#120 volt draft control parts wood stove series#

With the increased dependence on insulation, a scenario like the one depicted on the left of Figure 3 is often encountered. For many contractors and homeowners alike, this means the increased use of insulation and sealing the home tightly so that outdoor temperature swings have a minimal effect on the indoor environment. Mentioned earlier was the increasing interest in greater energy efficiency of a home as a whole. Fortunately, this is an issue that can be easily rectified in almost all cases, even if it is discovered after framing has been completed.

While a great number of installers understand the importance of these clearances, it is a simple mistake that can easily be made during the course of a much larger project. On the right side of Figure 2, it can be observed that the pipe would have passed too close to the plate, so the notch was made to gain the proper 2 inches of clearance to combustibles that Class A vent pipe requires. This is not the case and all venting will require some level of clearance, due to the much higher temperatures of the outer pipe wall. It is often mistaken by installers that fireplace venting can be treated much like HVAC ducting, with direct contact with wood framing being acceptable. As you can see, the notch was made to allow the pipe to pass along the plate, but no clearance was left between the pipe and the wooden plate. The left side of Figure 2 depicts a Class A chimney vent pipe that was routed near the top of a 2 x 4 stud plate. The decision to add a fireplace may have come while the project is well underway and as a result, structural modifications may need to be made to accommodate the vent pipe from a wood or gas burning fireplace. Clearances Between Vent Pipe and Wood FramingĪs if often the case when adding a fireplace to a house, the appliance installation is part of a larger addition or remodel project. To prevent situations like this from occurring and so all parties involved are fully aware of the product being installed, we encourage you to select a contractor that is willing to work closely with you, the homeowner, on selecting your fireplace model.Ģ. When energized, this can cause a dangerous charge to be passed through the valve, damaging it, the pilot assembly, and other components linked to the valve. As shown in the image, a contractor has improperly connected a 120-volt power lead to the terminal block. This is a classic indicator of a millivolt style of valve, but if there is any doubt, we encourage you to contact a technician at to verify specifics of your model. Note the black terminal block with wire leads connected. Figure 1įigure 1 depicts a typical millivolt style of gas valve. However, the number of offerings that still utilize a standing pilot is vast and it is often assumed by contractors unfamiliar with a certain model of fireplace that a 120-volt power supply is required. With the increasing interest in efficiency and conservation, there has been an increase in the popularity of electronic systems that save gas by eliminating the standing pilot. The pilot flame generates all the power that will be required.

Unlike an electronic gas valve system which requires a 120-volt power source, millivolt systems require no outside voltage supply to operate. When manually lit, the pilot flame will heat a device known as a thermocouple, and using resistance between dissimilar metals within the thermocouple, a small amount of voltage is generated to power the magnets in the valve.

#120 volt draft control parts wood stove series#

The gas valve contains a series of small electromagnets that hold open springs within the valve, allowing gas to flow to both the pilot and burner circuits. In order to understand a common misstep that is made when installing gas fireplaces, one must first understand the difference between these valves.Ī millivolt valve system, also commonly called a standing pilot system, is a type of valve that uses a pilot assembly with a small standing flame that burns at all times. While they both perform the same basic task, they operate very differently.

Among the choices in the gas fireplace category are millivolt and electronic gas valve systems. In the case of a gas fireplace installation, there is a long list of the different valve and burner systems to choose from. One of the first things to establish when purchasing a fireplace is the type of appliance you wish to install.