No, you cannot manually light a gas fireplace that uses a true electronic ignition system. Electronic units do not have a standing pilot light or a manual piezo "clicker" button. Instead, they use a powered electronic module to generate a spark when a signal is sent via remote or wall switch.
Yes, you can convert a gas fireplace from a standing pilot light to an electronic ignition. This involves replacing your old gas valve, thermocouple, and pilot assembly with an electronic spark-to-pilot kit. This upgrade eliminates the continuously burning pilot flame, saving gas and money.
It's very important to understand that you cannot manually light a furnace with an electronic ignitor. However, it is possible to resolve the issue by resetting the ignitor.
To turn on a gas fireplace without a remote, locate the hidden control panel (usually behind a grate or panel beneath the firebox). Switch the control from Remote/Off to ON. If your pilot light is out, you will need to manually ignite it first.
Electronic ignition is generally considered superior to traditional points for most users, providing better reliability, stronger spark energy, and significantly reduced maintenance. While points require frequent adjustment and replacement due to mechanical wear, electronic systems offer a "set it and forget it" solution, improving starting, idle quality, and fuel efficiency.
Lighting a gas heater with an electronic pilot (often referred to as an intermittent pilot or hot surface ignition) is largely automated. Simply set the thermostat to call for heat. The electronic system will automatically generate a spark or glow to ignite the gas safely without requiring manual lighting.
Lighting a gas fireplace without an electric starter depends on your system. For modern electronic ignition fireplaces, install the backup batteries. For millivolt systems, manually ignite the standing pilot, and for older manual gas valves, use a fireplace key and long lighter.
Disadvantages of Electronic Ignition System
Vulnerability to Electrical Issues: Since the system relies heavily on electronic components, it may be more susceptible to electrical failures, such as short circuits or sensor malfunctions, which could impact engine performance.
Plus, gas is generally cheaper to run than electric over time, especially in colder climates. Electric fireplaces are typically more affordable to purchase and install. There's no need for venting or special hookups, unless you want to install it on a dedicated line.
Battery backup to the rescue
Many models, such as Heat & Glo gas fireplaces and gas inserts are outfitted with IntelliFire or IntelliFire Plus ignition systems, which have battery backup systems that can be used to light the pilot during a power outage.
If your pilot light goes out, the fireplace simply will not turn on. Most modern gas fireplaces feature a built-in safety mechanism—such as a thermocouple or thermopile—that automatically stops the main flow of gas if the flame is extinguished, preventing dangerous gas leaks.
If you have an electronic ignition unit, using your remote control simply press the 'on' button and the pilot will re-ignite within a few seconds, followed by the fireplace a few seconds after that. If your pilot light does not ignite, wait a few seconds and try again.
Yes, you can manually light the stovetop burners on a gas stove with electric ignition (for example, during a power outage or if the igniter is broken). However, you cannot manually light the oven.
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.
Converting your engine to electronic ignition typically involves installing an electronic ignition conversion kit. The kit includes the necessary components, such as a distributor, ignition module, and wiring harness, to replace the points-style ignition system.
Common electronic ignition issues:
Bad wiring or outlets: Electronic igniters can suffer from the same troubles as any electric system; crossed wiring at the junction box or issues with the outlet powering the ignition can cause it to stop working.
Millivolt and electronic (Intermittent Pilot Ignition or IPI) are the two primary ways gas appliances (like fireplaces, heaters, and water heaters) ignite. The main difference is that millivolts use a continuously burning pilot light and require no household electricity, whereas electronic systems only light the pilot on demand and use external power.
To manually light a gas fireplace with a standing pilot, locate the control knob (often labeled OFF, PILOT, and ON) and the gas valve, usually behind a bottom grille.
To find this information, you can take a look at your most up-to-date gas bill. The cost used to be around 0.3p per kWh but from October 2022, it could be as high as 0.10p*. Using the latter figure, a five kW gas fire would cost around 50 pence to run per hour (five kW multiplied by 10 pence).