gas fireplace-Replace thermostat w/switch

rbm328 · 11-26-2010, 04:31 PM

we have a ventless gas fireplace with a thermostat. on occasion, fireplace will automatically start up (dangerous). we want to replace thermostat with on/off switch. is that possible? is it a special switch (heat resistant)?

Plumber101 · 11-26-2010, 04:48 PM

any swith will work, single pole/single throw

Suggest that you mkse it like a wall mount light switch

firestarter · 11-30-2010, 06:45 AM

jhon wayne was a great actor but people are here for help and that phrase can be missleading.

kenmac · 11-30-2010, 08:05 AM

how so ?? I see nothing wrong with it. He's been here since 09 & your the only one to mention anything about it

rbm328 · 11-30-2010, 07:01 PM

i'm just looking for a switch i can keep in the firebox. do they make such a thing?

GotHeat · 11-30-2010, 07:42 PM

If the thermostat is mounted on a wall, why not replace it with something like a Honeywell 1000 heat only thermostat? It has a built in on-off function and sometimes a regular wall type switch tends to create a great deal of resistance causing a "no heat" situation (will not light) if the fireplace only uses a millivolt type circuit.

rbm328 · 11-30-2010, 07:47 PM

If the thermostat is mounted on a wall, why not replace it with something like a Honeywell 1000 heat only thermostat? It has a built in on-off function and sometimes a regular wall type switch tends to create a great deal of resistance causing a "no heat" situation (will not light) if the fireplace only uses a millivolt type circuit.[/quote]

Thanks for the reply.
no, my problem is that there is a thermostat (w/thermocouple) attached to the fireplace gas unit and a dial is the adjustment for the temp setting. i want to remove this switch and replace it with an on/off switch so it doesn't come on automatically.

hvactech126 · 11-30-2010, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbm328

a dial is the adjustment for the temp setting. i want to remove this switch and replace it with an on/off switch so it doesn't come on automatically.

is this dial on the gas valve? If so you are talking about a snap action hydraulic gas valve. If this is the case. You would need to replace not only the gas valve, but potentially the pilot assembly, add a thermopile and then wire in a wall switch.

I may be off and not understanding, but from the sounds of it, this would be necessary if your gas valve has the dial on it.

rbm328 · 11-30-2010, 08:46 PM

dial is on the gas valve.
my last home had gas fireplace w/pilot lite. when we wanted flames, we turned up the valve and it ignited just like a stove would.

thats what i'd like to get back to, instead of a fireplace that acts more like a furnace and automatically comes on when the temp drops. i was trying to get by, by hopefully just replacing the thermostat with an on/off switch instead of a new log set.

hvactech126 · 11-30-2010, 08:53 PM

you are going to have a lot of time and money wrapped up in this..... also not to mention a dangerous situation if you are unfamiliar with working with gas appliances. It can be done, but I don't recommend by a DIY person. Best to get a pro involved, but by the time you do that, you may be getting into putting a different log set in.......

rbm328 · 11-30-2010, 08:57 PM

always looking for a less expensive alternative, but also know that sometimes its better to take the high road. guess i'll be ordering a new log set.
thanks for all your help

kenmac · 11-30-2010, 09:47 PM

sounds like you have a thermostat controlled set of logs. Like he said. You will have a set with pilot generator to operate off a light switch. Would cost too much to convert