How does pilot light work

The electricity that is created runs to a small electromagnetic valve and holds it open. If the pilot light blows out, the thermocouple quickly cools off.

It stops generating electricity and the valve closes. To relight the pilot light, you have to push a button that opens the value manually. Then you light the pilot light and wait for the thermocouple to heat up about 30 seconds.

Once it is hot, the thermocouple is generating the electricity needed to hold the value open. Then you can let go of the button. The problem with pilot lights is that they waste a lot of gas. Therefore, most modern appliances do not have a pilot light. Instead, they use a piezoelectric spark to light the burner. Sign up for our Newsletter!

Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. You can also check the panel where the gas burner is.

When you open the panel, you should see the small blue flame visibly. Pilot lights do not require electricity to operate, so most appliances that use pilot lights will operate during a power outage.

Because pilot lights are always burning, they offer instant ignition to the main burner. These machines may include: Heaters Stoves Furnace Gas fireplace The pilot light is a small, standing flame in the machine that is meant to stay active at all times.

How Does It Work? The pilot light is typically a small flame within a gas-fueled heating device. Risks of a Pilot Light If your pilot light goes out, watch out!

Conclusion The pilot light may be a simple device, but it should not be taken lightly! Related Posts. Go to Top. Every pilot assembly contains a thermocouple , which is used as a safety feature for both standing and electronic types. The thermocouple works by sensing heat from the pilot burner- when heat is detected, the main gas valve is opened. If no heat is present, the thermocouple will shut down the main gas valve to the burners in order to prevent gas from building up.

When this occurs, your pilot light needs to be reignited in order for the furnace to produce heat. If you find that your pilot light has gone out or will not ignite, it may be an easy fix that you can accomplish without waiting for a pro.