Hello,

I just bought a Montigo L38DF gas fireplace with the optional fan kit. The wiring diagram is very unclear as to how to install this unit. Here's my interpretation: The diagram shows 120v coming into a 120v/24v transformer (and also into an outlet box where the fan kit plugs in to). The transformer then has three low voltage wires coming from it to the millivolt gas valve. One of the wires passes through a wall switch first. Does this make sense? Also, the kit did not come with the transformer. Is it typical to have to buy that separately?

Thanks!

Ben

You're right, the instructions suck for all those fireplaces.

Typically you just have to feed the duplex receptacle inside the unit with 120v. The fan, remote control unit, etc, just plug in. The fan should have a heat sensor that turns it on and off. There should also be a variable speed control for the fan.

The gas valve is usually controlled by it's own milli-volt source. Maybe your unit requires a 24v feed to work?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stanfortyman

Maybe your unit requires a 24v feed to work?

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OK, I just looked at the instructions, this is exactly how yours works.

You can run a two-wire thermostat wire up to a wall switch to control the flame.
Most folks now just use an optional remote control so they don't need a wall switch.

OK, where did my posts go?

Thanks Stanfortyman, I'm going to try to tackle it today. I think my confusion stems from the fact that the transformer wasn't included in the kit. WE'll see how it goes...

KeepItSimpleStupid: I posted this question under another topic (which I realized afterward was a no-no) and I think your post may be there. Very informative, although I think I'll 'keep it simple' by just having the on-off wall switch. Rather than the t-stat set up.

I have done these with a remote control that is also a thermostat.
VERY easy way to go.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stanfortyman

I have done these with a remote control that is also a thermostat.
VERY easy way to go.

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I just read through the instructions again and found a little blurb in an obscure spot that states " this gas valve generates its own power via a millivolt circuit and can be connected to a wall switch. Do not connect line voltage to the gas valve." Well this leads me to believe that a transformer (as shown in the vague wiring diagram) is not actually necessary, and that the gas valve can wire directly to a wall switch via low voltage wire that will turn the fire place off and on. Does this sound right to you?

Thanks again,

Ben

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

OK, where did my posts go?

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LOL!

Maybe they deleted them!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BenK

I just read through the instructions again and found a little blurb in an obscure spot that states " this gas valve generates its own power via a millivolt circuit and can be connected to a wall switch. Do not connect line voltage to the gas valve." Well this leads me to believe that a transformer (as shown in the vague wiring diagram) is not actually necessary, and that the gas valve can wire directly to a wall switch via low voltage wire that will turn the fire place off and on. Does this sound right to you?

Thanks again,

Ben

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Certainly does. You just described pretty much every one I have ever seen.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stanfortyman

Certainly does. You just described pretty much every one I have ever seen.

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STAN, Could you please explain how to wire the low voltage wire through a switch. Do you just use a typical wall switch?? What type of low voltage wire is it?

Ken:

Describe what kind of system that you have and what your planning to do. Some have thermostats and others use the millivolt pilot generator thing.

Some options include a battery powered millivolt stat or a switch for either the primary or secondary of the 24 VAC transformer.

Switching the millivolt signal does require premium electrical contact material for reliable operation.

We need to know what you have:
1) 24 VAC system
2) 700 mV system
3) type of thermostat

What you want to do:
1. Simple on/off control
2. temperature control
3. Special requirements (e.g. sensor placement)