The standing pilot light is the traditional ignition source for most natural gas-fueled combustion heating systems. It is comprised of a small burner, a gas valve to supply the burner, and a thermocouple. The pilot light stays lit 24/7, consuming fuel even when you aren’t using the heater. …
How does a standing pilot work?
A standing pilot light is actually fairly simple in design. A gas line terminates in a small burner, which creates the flame. … When the pilot light is lit, the thermocouple registers the heat and generates an electric current. The current travels down the thermocouple to the gas valve and opens it.
What is the main difference between standing pilot and intermittent ignition?
An intermittent pilot uses a small, gas-powered flame to ignite the burners, but unlike a traditional standing pilot light, only burns when beginning a heating cycle. Though it still uses additional fuel, as soon as the burners ignite, it is shut off.
What type of ignition system uses a standing pilot?
One of the original types of ignition systems to be used on gas fireplaces, stoves, inserts and fire pits is the millivolt ignition system – also known as a standing pilot ignition system.
What are the two types of pilot lights?
There are two types of electronic ignition, intermittent pilot and hot surface ignition. An intermittent pilot system generates a high voltage electrical spark whenever the thermostat calls for heat. This spark ignites a gas pilot, which then works just like the standing pilot light did.
Why is a pilot light called a pilot light?
Originally a pilot light was kept permanently alight, but this wastes gas. … The term “pilot light” is also used occasionally for an electrical indicator light that illuminates to show that electrical power is available, or that an electrical device is operating.
Should pilot light always be on gas fireplace?
Save Energy and Money
We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace’s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.
How do you convert a standing pilot ignition to electronic ignition?
To convert any gas furnace from standing pilot to electronic ignition requires a new gas valve. The conversion valves usually come with a new valve, and a control box, and a “sparker” unit that installs in place of the pilot – with a sensor that determines if it has ignited if not.
When did furnaces stop using pilot lights?
Newer gas furnaces (since about 2010) do not have a traditional pilot light that burns all the time. Instead they use electronic ignition systems that light only as needed.
What is IPI pilot?
Intermittent Pilot Ignition is an electronic system, which uses an electrode to ignite the pilot gas. … When the main burner is off the pilot is also off. The IPI system ensures the pilot flame extends over the burner for immediate ignition and secondly conserves energy when the appliance is not in operation.
What is the one advantage of a standing pilot for a gas fired space heater?
What’s the one advantage of a standing pilot for a gas-fired space heater? A. Being able to be used where heat may only be used for a limited time such as a vacation property.
Is an igniter the same as a pilot light?
An electronic ignition makes furnaces more efficient
An electronic ignition is a device that replaces conventional pilot lights in almost all newly-manufactured furnaces. … Like a conventional pilot light, an intermittent pilot light still uses a small, gas-powered flame to ignite the furnace’s burners.
What kind of pilot light do I have?
Water heaters, gas fireplaces and old gas stoves also often have similar pilot lights. If your furnace has a round knob on the gas valve with the words OFF/ON/PILOT, you have what’s known as a standing pilot ignition.
What is a 100 shut off system?
What is a 100% shutoff system? A system is 100% shutoff when there is a failure in the flame-proving device system and both the pilot valve and main gas valve are shut down.
Do electric fireplaces have a pilot light?
An electronic ignition system does not utilize a standing pilot light. The pilot is on, only when the fireplace is operational. After using a wall switch or remote control, an on-demand, electric source creates a spark and ignites the pilot light.
What does IFC stand for in HVAC?
Integrated furnace control (IFC) is an electric system that is used to help monitor the functions of newer gas furnaces. An IFC is often referred to as the brain of the furnace.