1. Introduction
This user manual provides essential information regarding the IHP OEM Lennox Gas Fireplace Thermopile, model 60J79. This genuine OEM part is designed for use in various Lennox and IHP gas stoves, fireplaces, and inserts. Understanding its function, proper installation, and maintenance will ensure the safe and efficient operation of your heating appliance.
2. Product Overview
Image of the IHP OEM Lennox Gas Fireplace Thermopile (60J79).
The thermopile is a critical safety and operational component in many gas fireplaces and heating systems. It is essentially a thermoelectric device that converts heat from the pilot flame into a small electrical current (millivolts). This current is then used to energize the gas valve, allowing the main burner to ignite and operate. If the pilot flame extinguishes, the thermopile stops producing current, which in turn closes the gas valve, preventing unburnt gas from accumulating.
The IHP OEM Lennox Gas Fireplace Thermopile (60J79) is a genuine, certified OEM part from Innovative Hearth Products (IHP), ensuring compatibility and reliable performance with specified Lennox and IHP models.
Detailed text description of the image: This image displays the IHP OEM Lennox Gas Fireplace Thermopile (60J79), a crucial component for gas fireplaces. It features a metallic rod-like sensor connected to a coiled wire, designed to generate a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame. The sensor tip appears dark, indicating its heat-resistant material, while the connection points are brass-colored. The coiled wire is sheathed in a protective metallic casing.
3. Compatibility
This thermopile (part number 60J79) is a direct replacement for the following Lennox / IHP Gas Models. Please verify your appliance's model number before purchasing and installing.
Elite Gas Fireplaces:
- EBCRNM-L & EBCRPM-L
- EBCRNM-R & EBCRPM-R
- EBPFNM & EBPFPM
- EBSTNM & EBSTPM
- EBVCLNM, EBVCLPM
- EBVCRNM, EBVCRPM
- EBVI25, EBVI30
- EBVPFNM, EBVPFPM
- EBVSTNM, EBVSTPM
- ED3530CNM, ED3530CPM
- ED4035 CNM & CPM, ED4035 FNM & FPM
- ED4035CMN-2, ED4035CPM-2
- ED4540 CNM & CPM, ED4540 FNM & FPM
- ED4540CNM-2, ED4540CPM-2
- EDCLNM-2, EDCLPM-2
- EDCRNM-2
- EDCRNM-L & EDCRPM-L
- EDCRNM-R & EDCRPM-R
- EDCRPM-2
- EDPFNM & EDPFPM
- EDPFNM-2, EDPFPM-2
- EDSTNM & EDSTPM
- EDSTNM-2, EDSTPM-2
- EDT & EDR3530
- EDV3530CNM, EDV3530CNM-B, EDV3530CPM
- EDV4035CNM, EDV4035CNM-B, EDV4035CPM
- EDV4540CNM, EDV4540CNM-B, EDV4540CPM
- EDVCLNM, EDVCLPM
- EDVCRNM, EDVCRPM
- EDVI25, EDVI30, EDVI35
- EDVPFNM, EDVPFPM
- EDVSTNM, EDVSTPM
- ELDV35NM, ELDV35PM
- ELDV40NM, ELDV40PM
- ELDV45NM, ELDV45PM
- LBV-3824MN, LBV-3824MN-H, LBV-3824MP-H, LBV-3824PM
- LBV-4324MN, LBV-4324MN-H, LBV-4324MP, LBV-4324MP-H
Merit Gas Fireplaces:
- B3530 CNM & CPM, B3530 FNM & FPM
- B4035 CNM & CPM, B4035 FNM & FPM
- B403A CNM & CPM, B403A FNM & FPM
- B4540 CNM & CPM, B4540 FNM & FPM
- DT & DR3025 CNM & CPM, DT & DR3025 FNM & FPM
- DT & DR3530 CNM & CPM, DT & DR3530 FNM & FPM
- DT & DR4035 CNM & CPM, DT & DR4035 FNM & FPM
- DT & DR4540 CNM & CPM, DT & DR4540 FNM & FPM
- DTH & DRH3025 CNM & CPM
- DTH & DRH3530 CNM & CPM
- DTH & DRH4035 CNM & CPM
- LMDV-3530CNM, LMDV-3530CPM
- LMDV-4035CNM, LMDV-4035CPM
- LMDVR-3328CMN, LMDVR-3328CPM
- LMDVT-3328CNM, LMDVT-3328CPM
- MPB-3328CNM, MPB-3328CPM
- MPB-3530CNM, MPB-3530CPM
- MPB35ST-NM, MPB35ST-PM
- MPB-4035CNM
- MPB-4540CNM
- MPD-3530CNM, MPD3530CNM-B
- MPD-3530CPM
- MPD35ST-NM, MPD35ST-PM
- MPD-4035CNM, MPD4035CNM-B
- MPD-4035CPM
- MPD-4540CNM, MPD4540CNM-B
4. Installation and Replacement
WARNING: Installation should only be performed by a qualified service technician. Improper installation can lead to gas leaks, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Always turn off the gas supply and disconnect power to the appliance before beginning any work.
- Safety First: Ensure the gas supply to the fireplace is turned off at the main shut-off valve. Disconnect electrical power to the unit if applicable. Allow the fireplace to cool completely.
- Access the Thermopile: Locate the existing thermopile within your fireplace. It is typically positioned near the pilot light assembly, where it can be directly heated by the pilot flame. You may need to remove decorative logs, grates, or access panels.
- Disconnect Old Thermopile: Carefully disconnect the thermopile's lead wires from the gas valve or control board. Note the routing of the wire and how it is secured. The thermopile itself is usually threaded into a bracket or the pilot assembly. Use a wrench to unscrew it.
- Install New Thermopile: Thread the new IHP OEM Lennox Thermopile (60J79) into the same location. Do not overtighten. Ensure the tip of the thermopile will be fully enveloped by the pilot flame when lit.
- Connect Wires: Connect the lead wires of the new thermopile to the appropriate terminals on the gas valve or control board. Refer to your fireplace's specific service manual for correct wiring diagrams. Ensure connections are secure.
- Reassemble: Replace any removed panels, grates, or logs.
- Test Operation: Slowly turn the gas supply back on. Follow your fireplace's instructions to light the pilot. Once the pilot is stable, test the main burner ignition. Observe the pilot flame's interaction with the thermopile tip. The pilot flame should fully engulf the thermopile tip for proper operation.
- Check for Leaks: After restoring gas, perform a leak test around all connections using a gas leak detection solution (soapy water). Bubbles indicate a leak. If a leak is detected, turn off the gas immediately and rectify the connection before retesting.
5. Operation (Function)
The thermopile operates passively, converting thermal energy from the pilot flame into electrical energy. When the pilot flame heats the thermopile's tip, it generates a small voltage (typically 250-750 millivolts). This voltage is sent to the gas valve, which then allows the main burner to ignite when called for by the thermostat or control switch. If the pilot flame goes out, the thermopile cools down, stops producing voltage, and the gas valve automatically closes, shutting off the gas supply to both the pilot and main burner. This safety mechanism prevents uncombusted gas from accumulating, which could lead to a hazardous situation.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your fireplace system, including the thermopile, can extend its lifespan and ensure safe operation. While the thermopile itself requires minimal direct maintenance, consider the following:
- Keep Pilot Area Clean: Dust, lint, and debris can accumulate around the pilot assembly and thermopile, potentially interfering with the pilot flame's ability to properly heat the thermopile. Periodically clean this area using a soft brush or compressed air (with gas supply off).
- Inspect Pilot Flame: Ensure the pilot flame is strong, blue, and consistently engulfs the tip of the thermopile. A weak, yellow, or wavering pilot flame may indicate a need for pilot assembly cleaning or adjustment, which can affect thermopile performance.
- Check Connections: Annually, or if issues arise, inspect the thermopile's wire connections at the gas valve for corrosion or looseness. Ensure they are clean and secure.
7. Troubleshooting
If your gas fireplace is experiencing issues related to ignition or staying lit, a faulty thermopile could be the cause. Here are common symptoms and troubleshooting steps:
Common Symptoms of a Faulty Thermopile:
- Pilot light ignites but goes out when the ignition button/knob is released.
- Main burner does not ignite, even with a stable pilot flame.
- Intermittent operation of the main burner.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Verify Pilot Flame: Ensure the pilot flame is strong, blue, and consistently hitting the thermopile tip. Adjust the pilot flame if necessary (refer to your fireplace manual).
- Clean Pilot Assembly: Turn off gas and power. Carefully clean any debris from the pilot orifice and thermopile tip.
- Check Connections: Ensure all thermopile connections to the gas valve are clean and tight. Loose or corroded connections can prevent proper voltage transmission.
- Test Thermopile Output (Advanced): With a multimeter set to DC millivolts, connect the leads to the thermopile terminals on the gas valve (or directly to the thermopile leads if accessible and safe). Light the pilot. A healthy thermopile should generate at least 250-350 millivolts (mV) when heated by the pilot flame. If the reading is significantly lower or zero, the thermopile is likely faulty and needs replacement.
- Consult a Professional: If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, or if you are uncomfortable performing these checks, contact a qualified HVAC technician or fireplace service professional.
8. Specifications
| Part Type | Thermopile |
| Model Number | 60J79 |
| Brand | IHP (Innovative Hearth Products) OEM |
| Compatibility | Lennox / IHP Gas Fireplaces, Stoves, and Inserts (refer to Section 3 for full list) |
| Item Weight | Approximately 1 pound (0.45 kg) |
| Batteries Required | No |
| ASIN | B07JZVR1BW |
9. Warranty and Support
Specific warranty details for the IHP OEM Lennox Gas Fireplace Thermopile (60J79) are not provided within the product information. For warranty inquiries, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact the original seller or Innovative Hearth Products (IHP) directly.
For technical support or further assistance with installation and troubleshooting, it is recommended to consult a qualified HVAC technician or fireplace service professional. You may also contact IHP customer service for official support channels.
