Quadrafire Classic Bay pellet stove won't light

[forrest 17724]

I have a quadrafire classic bay 1200. the heating element wont get hot. I have replaced the element with a new one. if you start a fire by hand, the stove functions normaly. I haven't run across a post with this sort of a situation.. looking for some guidance. thanks everyone!

 

[heat seeker]

There's bound to be a fuse somewhere - have you checked inside the control box, and elsewhere for a fuse? A thorough inspection of the igniter wiring may show a broken/disconnected wire.

 

[jzm2cc]

Assuming the wiring connections are ok, the new element is good, and runs well otherwise. I'd say the control board us suspect, i.e , the transistor that controls power to element is bad. Not a difficult thing to diagnose and have fixed if you're willing. If it is the transistor a quick Internet search will show sources to get one. Then you'll need someone with soldering skills to swap it out.

 

[forrest 17724]

ok so I pulled the stove out and checked all the igniter wiring, no breaks, no bad connections.. how does one go about diagnosing a bad transistor? mutli-meter?

 

[jzm2cc]

I'll assume you verified that voltage is not getting to heater element. Pull out control module from stove with power off. Becareful to not static charge circuit board when you remove it from plastic case. This board should have a 12 amp relay (black plastic box) that controls current to heater. I tried up loading a picture but failed.

Also look for any damage to board, i.e. burned resistors, capacitors, fuse blown etc.

I've replaced one if these relays on a Mt Vernon AE, but in that case the heater was always on, (relay contacts welded together). I searched in internet for replacement and swapped it out.

This would be much easier in person obviously, but this us a start if you have a multimeter or technician to help.

 

[Lake Girl]

Changed the thread title so it may capture kappel's eyes ... a Quadrafire tech. I think they have started to make the replacement igniters with an in-line fuse so when it goes, it doesn't potentially damage control box components.

 

[heat seeker]

Good advice given here so far, but if you do a search on this forum, you will find more detailed information. The igniter may be driven by a relay or a triac (a special type of component that looks like a transistor). Lacking a wiring diagram for the board, you can visually trace the path on the board from the ignitor wire to the component. A multimeter won't help much in diagnosing a triac, unless it's shorted, which doesn't sound like your problem. Triacs are not expensive, but you'll need to solder on the board. If you have a relay, you'll probably need to solder that in, too. Are you absolutely sure the ignitor itself is good?

 

[jzm2cc]

The black plastic rectangle device is the relay that drives the igniter. Your board may have same device. Google Potter & Brumfield T7CS5D-12 for an image and price. Thats what my board has and if i could successfully up load a picture i would.

 

[forrest 17724]

The black plastic rectangle device is the relay that drives the igniter. Your board may have same device. Google Potter & Brumfield T7CS5D-12 for an image and price. Thats what my board has and if i could successfully up load a picture i would.

i know which one your talking about.. they sell them on amazon.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005S3PG26/?tag=hearthamazon-20

 

[jzm2cc]

It's a cheap fix if thats your problem. Remember you have a control side that powers the coil of the relay, and the output side which is the switch contacts. Either side could be the cause of your problem. A skilled tech would be able to test this relay before you start swapping out parts.

 

[Leslie]

I have a quadrafire classic bay 1200. the heating element wont get hot. I have replaced the element with a new one. if you start a fire by hand, the stove functions normaly. I haven't run across a post with this sort of a situation.. looking for some guidance. thanks everyone!

We were having the same problem with our Quadra -fire. We replaced the igniter, the thermocouple, the control board, checked the fuse and thoroughly cleaned the stove. As a last step we replaced the vacuum switch. Now the stove will start up, release pellets, but the pellets will not ignite and the stove turns off. What next?

 

[Overfireinthehole]

If your not getting voltage at the igniter and your fuses are good, your wires are good and your wall outlet has the proper voltage then your only option left is the board. Is your board set to 1? Definitely make sure it hasn’t got switched to 0 somehow.

 

[Leslie]

We were having the same problem with our Quadra -fire. We replaced the igniter, the thermocouple, the control board, checked the fuse and thoroughly cleaned the stove. As a last step we replaced the vacuum switch. Now the stove will start up, release pellets, but the pellets will not ignite and the stove turns off. What next?

We were looking at the

If your not getting voltage at the igniter and your fuses are good, your wires are good and your wall outlet has the proper voltage then your only option left is the board. Is your board set to 1? Definitely make sure it hasn’t got switched to 0 somehow.

The board is set to 1. Interestingly enough the old one was set to 5. This is an older quadrafire bayfront 1200.

 

[Overfireinthehole]

One is the normal setting two is an increase of 10% on the feed

 

[Leslie]

One is the normal setting two is an increase of 10% on the feed

Is it possible for the fire pot to be corroded or have a build up of ash on the bottom that would prevent it from heating? The igniter gets very hot, but the fire pot is still cool to the touch.

 

[Overfireinthehole]

Yes. There is a small hole at the bottom front side of the pot that longs up with the igniter. If that is clogged, it won’t light. That’s what the burnpot tool those stoves come with is for.

 

[Leslie]

Yes. There is a small hole at the bottom front side of the pot that longs up with the igniter. If that is clogged, it won’t light. That’s what the burnpot tool those stoves come with is for.

Thank you. That was exactly what needed to be done.