4. …Torch lights but then turns OFF within a few seconds and restarts again (repeats this sequence).
Typical Causes:
Gas Volume Insufficient
– if the amount of gas being supplied to a fire feature is not enough for proper operation
one of the symptoms is the feature will not stay lit.
Insufficient Gas Volume can be caused by installing gas pipe too small to deliver the proper amount of gas OR by
installing a Manual Gas Shutoff (Ball valve or Key Valve) with a capacity that is too small to allow enough gas to
pass through to the feature.
Defective Thermopile
– it rarely happens but occasionally the Thermopile is damaged by the flame. When we see
this it is usually due to the fact the torch orifice is too large for the gas pressure being supplied to the feature.
When the orifice is too large the resulting flame on the Thermopile is like a “blow torch” which over time
will damage it. When the Thermopile has been damaged by the flame the last ¼” of the Thermopile will appear
slightly swollen as shown in the illustration below. A defective Thermopile will cause the torch to Cycle On and Off.
A quick test to determine if the Thermopile is damaged is to loosen the fitting holding the Thermopile in place and
then try to slide the Thermopile out. If it is swollen you will not be able to slide it out.
Defective Controller
– If your plumbing is supplying enough gas and the Thermopile is not defective the only thing
left is a Defective Controller. If you have a Defective Controller the only way to fix it is to replace it.
Performance Problems after Start Up
5. Torch Cycles (Turns On and Off) every few minutes.
Typical Causes:
Polarity between features in a daisy chain –
when daisy chaining multiple features together on one pair of wire the
polarity BETWEEN the features MUST be the same.
Shutdown Problems
Turn the Feature OFF…
6. …but a small flame continues to burn in the Torch
Typical Cause:
Leak in the Tiki Torch Gas Valve
– when debris enters the torch there is a chance some of that debris will enter the
Gas Valve and contaminate the seal inside the valve. If this occurs the possibility exists the valve will not seal
properly when turned off thereby allowing a small amount of gas to flow even after turned off. Often this will
result in a small flame that continues to burn in the torch after the feature has been turned Off. The remedy is to
replace the tiki torch gas valve.
3
Top of Thermopile
(Top ¼” slightly Swollen)
0.25”
0.28”
Normal
Thermopile
Heat
Damaged
Thermopile
Tiki Torch Daisy Chain
