It is late summer. A gas fireplace keeps turning itself on for the following reasons: Remote problems Thermostat issues Broken thermopile firing Bad timer wiring Damaged wall switch In this post, we'll talk about the five primary causes of a gas fireplace that activates on its own and what you can do about it. with each model of electric fireplace can also vary, and so it can sometimes be switch on the electric fireplace is turned on. We have provided a step by step method for replacing it. Although many electric fireplaces do not require a dedicated circuit to operate, some do. I just got tired and scared of coming home from work or waking up to a lit fireplace when no one had turned it on, wall switch was still in off position and the only way to turn the fireplace off was to turn off the gas. Turn off the fireplace and flip the circuit breaker to prevent it from sparking. 4. 6 Reasons Why Your Electric Fireplace Keeps Shutting Off. First, you will need to turn the gas valve on the front of the unit to the off position. If it only occurs in one outlet, you should contact an electrician to correct the problem. and so must have a source of mains electrical power to operate. 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. If your electric fireplace still wont turn Its always advisable to check with your manufacturers instructions before attempting any maintenance on your electric fireplace so that you have accurate information. Replace the batteries in the heating up and cooling down. Incorrect Bulbs A malfunctioning remote control is another reason why your electric fireplace can spontaneously turn on by itself. plugged-in Christmas lights in outdoor outlets, Easy DIY Media Cabinet Build with Basic Tools, From Cast-Iron to Stainless-Steel: How to Replace Your Kitchen Sink. Replace the bolts that secure the glass panels to the fireplace. Thanks for the answer; keep 'em coming. You can also check out what fireplaces and stoves Im currently using here. Posted on Last updated: February 10, 2023, How to Turn a Sunroom Into a Bedroom: Complete Upgrade, How To Keep Bed Slats From Falling Out: Your One-Stop Guide. I probably moved the toggle switch when I was down under there. If your gas fireplace is wired to a faulty wall switch, follow these steps: If you have additional questions about your gas fireplace, one of these articles might be able to help: 7 Ways to Keep Food Warm Without Electricity, Furnace Not Starting? It does have a remote but the remote has not been pushed. So, even when you dont press the remote to switch on the fireplace it automatically lights up like plugged-in Christmas lights in outdoor outlets. Leaving it on for a prolonged time makes it susceptible to circuiting during bursts of high voltage. If the local gas company turns the gas off in your neighborhood to fix a leak, it would go off. To fix your gas fireplaces remote, try these tips: If you have an automatic fireplace that adjusts with the rooms temperature, it has a built-in thermostat. 7 Fixes. One of the most common reasons for an electric fireplace to stop functioning is that the device has been programmed to turn off in order to save power. [Everything you need to know for a safe install in 2023], How many square feet does an electric fireplace heat? DH turned off the gas but I want to be able to use it with the flick of a switch or a push of a remote button. Most electric fireplaces shut off after a few minutes because of a malfunctioning thermostat. Yes, it automatically turns the fireplace on. I created this website to help others learn about all types of fireplaces and how they can make the most of them. This site is owned and operated by The Laburnum Group Ltd. Electric Fireplace Check the fireplace for any Did the technician remove the switch wires from the unit when it shut off finally? All electric fireplace run on electricity, Inspect your breaker for tripped lines. Most people associate an electric fireplace with indoor use only. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? brightness of the flames. Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. (Always unplug the unit while working on it). I can set my preferred room temperature on Check for loose wiring and that lightbulbs are getting full power. Another possibility is that your heater's safety switches are triggered. If that is the case, then the electric fireplace might need its own circuit. An electric fireplace makes a clicking component looks like from inside: If your electric fireplace heater wont While waiting, check the manual with your electric fireplace to see how it should be cleaned. In this article, well explore the most common options of 400 square, Read More How many square feet does an electric fireplace heat? automatically adjust the heat output when required to ensure that the room The fireplace has separate switches to control Electric fireplaces need to be plugged in somewhere to work. I guess the subject line says it all. However, there are a select few models that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and they come in plenty of different styles to suit your garden area. Lightly hoover any reachable components inside the fireplace, ensuring you are careful around any delicate parts. Can electric fireplace turns on by itself? Youve given me a bucketful of knowledge that has helped me tremendously. Whether theres a loose connection or the thermostat needs to be replaced, it wont go away on its own. Here's what he did: he replaced the switch. The electric fireplace heater will Some models of electric fireplace have a temperature in the room may be reaching the temperature set on the electric You see, the damaged thermocouple or remote might be the reason. Common problems for an electric fireplace Some gas fireplaces with electric start have a thermopile that generates enough electricity to keep the valve open, even if you disconnect the mains electricity. You could test this by checking for voltage across the solenoid when the switch is off. Our fireplace has a remote, and an electric igniter. But once you flip the switch, the millivolts (power) drops in halfbecause now its sharing it with the pilot and burner. Im referring to new style fireplaces with electronic ignition systems installed on them. An overloaded extension is a dangerous place to plug in your electric fireplace. itself: If the power to the electric fireplace is Has this been solved by anyone? If you are looking for an electric fireplace, I recommend Touchstone Sideline Recessed from Amazon.com. Something as simple as blocking the airflow out of the heater can cause your fireplace to shut off. This is located at the back of the gas valve. After 5 minutes, switch it to the right, back into the remote position. This is under the fireplace, where the other electronic pieces are located. We have a 2 year old Lennox propane fireplace and recently it has begun igniting itself. Use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten any loose connections. within warranty and contact the manufacturer. Check to see if your fireplace is still When you turn on your fireplace, the firebox begins to heat up. With both switches on, turning Witnessing your electric fireplace spontaneously light up can be a spooky experience. What is the make and model of the fireplace? Why did Ukraine abstain from the UNHRC vote on China? can become dirty, faulty, damaged or blocked over time and through use. An in-depth guide for 2023Continue. The cause can be as simple as the outlet is off, but there are more serious concerns like faulty wiring or tripped breaker. If they read 0 volts, the thermopile needs to be replaced. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. So, if it malfunctions, you may see some disturbance with its primary function. blown bulb. Youll need to open up the The master switch can also be faulty which will lead to the TV remote turning on the fireplace. Check that the batteries are fresh in your remote control. I've just tried replacing the bulbs with 2 different sets of 40W 120V bulbs as specified in the manual, but no luck. Ensure that the rods for the The most common cause of your fireplace turning on by itself is a dirty chimney. One possibility is that the switch is faulty and is constantly turning the fireplace on. [Your questions answered in 2023]Continue, Electric fireplaces have become a popular alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. I have had the exact same problem for two years, however I do not have a remote, only wall a switch. It has been cold (15 degrees) here in SC--could this be the problem?? Let me try and explain. Use a flat blade screwdriver to adjust the set screw, on the right side of the gas valve. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, Im James, Ive been using traditional open fireplaces and wood burning stoves for many years, and Ive also recently bought a bioethanol fireplace. the current room temperature is. While an electric fireplace doesnt use naked flames, flammable material like cloth can ignite under direct contact with the heater leading to an indoor fire. We are all familiar with how the remote works but sometimes they can go out of control. I'll do a closer inspection and make sure that the wires are in tact so it doesn't happen again in the future but I do think that is it. Check the thermostat for settings that are too high, then adjust accordingly. Troubleshooting things like this can be extremely frustrating. If your electric fireplace trips the circuit breaker all on its own, you may need to find a different circuit to plug it into. The energy generated by this device is somewhere around .750-.250 millivolts (DC). God Bless. link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. It is an easy replacement and being aware that everything works but the thermostat can saveyou a ton of time and trouble later on. The lightning actually ignited the gas fireplace? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? There is a guide at the bottom of this article on how to clean and maintain your electric fireplace. Thank you. Im thinking the igniter continuing to fire after lite is a bad sensor thats not telling the igniter the fire has lite until its been on for a while, but the turning on by itself seems unrelated? Now, most people dont have a remote controller for their fireplaces. is the problem corrected with new batteries? 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). Tile Color and Brick in Kitchen and Dining Room. And most of the time, two wires are the main culprit. In case you want to change to a double-sided fireplace, problems will also occur in that one if not installed correctly. You will need to remove the decorative logs and place them on the tarp. This causes miscommunication in the wiring system. [Your questions answered in 2023], Do electric fireplaces get hot to the touch? 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. An electric fireplace thermostat will Disconnect the two to four wires on the back of the switch, labeling them for correct placement. Ensure Heres a helpful tutorial to identify and test your fireplaces thermopile and thermocouple: If your gas fireplace is attached to a wall timer (through an outlet or internal wiring), the timer might be at fault. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical malfunctions are the second leading cause of home fires. It only takes a minute to sign up. Many electric fireplaces also come with an Once the room temperature is reached, the heater goes off. Well, its a device that senses the heat in the room and grants permission to the pilot light to remain turned on. Now, back to your problem. A place where magic is studied and practiced? To find the problem, you will have to do a little bit of troubleshooting. Not all problems can be fixed on electric fireplaces. Finally, you will pull the end of the thermocouple out from the back of the valve, removing it completely from the unit. 8. I hope this helps explain whats going on. An electric fireplace can have a number of Therefore, in order for my electric on, either on the fireplace itself or using the remote. Like all electrical devices, they can have some faulty components. You can turn the thermostat dial to as low as possible when you are done. No, no t-stat in the remote.We turned the gas and pilot off after it had happened several days in a row. Ensure the thermostat dial, which can cause the fireplace heater to turn back on in So I'd start by inspecting those wires. They can be tested for power with a multimeter. No pets here. a small amount of noise, particularly from the blower. Try this with your electric fireplace if it has a similar control setup. Replacing either component requires turning off the gas and electricity. You can do this by putting your hand close to the bottom area, where the switches are. Everything in this fireplace SEEMS to function properly except the lights. Until the problem is solved, I recommend unplugging your electric fireplace from the wall socket. Overload A power strip will shut off if it is overloaded by a surge of electricity. Model is MFB28-2 if that matters. a $3 switch was the solution to a fireplace that keeps turning itself off. One or more of the motors may They are safe, energy-efficient, and produce no fumes. If your electric fireplace has a bulb, check to see whether it has been blown and replace as necessary. Check to ensure the heater blower or wherever the heat is dispersed into the room is not blocked by anything. Turn the breaker off before doing any work to the switch. I would look at two components: the control board the the thermopile and solenoid connect to, or the remote control receiver. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Is your remote a thermostat remote,is there a t-stat anywhere in the system? Remove the screws and wires from the thermostat, labeling them by their location as you go. However, like most faulty household devices, an electric fireplace might light up by itself. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. If the noise you are hearing is squeaky, you may need to lubricate the flame illusion log. If you place a bulb in your fireplace that has too high a wattage, your electric fireplace will shut itself off for safety reasons. Therefore, ensure to check your remote control status and switch the batteries or replace it if needed. 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. Also is it electronic ignition or standing pilot. Loose hardware is the most common culprit of noisy motors. Hence, be careful of that. 2. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. However, one of the most important questions to ask when purchasing an electric fireplace is how much square footage it can heat. The reset button on your electric fireplace will depend on the specific model you have. It's a safety system. Remove the ornamental logs and set them on the tarp. Other times, some wiring issues or switch problem arises that cause the fireplace to light on its own. Electric fireplaces come with a number of safety features to prevent overheating and other dangerous situations. One more reason for the problem can be the remote control. Place the new part as recommended by the manufacturer in the corresponding slot, then tighten the loose hardware. When an electric fireplace shuts off by itself there are usually five main issues: Overheating, a faulty thermostat, an incorrect bulb, restricted airflow, or a blocked inlet. your electric fireplace has a thermostat, ensure that the dial is set to a Faulty Remote Issues 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. It can get stuck in place, have loose wiring, and so on. The flame effect on a new electric Over time remote control buttons can get stuck because of dirt or damage. Put down a tarp, so that you do not get any residue on the floor. But if you turn it off and on at the beginning and ending of the seasonI have seen them only last 2-4 years. temperature set on the thermostat. The thermostats job is to trigger the fireplace whenever the temperature gets too low. The occasional shut down has now become a nightly event. 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. clean. Close the gas valve leading to the fireplace. the flames and heat may be produced by separate motors. However, there are some general techniques you can use to effectively clean your electric fireplace. Another possibility is that there is a problem with the thermostat and the fireplace is turning on automatically in order to try and reach the desired temperature. See what I use and my recommended tools here. If it's stable, and doesn't continue to slowly drop in voltagethe burner should stay on. Gas Fireplace Insert Smells Like Burning Plastic? I also have an additional dial on the fireplace that I used to adjust the You can then begin plugging other items in until you blow the circuit breaker. Gas fireplaces are more efficient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, but some mechanical concerns can hinder their performance. real, and so theyre produced by a light source run on electricity. Keep volatile substances far away from your electric fireplace. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Remove the front panel and locate the thermostat. overheating. Read More Can electric fireplaces be used outdoors? for sure. motorized components. 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. Check power cord for issues. clicking noise as the temperature in the room rises above and falls below the The thermopile is a thick metal rod with two wires coming off of it. typically make a clicking noise when the dial has been turned to the current We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Not a standing pilot with an electronic ignitor, Electronic ignition fireplaces do not have thermopiles or thermocouples. I have searched and searched and haven't seen this issue come up. A switch between the thermopile (Tp) and Thermostat (Th) contacts on the valve is what opens/closes the solenoid. An in-depth guide for 2023, Electric fireplace smells like burning plastic 3 common causes and how to fix it [2023]. doesnt come on by itself, set the thermostat to its lowest setting, or turn 7. Can someone please help identify what is wrong with it and hopefully, how to fix it? Sticky buttons sometimes stay pushed in, turning on the fireplace. Ensure So lets go over how to turn it on. The fireplace was blazing and it must have been 90 degrees downstairs. Sometimes, a stuck button or a damaged remote interface could be the reason the device powers itself. Turning on the low heat Open up the back of the unit and check to make sure nothing is blocking or covering the lightbulbs. 1. If your gas fireplace includes a remote, it could be the source of your problems. explaining how to open an electric fireplace). As the mirrors rotate, the effects of We know pretty obvious stuff. link to What Kind Of Paint For Garage Walls? Electric fireplaces come in many different Unplugging the fireplace is the right way of ensuring that the device is off. Next, you must switch on the fireplace and turn on the flame dial. I was able to correlate keying my amateur radio transmitter with the gas fireplace lighting. How this works is: The manual ignition pilot engulfs a round piece of metal called a thermo-pile. I enjoy learning new skills and techniques and sharing them with others. that the heater element is clean and the blower is working efficiently. Your Do You Need Brick or Stone Fireplace Repair? Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. Ensure If you dont use a remote for your fireplace, then chances are your wall switch is the reason your fireplace turns on by itself. turn on, wont heat or the fan is blowing cold air: Ensure A faulty outlet or loose plug can cause a power cord, outlet, or plug to get warm. If you hear any rattling noises, push the cord into the wall firmly. I could not shut it off with the remote control, had to close the gas valve. cupboard, which can lead to the fireplace overheating. If nothing seems to be working, you'll want to try to send the product back by using a warranty. If your electric fireplace wont turn on: Ensure However, if you have an electrical issue, it may be best to have an electrician come in if you suspect a more serious electrical problem. To check if your electric fireplace has excess dust, turn off your fireplace at the wall and unplug it from the socket. You can do this with a glass cleaner. If your thermostat is not set to the correct temperature for your room, and the room is already at that temperature, the fireplace will go off, but will then come back on to maintain that temperature. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? 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. Restricted inlet airflow is one of the most popular causes of overheating if the thermostat is not the culprit. beeping noise its a sign that something isnt functioning properly, or its Recently when we start it, the igniter continues to fire for a minute or so after the gas has lite? alerting you to an issue that needs addressing. Why does my electric fireplace turn on by itself? To replace the glass panels, replace them leaving them down a bit so they can sit flat against the fireplace. You can now turn your Heat & Glo fireplace on, by using a remote control, or a wall switch. If your Dimplex electric fireplace won't turn on, the first thing to check is the power source. Here are four possible reasons for this problem. To reset the unit, move the switch to the middle (off) position, and leave it for 5 minutes. If you have it wired to an on and off switch, then you will need to test the switch. It hasn't lit itself since I shut the gas and pilot of and then relit them myself. If the temperature on the thermometer is within a reasonable range, proceed to clean and inspect the fireplace for issues. fireplace to provide heat on the highest setting, all three switches must be When there are leaves and other debris in the chimney, these can block the airflow . The second function of generating that low voltage (.250-.750) is to open an close the main valvewhich releases gas to your main burner. unit, and turn it off and unplug the power cable at the wall socket. On my electric fireplace, the heater Also, check to see if the on/off button may be stuck. difficult to pinpoint where and why a problem is occurring. It may reset the master switch and solve the problem. If the unit is still not working, you will need to replace the thermocouple. I think you nailed it. One of them comes from the receiver and connects to the gas valve. on. 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. These motorized components can wear out There are numerous causes for overheating including a malfunctioning thermostat, dust and dirt build-up, and blocked inlet or outlets. This common issue can make your fireplace turn on in the morning instead of the night or at incorrect temperatures. ask it to leave. More seriously, a short circuit may happen when the breaker instantly trips after being reset. No, it doesn't have a thermostat at all. Otherwise, just replace the control board. Change batteries in the remote. Why Does My Gas Fireplace Smell Like Kerosene. There is always a scientific reason behind this. Turn the wall switch into on position, and your fireplace will light up. Too many things are plugged into it. When room temperature dips below the set temperature, the fireplace will turn on by itself. The remote may need replacement. This will change the intensity of the flame. Finally disconnected all wires to control valve and fireplace went off. This is a serious fire hazard, and you should discontinue using the plugs until you are certain you have tracked down the problem. The light will blink from red to green, if the unit is locked out, and needs to be reset. temperature accordingly. If this doesnt fix your problem, turn all of the switches off position and unplug the unit. the fireplace off at the main switch on the appliance, or on the wall. This article discusses why an electric fireplace can turn on by itself and the possible remedies. FireplaceUniverse.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Youll have to determine if the issue lies in the switch or the wiring between the switch and the gas fireplace. Ensure 3. The term cycling comes from this scenario: pilot is on, you turn the main burner on (switch), it lightsbut the millivolts are slowly dropping and then burner drops out. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? An in-depth guide for 2023, Can electric fireplaces be used outdoors? Top 5 Causes + Fixes. You may even want to lightly vacuum the glass panels to remove dust or debris. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Speed Queen Dryer Not Heating? Do gas fireplaces shut off automatically? Problem Electric fireplaces have an on/off switch located in a discreet location, usually near the edge of the fireplace itself. Check the electric fireplace's fuse. The heating element may have burned out, in electric fireplace and replace if necessary. Allow a couple of minutes to see if the heat comes on; once it does, reset the thermostat for the desired temperature. Yes, you read that right. Remove the mounting screws from the switch. Maybe it doesnt turn on at all, or perhaps its working but making a horrible noise that is far from relaxing on your first cold fall night on the couch. And your gas fireplace will be working like its usual self again. My service man came and disconnected the control valve from it's electrical source and the fireplace remained on--strange at best. Test the thermostat by powering on the fireplace for a few minutes to ensure proper functioning. Sometimes things that seem simple, can be hard to figure out. If you do have a remote control receiver, it's easy to eliminate that as the problem because you can just disconnect it. Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Periodically cleaning your electric fireplace is a must whether you are experiencing problems or not. and your sure the remote is not a t-stat remote, correct? The longer its on the more likely it will happen. 5. Check your fuse box or breaker Faulty wiring in the plug may cause this and may require an electrician. fireplace the squeaking noise is coming from. You should hear a beep. This will sort out the problem. remote (if it has one). The solenoid is stuck open. The other night my electric heater turned itself on. After you have determined that the sensor is good and that the unit is not overheating, the next step is to replace the thermocouple. Any other idea what could cause it to come on by itself? First, check your thermostat settings occasionally. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. From what I read it could be a stray signal? now keep the room at this temperature. I have an electric fireplace that has 5 If that sounds like your fireplace, youll want to read our seven most common reasons why your fireplace isnt cooperating. And thats for a very good reason. Thus you can check it for any issues and have it replaced if its the one at fault. Now that you have it out, you can clean it, and put it back in to test the unit. An incorrectly calibrated thermostat can automatically power up your electric fireplace if the room temperature has dropped below the setting on the thermostat. 4. If it doesnt turn on randomly, replace the timer. 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. If there is no heat, the sensor may be malfunctioning and could need replacing.