What is a millivolt switch?
This light switch is specifically designed to control a gas log set that utilizes a millivolt pilot control. This pilot system has a small flame that generates power for the unit’s gas valve to operate. As a result, they do not require outside power to operate and can be used in the event of a power outage.
Can I use a regular switch for fireplace?
The thermopile in your fireplace puts out millivolts, nothing near the 120V the light switch was designed for. It’s probably just a matter of finding a switch with a low enough on resistance. A generic low voltage switch from a electronics store, or ripped out of a toy, would probably do it (for example a 12V SPST).
How does a millivolt system work?
Millivolt Gas Valve This type of valve makes use of a standing pilot that continuously burns to heat a device, either a thermocouple or thermopile, which then produces a small amount of electricity – less than a single volt, hence “milli”-volt.
Can you put a switch on a gas fireplace?
The short answer is yes, you can add a fireplace switch to gas logs, fire glass, and other hearths. The more detailed answer is some fireplaces and fire pits may require the installation of a different gas valve type.
Do fireplace switches have a neutral wire?
Historically, neutral has not been needed for switches. Current code requires neutral in switch boxes for exactly this reason. If neutral is accessible then you’re set.
How much does it cost to add a switch to a gas fireplace?
You can control the BTUs with an electrical switch, and this will add between $250 and $500 to your gas fireplace installation costs. Installing a log lighter, gas valve, and the key to switch your gas on an off costs around $250.
Which is better IPI or millivolt?
The difference between the IPI compared to the Milivolt system is that a Milivolt has a pilot light that stays on 24/7. The IPI system does not use a pilot light and instead relies on an electronic ignition switch to light the pilot after flipping on the wall switch or using the remote.
Is millivolt the same as low voltage?
Millivolt thermostats use very low voltage, usually 750 millivolts (mV) or 0.75 volts. Unlike low-voltage systems, they do not require a step-down transformer and are not connected to the household wiring system.
What power supply is needed for a millivolt thermostat?
A line voltage thermostat needs to be connected to a power supply of fewer than 30 volts, while a millivolt thermostat needs only 0.75 volts and a line voltage thermostat needs 120 to 240 volts.
Are fireplace switches low voltage?
Most of the switches used in gas fireplaces are rated at 120 volts in my experience. The Robertshaw gas valves very widely used in gas fireplaces are rated for 100 milivolts of coltage loss through the main burner control circuit —a typical wall switch has 10-15 millivolts of loss.
How do you update an old gas fireplace?
To switch things up, you could add blue fire glass, a ceramic fiber charred log set, black volcanic rock cinders, hollyhock birch logs, earth tone mix fire glass, or choose from many other options. New filaments can modernize your gas fireplace and provide fresh enjoyment.
How much does a gas fireplace cost to run per hour?
The average price of natural gas in the US in 2020 was around $11 per thousand cubic feet, equating to about $1.06 per therm. That means that a 38,000 BTU gas fireplace costs approximately $0.40 an hour to run.
What is the difference between HV and MV?
High (HV), Extra- High (EHV) & Ultra-High Voltages (UHV) – 115,000 to 1,100,000 VAC. Medium Voltage (MV) – 2,400 to 69,000 VAC. Low Voltage (LV) – 240 to 600 VAC.