A pilot assembly on a gas heater is a component that is responsible for creating and maintaining a small flame, known as the pilot light. The pilot light serves as an ignition source for the main burner of the gas heater.
Here's how it typically works:
- Ignition: When the gas supply to the heater is turned on, a small amount of gas flows to the pilot assembly. The pilot assembly contains a gas valve and a pilot orifice.
- Gas flow: The gas valve within the pilot assembly controls the flow of gas to the pilot orifice. When the gas valve is opened, gas is released and flows through the orifice.
- Pilot light creation: The gas flowing through the pilot orifice exits at a controlled rate. This creates a small flame at the pilot assembly.
- Flame detection: Once the pilot light is lit, a thermocouple or flame sensor, located near the pilot flame, detects the presence of the flame. This is an important safety feature. If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple or flame sensor senses the absence of the flame and shuts off the gas supply to prevent the buildup of unburned gas.
- Main burner ignition: When the thermostat or control system signals a need for heat, the main burner is ignited using the pilot light. The gas valve for the main burner opens, and the pilot flame provides the ignition source. The main burner then produces the desired heat.
In summary, the pilot assembly ensures the safe and reliable operation of the gas heater by providing a continuous pilot flame that can ignite the main burner when heat is required and shutting off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out.
It is recommend that all types of gas heaters (wall furnaces, space heaters, energy saver heaters, gas log fires & ducted heaters) be serviced and safety checked at least every two years. This helps to ensure that your heater is running safely and as efficiently as possible.
Tomlinson Plumbing is licensed in Type A Gas Appliance Servicing - give us a call to book in your gas heater for a service on 5261 2422.