Oxypilot advice

[Jethro_uk]

We have a gas fire in our lounge which we prefer to use in the evening, rather than fire the CH for the whole house.

In the past year it has started cutting out after about 30 minutes. When relit it goes another 10, 15 then cuts out again.

Initially my thoughts were that it will have a cut out which activates if the pilot light goes out, and that was faulty. However I got a gas engineer in (possibly not the best) and he cleaned everything up, fired it up, and could find no fault. However it still cut out.

We have a tested CO detector in the room.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago we had our CH boiler "serviced" under our breakdown insurance. The engineer who called was happy to have a look over the fire too. He couldn't find anything wrong either. However he mentioned the magic word: "Oxypilot". Which I was over Google with like a rash.

Turns out it's waaaay more sophisticated than I thought, and basically acts to cut the fire out in the event of low oxygen.

Now my question is, having observed the flame, which seems fine, can these things fail, or is it REALLY reacting to a lack of oxygen. How sensitive are they. Obviously we have doors and windows closed when the fire is on, could it be we need more ventilation ? Could the fact the fire worked fine for 9 years and has started this issue be because we finally finished replaced all the glazing (front door too) with double glazing 2 years ago ?

[Onetap]

Me to.

It's a bit specialized for a DIY forum and there are few Gasafe blokes on here. You may be better off posting the query on a plumbing & heating forum, or searching the archives of such.

Like this;

[Jethro_uk]

Hmmm ... I guess the easiest thing is to have a window open next time the fires on, and see if it happens again. If it doesn't then it's fair to assume that there is/was inadequate ventilation.

[Onetap]

Too, Too.

Write it out 1000 times.

[Onetap]

Agree. The post by Alexcsp on that link was informative.What make is it and is the room fairly tightly sealed (PVc windows, laminate floor, etc.,)?

I doubt that i'd be able to help with the problem, I'd never heard of them although I've had some involvement with gas over many years. You'd best ask on that forum.

[Jethro_uk]

No idea what make the fire is, although unusually it has 4 bars, rather than 3. The room is double glazed, and the 3 doors into it are lightweight, and not in any way draught proofed. Beyond one door is the kitchen, beyond another a small hallway, and beyond the 3rd a small internal porch with a uPVC door. Flooring is carpeting.

At least now I have a strategy, I have also guaranteed it'll be warm for the foreseeable future, so I won't need the fire. Like when I fixed the guttering. Had to wait a month for it to rain !

[harryagain]

Possible slotion flagged up here.

[fred]

There will be a spec plate on it somewhere perhaps hidden behind a cover but it should be visible without de-installing or dismantling the fire. It will have a Gas Council number which you can search against to find the exact make and model.

From that you can get a full list of spares, including that sensor should it need replacement.

I think the more generic term for that item is an oxygen depletion sensor which may help you on a search for solutions. After nine years of use I would expect it to be a prime candidate for replacement.

[Brian Gaff]

Well I'd say you have the answer in your grasp. if you open a window and it still cuts out its the fire not the oxygen?

Besides, surely you would all notice if the oxygen levels got that low!

Has it got any filters for its air?. Not usual on such items but one never knows these days, at least its not internet connected... yet.! Brian

[news]

Unfortunate side effect of oxygen starvation is that those affected rarely recognise the symptoms.

[Bob]

Most likely a small amount of fluff in the pilot, common problem. Replace or clean, job for a Gas Safe fitter.