- Why won’t my pilot light?
- Why does my pilot light, but goes out when turned on high or low?
- Why does my pilot light, but the burner won’t light?
- Why is my burner flame low?
- My unit burns low or won’t burn long when it is below 40ºF outside?
- Why does my regulator freeze up when using the 16oz cylinders?
- Can I purchase an adapter that will allow me to use a larger cylinder than the 16oz?
- Why do I get a yellow flame and black smoke?
- Should I remove the white ring inside the emitter screen when I assemble my heater?
- While assembling my patio heater, I am having difficulty connecting the quick connect fitting. What is the problem?
- I turn, and turn, the screws to mount the pole to the engine, but they never get tight. What is wrong?
- Can I convert my LP gas patio heater into a natural gas patio heater?
- ODS: What ODS stand for?
- ODS: What is the requirement?
- ODS: What/who is affected and when?
- ODS: Why was the change made?
- ODS: Blue Rhino Global Sourcing, LLC is ahead of the pack
- ODS: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Press Release
- ODS: Need more information on ODS?
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
It may be that your cylinder is malfunctioning, cylinder has a leak, or the pilot is clogged. Please see steps below to troubleshoot. Note:Regular maintenance is critical to the successful operation of your patio heater.
- Is the cylinder valve closed? If so, open the cylinder valve but not fully.
- Check to see if you can light it manually. If the unit lights manually but not with igniter, service or replace igniter switch.
- Ensure that there is no air in the gas line. Open the gas line and bleed it (pressing control knob in) for not more than 1 - 2 minutes or until you smell gas.
- There may be a blockage in the orifice or pilot tube? Bugs and spiders get into the pilot assembly, venturi tube and burner ports causing the unit to either not light or poor performance.
- Is the regulator hose pinched or kinked?
- Cleaning the pilot assembly: Download and follow the correct cleaning instructions
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
Why does my pilot light, but goes out when turned on high or low?
It may be that your cylinder is malfunctioning, cylinder has a leak, or the pilot, venturi tube or burner ports are clogged. Please see steps below to troubleshoot. Note: Regular maintenance is critical to the successful operation of your patio heater
- Is the cylinder functioning properly and at least 2/3 full?
- If the pilot lights but in turning knob to the "ON" position the unit goes out, then this is caused by a blockage in the pilot. Bugs and spiders get into the pilot assembly, venturi tube and burner ports causing the unit to either not light or poor performance.
- Connection between gas valve and pilot assembly may be loose. Tighten connection and perform leak check.
- Cleaning the pilot assembly: Download and follow the correct cleaning instructions
- Make sure that the tip switch connection is good.
- Thermocouple is not operating correctly and needs to be replaced.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
Why does my pilot light, but the burner won’t light?
Option 1
- You want to make sure that the flame from the pilot is in the correct position, it may not be going through the hole in the pilot shield.
- Since there are two flames on the pilot (one to heat the thermal-couple and one to light the burner) the port that lights the main burner, may be clogged. This means that you will have to clean your patio heater.
Option 2
It may be that the venturi tube or burner ports are clogged. Please see steps below to troubleshoot.
- Gas pressure may be low. Turn cylinder valve OFF and replace cylinder.
- There may be a blockage in the orifice or pilot tube? Bugs and spiders get into the pilot assembly, venturi tube and burner ports causing the unit to either not light or poor performance.
- Clean the burner supply tube orifice by removing the burner supply tube nut. You will then be able to remove the orifice.
- Check for leaks by using soapy water.
- Make sure that the tip switch connection is good.
Note: Regular maintenance is critical to the successful operation of your patio heater. For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
- Gas pressure may be low. Turn cylinder valve OFF and replace cylinder
- Outdoor temperature is less than 40ºF and tank is less than 1/4 full. Use a full cylinder.
- Supply hose may be bent or kinked. Straighten hose.
- There may be a blockage in the orifice or pilot tube? Bugs and spiders get into the pilot assembly, venturi tube and burner ports causing the unit to either not light or poor performance.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
My unit burns low or won’t burn long when it is below 40ºF outside?
Propane needs to be at a boiling point to give the best output. At or below 40ºF propane starts to try to liquefy which will not give a good performance.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
Why does my regulator freeze up when using the 16oz cylinders?
- Smaller tanks freeze because there is not as much propane to liquefy.
- The propane tank is connected directly to the regulator instead of hose, which will allow the cold propane to heat up a little
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
Can I purchase an adapter that will allow me to use a larger cylinder than the 16oz?
Yes. You can purchase a 20 lb regulator adapter hose at your local mass merchant.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
Why do I get a yellow flame and black smoke?
This is because you have a blockage in the burner venturi tube or your
heater is in a windy condition. In any case this can be fixed by cleaning
the venturi tube and placing your heater in a less windy area.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
Should I remove the white ring inside the emitter screen when I assemble my heater?
NO. The white ring is not packing, but a fiberglass insulator that will help increase the heater's efficiency.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
While assembling my patio heater, I am having difficulty connecting the quick connect fitting. What is the problem?
The Control Valve fitting must be held perfectly verticle when attaching the quick connect fitting. If the alignment is not correct you could have a problem securing the fitting. Should you have difficulty, loosen the three screws that hold the engine assembly to the top of the pole. Wiggle the engine assembly while pushing up on the gas pipe assembly from inside the cylinder compartment. If that still does not work, loosen the brass nut that secures the control valve in place, and try again. Be sure to retighten the nut and screws once you successfully make this connection.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
I turn, and turn, the screws to mount the pole to the engine, but they never get tight. What is wrong?
Be sure not to over-tighten any screws when assembling your patio heater. Doing so can cause damage to the screws or pipe threads. It is possible that the threads of the screw have stripped. These screws are a 1/4-20 thread, and can be replaced with another 1/4-20 screw. It is also possible that the threads on the pole have stripped. Inspect the threads carefully, and if this is the case, we can replace your pole by calling 1-800-762-1142 or via e-mail at CustomerService@bluerhino.com.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
Can I convert my LP gas patio heater into a natural gas patio heater?
NO. Our propane patio heaters are designed, tested and approved
for Propane use only. Conversion kits are not available by Blue Rhino Corporation.
Propane patio heater regulators supply 11” in a column of water while
natural gas supplies 7” to 10 “. Also, propane gas line tubing is
made of copper and must be stainless steel for natural gas.
To convert these units would void all warranty and release Uniflame®/Blue Rhino® of all responsibility. For further information about converting to natural gas, contact a certified gas technician.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
ODS: What ODS stand for?
Oxygen Depletion System
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
ODS: What is the requirement?
The new requirement is Consumer Safety Administration (CSA) International Requirement 5.90 U.S. For Gas-Fired Infrared Patio Heaters, 5th Edition, January 27, 2003. This edition is essentially the same as the previous edition with a change in the combustion requirements for table top patio heaters to include those of ANSI Z21.63-2000/CSA 11.3-2000 Standard for Portable Type Gas Camp Heaters. The requirement states that:
- When operated in an enclosed room of 100 cubic feet volume at air exchange rates of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 air changes per hour, a table top heater shall not deplete the oxygen level to below 16 % by volume, and
- Under the same conditions the maximum carbon monoxide (CO) level shall at no time exceed 100 ppm (parts per million).
To meet the combustion requirement an oxygen depletion sensing (ODS) pilot is employed. This is a special pilot assembly that causes the heater to shut-down in the case of low-oxygen atmosphere. Generally, an ODS pilot is designed to extinguish and shut off the fuel valve before the oxygen level drops to 18% in a closed room condition.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
ODS: What/who is affected and when?
Note that the combustion requirement is specific to table top patio heaters manufactured on or after the effective date of the requirement. This requirement has an effective date of February 1, 2004 . The effective date is a cut-off date for manufacturing of non-ODS table top patio heaters. Non-ODS table top patio heaters that have been produced already as of that date may be offered for sale.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
ODS: Why was the change made?
The change to the requirement was driven by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as a result of a death associated with the apparent misuse of a Brinkmann outdoor table top heater by a consumer. The consumer apparently used a product intended for outdoor use to heat the inside of a camper and died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Refer to CPSC press releases 02-181 and 02-179 in the email included at the end of this document. Note that the press release refers to CSA Req. 4.98 for Gas-Fired Portable Heaters for Recreational and Commercial Use. CSA Req. 4.98 (June 1, 2000) applies to INDOOR gas-fired heaters up to 10,000 BTU/Hr. The CPSC is rightfully directing consumers who wish to heat enclosed areas to products that are specifically certified to the INDOOR CSA requirement.
CSA Req. 5.90 covers OUTDOOR appliances. The revision to include the ODS was a move to protect consumers who misuse such outdoor appliances by using them in enclosed areas.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
ODS: Blue Rhino Global Sourcing, LLC is ahead of the pack
We are currently in the process of developing a table top patio heater that includes the ODS technology and certifying through CSA to the CSA Req. 5.90, 5th Edition. In early 2003, Blue Rhino Global Sourcing, LLC became the leader in the industry by being the one of the first companies to include this new ODS System in our table top heaters
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
ODS: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Press Release
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Press Release
CPSC Alerts Outdoor Enthusiasts: New Portable Heaters Can Save Campers' Lives - ODS technology will help prevent CO poisoning deaths
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This summer, as friends, families, and outdoor enthusiasts head out to campsites, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing that there is a new generation of portable heaters with a safety device that can prevent the tragic loss of life due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The new heaters are equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and are safer to use when camping. If oxygen levels start to fall, this sensing technology automatically shuts down the heater before it can produce serious levels of CO.
Unlike earlier portable heaters that do not have an ODS and are intended for outdoor use only, the new ODS-equipped heaters are specifically designed for indoor use. They can be safely used inside tents, cabins, and campers, but it is essential that users comply with the manufacturers' instructions to ensure that there is adequate ventilation. CPSC still recommends shutting off any camping heater or lantern before going to sleep.
CPSC estimates that in 1998, the latest year for which data are available, 18 people died due to carbon monoxide poisoning associated with using camping heaters indoors. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the victims had been using the new heaters. These deaths occurred when consumers brought radiant camping heaters that used 1 lb. propane tanks (but did not have an ODS) inside tents, campers, and other vehicles, thus exposing themselves to high levels of CO.
"CPSC wants all consumers to know that there is a new generation of portable heaters that are safer to use when camping," said Jacqueline Elder, Acting Director of CPSC's Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction. "Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer that has taken the lives of many first-time and even experienced campers. The new, safer heaters prevent CO deaths by automatically shutting off the heater if oxygen levels start to fall."
CPSC worked closely with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Camping Equipment Subcommittee and the industry to develop and implement a new standard for 1 lb. portable heaters. The ODS technology on these heaters senses when the oxygen level in a tent or camper drops below 18 percent. If this occurs, the ODS closes the gas valve and shuts off the heater, preventing the production of dangerous levels of CO.
Consumers can find the safer heaters under various brands in major retail stores nationwide. Consumers need to ensure that they purchase portable heaters that meet the current standard. The new heaters can be identified by labels on the package that read in part, "Designed for Indoor Use," "Low Oxygen Automatic Shut-Off System," and "Oxygen Depletion Sensor" or by a star with the words "CSA 4.98."
CO is a silent killer, so CPSC has developed the following guidelines to prevent this colorless, odorless gas from poisoning you, your family or friends:
- New ODS-equipped heaters are intended for indoor use.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for ventilation.
- Older generation heaters without an ODS are intended for outdoor use only and must never be used indoors.
- Do not use portable heaters that fail to meet the new standard in enclosed areas such as tents, campers, and other vehicles.
- This is especially important at high altitudes, where the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is increased.
- Do not keep camping heaters and lanterns on while sleeping. * Do not attempt to use alternative sources of heat or power to warm a tent or camper. Charcoal grills, camping lanterns, and gas generators also can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. To heat an interior area while camping, only use a camping heater that meets the new safety standard.
- Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. Consumers who experience any of these symptoms should extinguish any possible source of CO and move to an area with fresh air.
- Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels can result in loss of consciousness and death. See a doctor if you or a member of your family develops cold or flu-like symptoms while camping. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, is often detected too late.
- Be aware that alcohol consumption and drug use increase the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Be aware that carbon monoxide is especially toxic to people with heart disease or blood or circulatory system problems, such as anemia. Fetuses, infants and the elderly are also more susceptible to CO poisoning.
The surfaces of the heaters are extremely hot - always locate the heater away from traffic and combustible materials.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
ODS: Need more information on ODS?
Blue Rhino Global Sourcing, LLC is very concerned about the safety of our consumers. If you would like more information about this, or have questions please e-mail us at Marketing@UniFlame.com, and we will try to answer all the questions you have.
For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142.
