Napoleon Gas Fireplace: Pilot drops out during operation – natural vent
Pilot drops out during operation - natural vent on a Napoleon gas fireplace: Pilot fails while running on a natural-vent unit - often spillage tripping the spill switch.
Applies to: Napoleon natural-vent (B-vent) gas fireplaces with spill switch (general service manual flowchart)
Common causes of pilot drops out during operation - natural vent
- Wrong pilot flame
- Pressure drop on burner activation
- Low thermocouple/thermopile output
- Loose connections
- Spill switch tripping or faulty
- Weak magnet coil
- Spillage / negative pressure in room
- Vent outside spec
- Logs out of place
How to fix pilot drops out during operation - natural vent: step by step
- Check pilot flame size, pattern and position.
- If the pilot shrinks when the burner lights, check pressure drop on activation.
- Test thermocouple and (single-generator systems) thermopile millivolts.
- Tighten connections on thermopile, spill switch and wall switches.
- Test the spill switch function.
- Test the magnet coil.
- Check for spilling: test draft at the spill tube and open a window to relieve negative pressure in the room.
- Confirm vent sizing/height meets local code for natural-vent appliances.
- Check log positions.
If the unit shows an error code, look it up: Napoleon Gas Fireplace codes
Models
Source: Napoleon (Wolf Steel) Service Manual W415-0118, Part 1-3 Troubleshooting, Pilot Failure Flowchart, p.12. Written in our own words as a summary; always check the original manual.
General guidance for qualified technicians. The manufacturer's installation and service manual and local codes always take priority. Aurora Star Tech is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any equipment manufacturer; brand and model names are used only to identify equipment and belong to their owners.