Product Description
The Braemar Gas Heater Electrode Flame Sense with Lead (Part No. 636641) is an important safety and operational component for Braemar gas heaters, specifically designed for use with the 3 & 4 S Star models. This part is responsible for detecting the presence of a flame within the burner assembly of the heater, which is crucial for ensuring safe and proper heater operation.
Key Features and Function of the Braemar Gas Heater Electrode Flame Sense with Lead (Part No. 636641):
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Flame Sensing:
- The flame sense electrode is designed to detect the presence of a flame in the combustion chamber of the gas heater. It plays a critical role in monitoring the operation of the gas burner to ensure that the heater is safely igniting and maintaining the flame.
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Safety Feature:
- The electrode ensures that if the flame is lost during operation, the system can shut down immediately to prevent the release of unburned gas, which could pose a safety hazard. This makes it a vital safety component of the Braemar gas heater.
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Lead for Electrical Connection:
- The electrode comes with a lead attached, which allows it to connect to the control board or ignition system of the heater. This electrical connection enables the flame sensor to send signals to the heater's control board, confirming whether or not the flame is present.
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Durability and Compatibility:
- The flame sense electrode is built to be durable and is designed to withstand the high temperatures of the combustion process in the heater. It is specifically made to be compatible with the Braemar 3 & 4 S Star models, ensuring a proper fit and reliable performance.
Symptoms of a Faulty Flame Sense Electrode (Part No. 636641):
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Ignition Failure:
- If the flame sense electrode is faulty, the heater may fail to ignite or start. This happens because the electrode is unable to properly detect the flame, preventing the system from engaging the burner.
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Frequent Flame Loss:
- A faulty electrode may cause the heater to shut down intermittently, even if a flame is present. The control board may detect an erroneous loss of flame and automatically turn off the gas supply to prevent dangerous conditions.
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Error Codes:
- Some Braemar heaters are equipped with diagnostic systems that may display error codes if the flame sense electrode is malfunctioning. This may appear as a flame loss or ignition failure error.
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No Gas Flow:
- If the flame sense electrode is not working properly, the control board might prevent gas from flowing to the burner, assuming there’s a safety issue, even though the flame may actually be present.
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Unusual Sounds:
- The heater may make popping or clicking noises as it struggles to maintain the flame due to an inaccurate reading from the flame sense electrode.
How to Replace the Braemar Gas Heater Electrode Flame Sense with Lead (Part No. 636641):
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Turn Off Power and Gas Supply:
- Before working on the gas heater, ensure both the power supply and the gas supply to the unit are turned off to avoid any electrical hazards or gas leaks.
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Access the Burner and Flame Sensor Area:
- Open the access panel of your Braemar gas heater to gain access to the burner assembly and flame sense electrode. Depending on the model, you may need to remove additional parts or components to access the electrode.
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Disconnect the Old Electrode:
- Carefully disconnect the lead from the old flame sense electrode. You may need to unscrew or unclip the electrode from its mounting position.
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Remove the Old Flame Sense Electrode:
- Once the lead is disconnected, remove the old flame sense electrode from its position. Take note of how the electrode is mounted and where the lead is connected to ensure proper installation of the new part.
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Install the New Electrode:
- Place the new flame sense electrode (Part No. 636641) into the same position as the old one. Secure it in place using screws or clips as needed, ensuring it is properly aligned with the burner assembly.
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Reconnect the Lead:
- Connect the lead from the new flame sense electrode to the control board or ignition system as per the original setup. Ensure the electrical connections are secure.
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Reassemble the Heater:
- After installing the new flame sense electrode, reassemble the heater by replacing any components or panels that were removed during the process.
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Turn on the Heater and Test:
- Restore the power and gas supply to the heater, and test its operation. The heater should now ignite and maintain the flame correctly. Check that the flame sense electrode is properly detecting the flame and that the heater is running efficiently.
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Monitor for Error Codes:
- If the system displays any error codes, refer to the Braemar user manual for troubleshooting. Ensure the new flame sense electrode is properly connected and functioning.
Maintenance Tips for the Braemar Gas Heater Electrode Flame Sense:
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Regular Inspections:
- Periodically check the flame sense electrode for any signs of wear, corrosion, or carbon buildup. Clean the electrode gently if necessary using a soft cloth or fine abrasive to remove any debris.
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Keep the Area Clean:
- Ensure the burner assembly and flame sense electrode are free from dust, dirt, or corrosion that could affect the performance of the flame sensing system.
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Check Electrical Connections:
- Regularly inspect the electrical connections to the flame sense electrode to ensure they are tight and free of corrosion. Loose or damaged connections can result in improper flame detection.
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Flame Quality:
- Ensure the flame inside the heater is steady and blue, which indicates proper combustion. A yellow or flickering flame could indicate a problem with the burner or flame sense system.
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Check for Error Codes:
- If your Braemar gas heater displays any error codes, follow the troubleshooting steps in the user manual to identify if the issue is related to the flame sense electrode.
Conclusion:
The Braemar Gas Heater Electrode Flame Sense with Lead (Part No. 636641) is essential for the safe operation of the 3 & 4 S Star models by ensuring proper flame detection. If you’re experiencing issues such as ignition failure, flame loss, or error codes, the flame sense electrode may be faulty and needs replacement.
By following the proper installation steps and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure that your Braemar gas heater operates safely and efficiently.
