hi, gas fire not working properly, stays lit for a short period then goes out, do you have any ideas on what could be the problem? thanks

rory, January 2009

my gas fire lights but will not stey in can anyone help.

dave, January 2011

my gas fire does not flame up when put on high

adam, November 2010

pay the gas bill

mac, March 2010

I had the same problem. It turned out that the main fire element was not covered with sand, leading to excessive temperatures and a safety cutoff. Have the thermocouple checked by an expert, if it's ok the sand thing may be your problem.

Murph, December 2009

it sound like the safety device inside the fire is working as it should. Reasons could be:
1. lack of oxygen getting to burner (aeration port blocked)
2. Spillage of combustion products (problem with flue pull)
The latter being more difficult to solve.
However,
If the fire is lighting whilst manualy holding down the control knob then extinguishing when releasing, the thermocouple is at fault. The tip of thermocouple (9-12mm) should be in contact with pilot flame.

Possible remedies:

1) Depending on what type of gas fire i.e DFE (decorative fuel effect) or Radiant, WITH FIRE TURNED OFF, you could remove front part of fire and vacuum around the pilot area, removing any dust, pet hair or other blockage.
Nb. if you have a DFE, the decorative coal/logs are to be positioned as per manufacturers instructions.

2) If it is a problem with the flue, a spillage test would indicate this. However the fire would need to be lit for at least 10 minutes to create sufficient flue pull or lack of.

People with Cats, dogs, large thick pile rugs located by fire etc tend to have blockages at the pilot aeration port. Vacuum generaly solves the problem.

Safety is paramount with gas fires, always seek professional advice. Carbon Monoxide is not friendly!

Dave, February 2009

if you remove the heater pots so you can see the burner bar. You should be able to see a small copper or brass fitting that leans over the burner. this is a Thermo coupling, & needs to be hot before it will allow the burner to stay lit. It may need to be adjusted close to the burner, or if you light the burner, you may find the flame is semi blocked and not reaching the thermo coupling or not heating it enough. Tap the burner with something metalic, the flames will go bright yellow probably as the debree clogging it comes loose. If that is the cause of your problem, it should be ok. But if the Thermo coupling is getting enough flame to heat it. It may be the Thermo coupling needs replacement. This should be done by a qualified person.
Hope this helps.

P.Capstick, February 2009