Gas Fireplace Problem

I'm having a problem with one of my gas fireplaces. Once I light the pilot and get the fire going, it quits between 10-15 minutes. The fire as well as the pilot light goes out and the gas turns off automatically. Is this just a problem with the Thermocoupler? The unit is approximately 10 years old and worked fine up until now. Could you please explain the function of the thermocoupler, is it primarily a safety device that will shut the unit down if it reaches a particular temperature? Also, while cleaning the unit yesterday and replacing the sand and other material that makes the sparkles I noticed that some flames are directly hitting the thermocoupler, is this normal or should the device be offset?

Thanks, Ron M

 

Most fireplace manufacturers recommend an annual inspection and cleaning. You might want to do a search on this forum for related topics to fireplaces not staying on.

Copy and paste the following address omitting http: and for an interesting thread on this topic:

http://forum.doityourself.com/showth...=thermocoupler

A visit to your local hearth and fireplace shop may be informative and helpful.