A gas fireplace with electronic ignition works on-demand by using an electric spark to light a pilot flame, which then ignites the main burner. This eliminates the need for a continuously burning "standing pilot," saving energy and gas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Tell Which System You Have
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.
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.
An electronic ignition module typically lasts between 100,000 to 200,000 miles (or roughly 7 to 15 years). However, in classic vehicles upgraded from mechanical points, aftermarket electronic kits (like Pertronix) generally last 5 to 10 years, depending on driving habits, wiring quality, and heat.
Sleeping in the same room as an open flued gas appliance (back boiler or gas fire) contravenes the gas safety regulations and puts your life in danger. If you are found to be sleeping in the same room as an open flued appliance during one of our visits, your gas heating appliance will be capped off for safety reasons.
It's sometimes called the “flame sensor.” It shuts the gas off if the pilot goes out. Gas that flows through your furnace could enter your house if the thermocouple fails to turn it off. Protecting your home from gas buildup is the thermocouple.
Before things get that far, keep an eye out for these potential ignition coil failure symptoms:
Mechanical vs Electronic ignition
One advantage of electronic ignition is its increased reliability and maintenance-free nature. With no mechanical parts to wear out or become misaligned, an electronic ignition system can provide consistent ignition timing for the life of the vehicle.
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.
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.
Bypassing the Ignition Switch Safely
Jumper wire test leads with a switch inline can make the task simple, jumping the starter solenoid to make the engine crank. First, connect the jumper wire, then make sure the key is in the ON position.
Test by turning the key to the "on" position (before start) and check if the instrument cluster lights up. If dash lights work but nothing happens in the start position, the ignition switch is likely sending power to accessories but failing to activate the starter relay.
Exploring the Common Culprits of Ignition Failures
Age and Normal Component Wear Ignition control modules typically last 100,000 to 200,000 miles, but age eventually takes a toll. Repeated thermal cycling (heating and cooling), vibration, and the general degradation of electronic components over time cause the module to fail, especially in higher-mileage vehicles.
Explained, the chimney pipe must be a minimum of three feet above the roof but also two feet taller than anything within ten feet. The portion of the rule stating the pipe needs to be 2 feet above anything within 10 feet is where most people get confused.
When your gas fireplace won't turn on with the wall switch, the issue is usually a dead battery in the remote receiver, a faulty wall switch, or a weak thermopile generator.
There are also three types of gas fireplaces: direct vent, natural/b-vent and ventless. We'll focus on the first two, as ventless gas fireplaces are typically not intended to provide heat to a home, and can cause unsafe indoor air quality and other safety concerns.