Avalon Firestyles 700 B-Vent-1994 - Manual (Page 24)

P AGE 24
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ROUBLESHOOTING
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ONTINUED
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How this Heater Works
This gas heater is designed with safety as the primary concern. Most of the components inside
this heater are used for safety purposes. Therefore, only certified gas service technicians should
service this heater. Your dealer can help you find a certified gas service technician.
What Turns the Main Burners On and Off
This heater uses a "millivolt system" to control its operation. A millivolt is a very small
measurement of electricity. The thermopile, located directly next to the pilot light, generates
electricity when it is heated by the pilot light. If the pilot is not lit, the thermopile does not
generate electricity. This electricity is used to keep the gas valve open. Without it, the gas valve
shuts off all gas to the heater. That is why when starting the pilot the gas control knob has to be
pressed in long enough for the thermopile to heat up and start generating electricity. This current
not only keeps the gas valve open but also provides electricity for the ON/OFF switch, remote
control, or thermostat (see the illustration below). Because the thermopile generates the
electricity needed to turn the heater on and off, this heater can be operated when the power is out
(but the blower will not run).
When heated, the thermopile
generates electricity (a very small
amount, measured in "Millivolts"). This electricity is
needed to keep the
gas valve open
and to operate the
main burners. The main burners
are switched on and
off using the
electricity generated
by the thermopile.
The ON/OFF switch,
remote control, or
thermostat control
the circuit to the
main burner.
Why Nothing Should Be Placed Against the Heater
Your heater has a grill below the ashlip and convection air openings on the side and top that must
not be blocked. The grill below the ashlip allows air into the firebox. If it is blocked the
combustion inside the firebox will not burn normally. This will result in reduced efficiency and
the exhaust gases will become dirty. The convection air openings on the side and top are used to
draw room air over the hottest parts of the heater and distribute the warmed air into the room. If
they are blocked, the heater will not heat as well and may become too hot internally.
Do not block this grill. It
provides air for combustion.
Do not block the air
openings on the side or top.
They are used to pull
convection air over the
hottest parts of the stove.