Firegear Outdoors · Ignition & Hot Rod
Firegear TPSI High-Capacity Safety Pilot Ignition Setup
TPSI is Firegear's high-capacity safety-pilot ignition — a mechanical pilot flame with a thermocouple that holds the main gas valve open as long as the pilot stays lit. Best for windy sites and high-altitude installs where the standard TMSI pilot would blow out. No electricity required, so TPSI works where AWS won't.
By Rob · Updated November 8, 2026
What you need
- Pipe-thread sealant rated for gas
- Small flat screwdriver for the pilot-aim screw
- Lighter or long match for the pilot
Step by step
Confirm the TPSI assembly matches your fuel
TPSI assemblies are fuel-specific — an N (natural gas) pilot orifice is not interchangeable with a P (propane) orifice. Confirm the pilot assembly matches the burner's fuel type before install.
Thread the pilot tube through the disc per the diagram
The TPSI pilot tube routes through the disc's pilot hole and sits adjacent to the main burner ring. The thermocouple tip must be positioned to catch pilot flame directly — if the thermocouple sits above or beside the flame, the valve won't stay open.
Connect to the gas supply and leak-test
Connect per the TPSI manual's diagram. Soap-test every joint after pressure test.
Light the pilot and verify flame-hold
Depress the valve knob to START, light the pilot with a long match or lighter, hold the knob down for 30-60 seconds after the pilot lights (thermocouple heats up), then release. Pilot should stay lit. If pilot drops when you release the knob, the thermocouple isn't heating fast enough — reposition the pilot tube.
Turn to ON and verify main burner lights
Rotate the knob from PILOT to ON. The main burner should light from the pilot flame. If main burner doesn't light, check the orifice sizing matches your fuel.
Common mistakes
- Trying to use TPSI with electric ignition. TPSI is a complete alternative to electronic ignition — don't try to run both. If you want electronic ignition, order AWS instead.
- Pilot tube bent too far from the thermocouple. The pilot flame must impinge directly on the thermocouple to heat it fast enough to hold the valve open. 1/16 inch off and the pilot drops when you release the knob.
Hands-on tips
- Keep a spare thermocouple on hand — they're cheap and the only moving part on TPSI that fails.
- In high wind, add a wind baffle around the pilot — TPSI is wind-tolerant but not wind-proof.
Questions people ask
Is TPSI legal where AWS is required by code?
Depends on jurisdiction. Some commercial installs require electronic ignition with full lockout. Most residential installs accept TPSI. Check with your local code official before ordering.
How long does a TPSI thermocouple last?
Typically 5-8 years in a residential install. Harder outdoor exposure shortens that. Thermocouples are inexpensive and swap in 10 minutes — keep a spare.
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