How to Wire Fireplace Inserts with Heat Sensors
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Electrical Wiring and Operation of Fireplace Insert Blower Fans: The temp sensor needs to have time to cool down in order to turn off the fan. Now, the fan blower will not go off when unit cools down. If I turn the variable-speed switch off and back on it will still the start fan motor. © By: Dave Rongey |
The Wiring and Operation of Fireplace Insert Blower Fans
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have a fireplace insert that was installed.
- I installed the electrical wiring for the following
- A fan
- Heat sensor
- Variable-speed switch
- I ran the neutral wire
- From wall
- Up to one leg of motor
- I took the hot side of the power source
- Ran it to one side of variable-speed switch
- And the other side of variable-speed switch went to a heat sensor
- And the other side of heat sensor to fan motor
- When I first plugged unit in
- I turned up the fan speed
- The fan did not go on
- I lit the heater and
- After a few minutes the fan kicked in (as planned)
- Now, the fan blower will not go off when unit cools down.
- If I turn the variable-speed switch off and back on it will still the start fan motor.
- But if I unplug it from wall outlet,
- The fan will not go back on until unit is hot
- and then we repeat same problem again
- The fan will not go back on until unit is hot
This electrical wiring question came from: Mike, a Homeowner from Coopersburg, PA. USA
Additional Comments: Great!
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mike.
Electrical Wiring and Operation of Fireplace Insert Blower Fans
- The temp sensor needs to have time to cool down in order to turn off the fan.
- This sounds like you may have a bad temp switch if it takes this long to turn off the fan blower motor.
- I would contact the manufacturer and explain the situation and see if they will send a replacement heat sensor.
More about Home Electrical Wiring:
Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
electrical outlet wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
- Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets for fireplace inserts
- 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common
- See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done
Electrical Wiring Plan
Basic Home Wiring Diagrams
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Hi Sand,
I would look in the installation or owners manual for the fireplace unit and see if there are instructions about how to make sure the pilot light is operating normally and if any adjustments are necessary. Also make sure all covers are in place so any air breeze might interfere with the operation of the pilot light.
I hope this helps,
Dave
The pilot light goes out when the gas fireplace is operating off and on daily use. The pilot light grows to about 2 inches and looks extremely hot, then the unit shuts off. Suggestions what needs replacing?
Hi Walt,
You are absolutely right, and I appreciate your input. I agree that not all motors are alike and special attention should be given to the specifications that the motor manufacturer provides for best results.
Dave
Mike, hello. I suspect you solved your dilemma, by now. But, I thought I would toss in my 2 cents. The motor, if it is a standard AC/DC 120V. motor, may have a specific required start up voltage. At lower speeds, the control may not supply the proper voltage required. Not all motors are the same, but, a speed control may eventually kill a motor, if it is not designed for it. More expensive speed controllers are available, but they may not be the most efficient. Changing a pulley/ sprocket is more involved, but works great.