and unscrew the back panel. Thanks for the answer; keep 'em coming. The remote may not be initialized with the fireplace. An electric fireplace uses a conventional With the power switch turned on for the Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Well, its a device that senses the heat in the room and grants permission to the pilot light to remain turned on. Interested in finding out what shielding was used and how it was installed. On this site, you'll find information about how temperature works, how to stay warm or cool in all types of situations, and guides on choosing (and fixing) the best temperature-related appliances. 8. I could not shut it off with the remote control, had to close the gas valve. If you place a bulb in your fireplace that has too high a wattage, your electric fireplace will shut itself off for safety reasons. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit With Fake Logs In Place, Main burner for gas fireplace won't stay lit (pilot light is fine), Gas fireplace flame won't stay on; both flame and pilot go out, Gas fireplace shuts off after a few minutes, Does a fireplace with switch on wall need to have the pilot on constantly. Ensure that the blower is working So, as you can see its an essential component of the gas fireplace. These two wires mesh-up and create havoc. For an electric fireplace to work, you must plug-in power and turn on the socket. Faulty Remote Issues This can be caused by several issues. When there are leaves and other debris in the chimney, these can block the airflow . Its essential to use the method below to ensure you dont replace the wrong one, though. Therefore, to help keep you safe, here are a few safety tips you should incorporate. fireplace for a period of time to cool down, and then try using it again. | Gas Fireplace Insert Smells Like Burning Plastic? Similar to #1, if there is no voltage, but it is open, it's likely stuck. Once you have the back open, turn on the fireplace to see what it is doing. Now, back to your problem. Electric fireplaces have a thermostat dial that controls the temperature of the room. Should you turn off the gas fireplace in the summer? The light will blink from red to green, if the unit is locked out, and needs to be reset. on. Regardless, owning an electric fireplace shouldnt be a fire hazard for you and your family if you avoid making common mistakes. No, it doesn't have a thermostat at all. 1. A better solution is to unplug the fireplace when its not in use. A flame sensor senses when pilot is lit. Next, you must switch on the fireplace and turn on the flame dial. There are a few reasons why your electric fireplace may turn on by itself. If this doesnt fix your problem, turn all of the switches off position and unplug the unit. Ensure that the main power components havent come loose and are tightly connected to the fireplace unit. This will sort out the problem. electric fireplace may have overheated and gone into overheat protection mode. It essentially works like the AC. When the sun goes down on cold winter days, the first thing most people do is turn on that electric fireplace. If the thermostat is set to a lower temperature, turn the settings either higher or lower to achieve a more reasonable setting then power on your fireplace. Trying to understand how to get this basic Fourier Series, Minimising the environmental effects of my dyson brain, How to tell which packages are held back due to phased updates. room. An electric fireplace thermostat will the current room temperature is. However, like most faulty household devices, an electric fireplace might light up by itself. It is late summer. The heater element will be located inside the electric fireplace. And most of the time, two wires are the main culprit. Sticky buttons sometimes stay pushed in, turning on the fireplace. If your fireplace is shutting off because of a thermostat malfunction you need to remove the thermostat and check it for continuity. Place the new part as recommended by the manufacturer in the corresponding slot, then tighten the loose hardware. Youll need to open up the The most likely and often simplest cause of your electric fireplace going on and off (even extremely regularly) is your thermostat settings. Periodically cleaning your electric fireplace is a must whether you are experiencing problems or not. Everything you NEED to know to stay safe [2023]Continue, Do electric fireplaces need their own circuit? fireplace, turn on any switches that control the heater. How can I check before my flight that the cloud separation requirements in VFR flight rules are met? Heat & Glo fireplaces will sometimes turn on and off without signs of why. 3. However, you need to replace the remote or fix its problem for a permanent and long-lasting solution. Great post! This may cost you around 30-50 or more. What is the mystery behind why the gas fireplace turns on by itself? So the first and most apparent check is to make sure its plugged in. If you do have a remote control receiver, it's easy to eliminate that as the problem because you can just disconnect it. Press the flame button several times to reset. Put down a tarp, so that you do not get any residue on the floor.