1. Product Overview
The Fire Sense Regular Tilt Switch is a crucial safety replacement part designed for patio heaters. Its primary function is to automatically shut off the heater's gas supply if the unit tips over or is not placed on a level surface, thereby preventing potential hazards.
Image 1.1: The Fire Sense Regular Tilt Switch, a compact black component with metal terminals, designed for automatic shut-off in patio heaters.
This component ensures tip-over protection, impact protection, and flame-out protection, contributing to the safe operation of your patio heating appliance.
Image 1.2: Illustration showing a patio heater and the tilt switch, emphasizing its role in providing tip-over, impact, and flame-out protection for user safety.
2. Installation Instructions
Replacing the tilt switch is a straightforward process, designed for easy installation. Before beginning, ensure your patio heater is completely cool and disconnected from its fuel source.
- Identify the Location: The tilt switch typically mounts on the inside of the heater's screen or within the base enclosure. Refer to your specific patio heater's manual for the exact location.
- Access the Component: Carefully open the access panel or remove the necessary outer casing to expose the existing tilt switch.
- Disconnect the Old Switch: Note the wiring connections. Disconnect the wires from the old tilt switch. It is advisable to take a photo before disconnecting to aid reassembly.
- Remove the Old Switch: Unmount the old tilt switch from its position.
- Install the New Switch: Position the new Fire Sense Regular Tilt Switch (Model 61968) in the same location as the old one. Secure it firmly.
- Reconnect Wiring: Reconnect the wires to the new tilt switch, ensuring they match the original configuration.
- Secure Panels: Replace any access panels or outer casings removed during the process.
Important: To ensure the correct replacement part, compare your current tilt switch to the product images provided. If you are uncertain about the compatibility or installation process, it is recommended to contact Fire Sense customer service for assistance.
Image 2.1: A patio heater with an inset image of the tilt switch, indicating its role as a replacement part for maintaining heater functionality.
3. Operation
The Fire Sense Regular Tilt Switch operates automatically. Once correctly installed, it continuously monitors the heater's orientation. If the heater is tilted beyond a safe angle or falls over, the internal mechanism of the switch will activate, interrupting the electrical circuit to the gas valve. This action immediately shuts off the gas flow, extinguishing the flame and preventing potential gas leaks or fire hazards.
No manual intervention is required for the tilt switch to perform its safety function during operation. Ensure the heater is always placed on a stable, level surface to prevent unnecessary activation of the safety shut-off.
4. Maintenance
The Fire Sense Regular Tilt Switch is a sealed unit and requires no routine maintenance. However, it is good practice to periodically inspect the wiring connections to ensure they remain secure and free from corrosion or damage. If the switch appears physically damaged or if the heater frequently shuts off without being tipped, the tilt switch may need to be replaced.
Image 4.1: Visual representation of the tilt switch's attributes: high quality construction, design for safety, and leak-proof integrity, ensuring reliable performance.
5. Troubleshooting
If your patio heater is not staying lit after ignition, or if it frequently shuts off unexpectedly, the tilt switch could be a contributing factor. Before replacing the tilt switch, consider checking other common components:
- Thermocoupler: A faulty thermocoupler is a common reason for heaters not staying lit. Inspect it for damage or proper positioning.
- Gas Supply: Ensure there is adequate fuel in the propane tank and that the gas valve is fully open.
- Pilot Light/Ignition System: Verify that the pilot light ignites and stays lit. Clean any debris from the pilot assembly.
- Level Surface: Confirm the heater is on a completely flat and stable surface. Uneven ground can trigger the tilt switch.
If these checks do not resolve the issue, and especially if the heater was previously working correctly and suddenly stopped staying lit, replacing the tilt switch is a highly effective solution. Many users have reported that replacing this part successfully resolves issues with the heater not staying lit.
6. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fire Sense |
| Model Number | 61968 |
| Switch Type | Tilt |
| Operation Mode | Automatic |
| Contact Type | Normally Open |
| UPC | 690730619681 |
| GTIN | 00690730619681 |
7. Warranty Information
The Fire Sense Regular Tilt Switch is backed by a 1-Year Limited Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your original patio heater or contact Fire Sense customer support.
Video 7.1: An official Fire Sense brand video showcasing various outdoor heating products and highlighting the 1-year limited warranty offered by the brand. This video provides general brand information and warranty details relevant to Fire Sense products.
8. Customer Support
For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries regarding your Fire Sense Regular Tilt Switch or other Fire Sense products, please contact our customer service department. They can provide guidance on part selection, installation, and troubleshooting.
You can also visit the official Fire Sense store for more product information and support resources:
