Jumping gas valve on-off switch temporarily

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Tony4444

Member
Mar 16, 2024
12
Florida
Greetings, first post on here. I was dealing with an ignition lockout on on starite maxetherm 3xx. Replaced the ignitor which was cracked, but got the same 3 blinking lights. Checked incoming power to the gas valve and I was getting power but nothing coming out of the "on-off" switch. Checked the switch for continuity in both positions and was reading open. Jumpered the switch and the heater fired right up.
So, two questions:
1. Is just the switch available or do I need to purchase a whole new gas valve?
2. The on-off switch appears to just be a simple switch. Could I just install my own, or does this switch have a secondary function?
Thanks so much for any info.

Tony
 
Welcome to TFP.

It is just a switch but not sold by Pentair separately. The switch is part of the gas control valve assembly.

I think any professional will replace the gas control valve assembly.

Let's see what @1poolman1 @swamprat69 would do.
 
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JamesW said:
I'm sure that the switch is a separate part.

It is held on with 3 screws.

Check the make and model for a parts list or contact the valve manufacturer.


View attachment 558716
Click to expand...
Yep, that's the one. Good call on calling the manufacturer. Was hoping this was a commonly replaced part and available online. Thanks so much for the reply. If any of you outstanding pool ninjas happen to have a PN for just the switch I'd greatly appreciate it.
 
This forum is fantastic. Thank you again James. The pool is heating now, I can't think of any safety issues with the on-off switch bypassed for the day just to get the temp up. Am I missing anything? All other switches and safties are in place and operational.
 

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JamesW said:
View attachment 558738
800-284-2925

888-725-9797

www.copeland.com

White-Rodgers Brand | Copeland US

White-Rodgers is a leading manufacturer of thermostats, valves, controls and system protectors for the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry.
www.copeland.com www.copeland.com
Click to expand...
White Rodgers reports that they don't sell the switch separately unfortunately. Tried Pentair but they are closed until Monday. The gas valve isn't that expensive but to replace the whole thing for a simple switch seems wrong. I could easily mount a DPST switch next to the valve...any downside?
 
Tony4444 said:
Greetings, first post on here. I was dealing with an ignition lockout on on starite maxetherm 3xx. Replaced the ignitor which was cracked, but got the same 3 blinking lights. Checked incoming power to the gas valve and I was getting power but nothing coming out of the "on-off" switch. Checked the switch for continuity in both positions and was reading open. Jumpered the switch and the heater fired right up.
So, two questions:
1. Is just the switch available or do I need to purchase a whole new gas valve?
2. The on-off switch appears to just be a simple switch. Could I just install my own, or does this switch have a secondary function?
Thanks so much for any info.

Tony
Click to expand...
As a home/pool owner, you can do whatever you like. Unfortunately, you are dealing with a gas appliance that has to have all safety and manufacturer's devices in OEM order to operate safely. Not only property damage, but your family's safety is at risk.
Anytime you bypass, jump, "do it this way cuz it works," you take on a huge liability.
If the heater were to have a failure, you probably can't imagine what 300K - 400K btu of un-controlled gas can do.
A $300 - $400 valve (if you DIY) is piece of mind.
Every heater school teaches "Do Not repair the gas valve."
 
In my opinion, the switch is really not part of the gas valve; it is bolted onto the gas valve.

In any case, I think that it is a little bit ridiculous to spend $350.00 plus the time to replace the gas valve if the gas valve is in good condition.

If the heater is old and in poor condition, then the gas valve might be questionable.

It’s just a $20.00 part.

Why not just replace the whole heater any time any part goes bad and never fix anything?

If you can get the correct switch, it seems to me like a reasonable repair assuming the valve is in good condition.

If you cannot get the correct switch, then you might need a new gas valve or maybe a new heater.

Also, the switch is simply on or off and it is not a safety that can react to a fault condition unless maybe it has a thermal fuse built in.

I am not suggesting any course of action and I am not giving any advice related to this thread.

I am just giving an opinion and not a recommendation.

If I have any advice, it is to get a qualified, licensed gas contractor to diagnose and repair or replace the heater as needed.

Pentair Heater Combination Gas Control Valve Kit - 42001-0051S.

$343.15

Pentair Heater Combination Gas Control Valve Kit - 42001-0051S - INYOPools.com

42001-0051S - COMBINATION GAS CONTROL VALVE KIT (42001-0051S)
www.inyopools.com www.inyopools.com
 
JamesW said:
In my opinion, the switch is really not part of the gas valve; it is bolted onto the gas valve.

In any case, I think that it is a little bit ridiculous to spend $350.00 plus the time to replace the gas valve if the gas valve is in good condition.

If the heater is old and in poor condition, then the gas valve might be questionable.

It’s just a $20.00 part.

Why not just replace the whole heater any time any part goes bad and never fix anything?

If you can get the correct switch, it seems to me like a reasonable repair assuming the valve is in good condition.

If you cannot get the correct switch, then you might need a new gas valve or maybe a new heater.

Also, the switch is simply on or off and it is not a safety that can react to a fault condition unless maybe it has a thermal fuse built in.

I am not suggesting any course of action and I am not giving any advice related to this thread.

I am just giving an opinion and not a recommendation.

If I have any advice, it is to get a qualified, licensed gas contractor to diagnose and repair or replace the heater as needed.

Pentair Heater Combination Gas Control Valve Kit - 42001-0051S.

$343.15

Pentair Heater Combination Gas Control Valve Kit - 42001-0051S - INYOPools.com

42001-0051S - COMBINATION GAS CONTROL VALVE KIT (42001-0051S)
www.inyopools.com www.inyopools.com
Click to expand...
If you ever see the damage it can cause (I have, a garage with $2,000,000 in what were classic cars), your opinion may change. Is it worth the risk to save $300 - $400? No legitimate company will sell the switch for that valve.
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Pool heater fire damages Cheltenham home

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JamesW said:
What is the risk of replacing the switch with same exact switch?
Click to expand...
A.) No legitimate company will sell the switch for that valve. You can't legitimately purchase gas-valve repair parts. There are few, if any, persons that will work on a gas valve, the liability is too great if something happens.
B.) What that something would be (risk) is that somehow the heater could fail on.
C.) As mentioned, a home/pool owner can do what ever they wish. Original question was "Let's see what @1poolman1 @swamprat69 would do."
 
I guess that I do not see the issue with replacing a switch that is the same exact switch.

It's not different from replacing any other part on the heater.

How is it different from replacing a High Limit or an AGS sensor?
 
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Ask the manufacturer if it is ok to replace the switch.

They are the final authority.

If they say don’t replace the switch, then don’t replace the switch, but I would ask them to explain why.

I would not jump the switch in case it has some sort of safety feature.

I do not know if it has any safety feature like a thermal fuse or not.
 

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