Jotul Atra insert shuts off

[woodybiomass]

Hello Folks,

Full-time wood burner here, with an insert question on behalf of a family member: The insert is a brand new Jotul Atra, beautiful unit but it doesn't stay lit, as in it turns on for maybe 10 seconds then shuts off, then will turn on for another 10 seconds - even with the glass off so an oxygen problem should be ruled out. Jotul tech support isn't readily available. Does our problem sound familiar with other units or any ideas??? thanks in advance!

 

[DAKSY]

Can you tell us which model you're talking about? There are three different Atra models.

 

[DAKSY]

I guess I could ask a couple of questions while we're waiting for the model #. Is the unit being turned on with the remote or the back up tech switch? Does it run differently either way? Is the ground wire tight? That's a BIG problem with the flame rectification units.
A final qustion would be is this unit , which is "Brand New" still under warranty? If it is, call the dealer/installer....

 

[woodybiomass]

Thanks for the reply, the insert is Atra model GZ455DV. Time for a quick backstory: the unit came direct from the Jotul plant via another family member who, at the time was employed by Jotul and unfortunately no longer is. The factory wants all tech calls directed towards dealers, dealers are reluctant to help unless they sold the unit. The 'installer' swore up and down about the unit along with the chimney guy, but they finally did it. Furthermore, the Atra is in a part of a country where there are few experts, but an important heater at night..so you can understand our challenges!!
oh, yes we are starting the unit with the remote

 

[DAKSY]

Ok, after reading both manuals, the Atra units are gas fireplaces not inserts. There IS a difference.
Anyway, both the GZ450 & GZ455 units have the same controls. Has the owner tried it in the CPI
(Continuous Pilot Ignition) mode? Does the pilot stay lit?

 

[woodybiomass]

Yes I'm sorry, it is a gas fireplace and a nice one at that! So I personally am on location with the fireplace: yes, in CPI mode the pilot lights and stays lit. The fire burns well and everything looks fine in CPI mode. In the interest of conserving gas (and limiting heat) we'd like to use IPI mode where the pilot lights every time...
BREAKING NEWS: The unit now works in IPI mode! And stays lit!! Some of us are curious if this will still be the case after the unit cools. But somehow after we tried CPI mode, then did a test of the IPI mode, it works?!
Thanks for the help, I'll continue to monitor the situation....

 

[DAKSY]

K. Stay in touch.

 

[woodybiomass]

Welp, it appears as though our suspicions were correct: after the stove cooled down the flame would not stay burning in IPI mode (the original problem). Any reason why the flame would only stay burning in IPI mode only when the stove is hot?? I just don't understand it!!

 

[DAKSY]

If you look at the manual, there's a wiring diagram in it. I'd check to make sure EVERYTHING is tight. Any loose connections can cause shut down.
If you don't find nything loose, I'd run it in CPI mode until someone else chimes in. Once you've reached the temperature set on the remote, the burner will shut down.
If you want to turn the pilot off then feel free to do so. The pilot will burn fuel, but it'll take about 4 DAYS to burn a gallon of LP & 5 DAYS to burn a therm of NG.

 

[woodybiomass]

Ok, thanks for all your replies. I'm leaving this job-site tomorrow and turning the problem back over to the owners. I liked the info about how much gas the pilot burns - will check connections and recommend they keep the pilot on during the winter. It's a nice fireplace and they'd rather it function the way it was designed ... but, maintenance really isn't their thing! Anyway, thanks again hearth.com - fantastic web-site and people!!