Installation: Realfyre APK-11(M)(P) Automatic Remote Lighting Safety Pilot System Owner Manual

Overview

The APK-11(M)(P) Automatic Remote Lighting Safety Pilot System is a standing-pilot control system designed to provide manual switch operation and optional remote control for compatible Peterson vented gas log sets. It supports natural gas and propane configurations and is intended for use with Peterson burner systems only.

The system uses a pilot flame, generator, safety valve, and toggle switch to control burner operation. If the pilot flame is lost or the safety system does not detect proper operation, the valve is designed to stop gas flow to the burner.

Installation and service must be completed by a qualified installer, service agency, or gas supplier. Keep this guide with the appliance for future reference.

Specifications

• Model: APK-11(M)(P)
• System type: Automatic remote lighting safety pilot system
• Rated capacity: 90,000 BTU
• Fuel options: Natural gas or propane gas
• Natural-gas model: APK-11(M)
• Propane model: APK-11(M)P
• Compatible burner families: Peterson P-Series pan burners, G4-Series burners, and G45-Series burners
• Natural-gas burner size range: Peterson systems from 12 to 30 inches
• Propane compatibility: Standard propane burner systems up to 30 inches and see-through propane systems up to 18 inches
• Gas supply requirement: Minimum 1/2-inch inside diameter piping with appropriate operating pressure
• Operating pressure specified for troubleshooting: 7 inches water column for natural gas and 11 inches water column for propane at the manifold
• Additional burner footprint: Approximately 6 inches
• Control method: Safety valve knob and toggle switch, with optional compatible remote control

Detailed Description

The APK-11(M)(P) combines a safety valve with a pilot assembly and generator. The pilot assembly includes the pilot burner, pilot gas supply, and generator. The generator produces the electrical signal needed to keep the safety valve open after the pilot has been lit.

The valve assembly includes a safety valve, brass elbow, close nipple, coupling, street elbows, toggle switch, and switch bracket. A radiant heatshield protects the valve from burner heat. The shield must be positioned with its solid black face between the valve and the burner.

The system also uses a burner-specific fuel component. Natural-gas installations use the supplied fuel injector, while propane installations use the appropriate air mixer supplied with the burner. A larger natural-gas injector is supplied for certain 24- and 30-inch log sets. Use it only when required to achieve adequate flame height.

Other installation components include a flame diverter bracket, mounting bracket, burner insulation pad, generator spade clips, and the CK-4 connector kit supplied with the burner. The small brass connector included with the CK-4 kit is not used.

Safety

Use the APK-11(M)(P) only with a fully vented, noncombustible fireplace designed and approved for burning wood. The fireplace damper and chimney must be free of obstructions, and the damper must be completely open whenever the gas log set is operating.

• The smallest chimney flue dimension must be at least 8 inches.
• Do not operate the log set if fumes enter the room while the damper is fully open.
• A smoky or oil-lamp-like odor can indicate inadequate fireplace draft. Stop operation and have the chimney and draft inspected.
• Do not burn firewood with the gas log set.
• Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors near the appliance.
• When glass fireplace doors are installed, keep them fully open during operation. Open both sides on a see-through fireplace.
• Use only the fuel type identified by the system model and burner instructions.
• Never use an open flame to check for gas leaks. Use a soapy-water solution.
• Do not operate the log set if any connection leaks or if the fireplace draft is defective.

If You Smell Gas

• Open a window if it is safe to do so.
• Do not try to light an appliance.
• Do not operate electrical switches or use a telephone inside the building.
• Leave the area and contact the gas supplier from a nearby location.
• If the gas supplier cannot be reached, contact the fire department.

During gas-supply testing above 1/2 psig, disconnect the appliance and its individual shutoff valve from the piping system. For tests at or below 1/2 psig, isolate the appliance by closing its individual manual shutoff valve.

Setup and Installation

The APK-11(M)(P) is an installation component for a Peterson gas log set, not a standalone burner. Follow the burner manufacturer’s installation instructions together with this guide. Confirm that the system has been assembled for the correct fuel before beginning work.

Valve and Gas Connections

1. Turn off the gas supply to the fireplace.
2. Follow the gas log instructions to position the burner correctly.
3. Attach the street elbow to the natural-gas fuel injector or propane air mixer supplied with the burner.
4. Install the safety valve at the front right corner of the fireplace. Front-left placement or placement outside the firebox may require additional connecting parts.
5. For a see-through burner, connect the street elbow to the burner-manifold tee fitting.
6. Attach the CK-4 hearth elbow to the gas supply connection.
7. Discard the small brass connector from the CK-4 kit.
8. Connect the CK-4 tube between the hearth elbow and the brass elbow installed on the safety valve.
9. Apply propane-resistant pipe sealant or suitable thread tape to male pipe connections as required by the installation.
10. Tighten all fittings and check every connection with soapy water before operating the system.

Pilot Wiring

1. Connect one generator spade clip to the valve terminal marked TP.
2. Connect the other generator spade clip to the terminal marked TH-TP.
3. Connect the toggle-switch wire to the TH-TP terminal as shown in the wiring arrangement.
4. Make sure the valve jumper wire remains installed.
5. Attach the pilot gas supply line to the valve port marked PILOT.
6. Keep the generator wires and pilot gas line away from the burner pan and out of the flame.

Pilot Mounting

Attach the pilot assembly to the burner pan that receives gas first during operation. This placement allows the pilot to ignite the first gas flow correctly.

1. Install the flame diverter bracket on the burner-pan side nearest the valve, approximately 1 1/4 inches from the back of the pan. The bracket is used with P-Series, G4, GX4, and VG4 burners.
2. Attach the pilot mounting bracket to the pilot assembly using the supplied four number 10 by 3/8-inch Phillips-head screws.
3. Position the burner insulation pad between the mounting bracket and burner.
4. Fasten the pilot assembly, insulation pad, and bracket to the burner using the burner’s prepared mounting holes.
5. Install the radiant heatshield over the valve with the solid black surface facing the burner.

Operation

Lighting the Pilot

1. With the valve knob in the pilot position, push the knob in slightly and turn it to OFF.
2. Wait five minutes to clear any unburned gas.
3. Turn the knob to PILOT.
4. Push the knob fully inward and place a long match or butane lighter at the pilot burner.
5. After the pilot lights, continue holding the knob in for approximately 60 seconds.
6. Release the knob gradually. The pilot should remain lit.
7. If the pilot goes out, turn the knob fully to OFF, wait five minutes, and repeat the procedure.

Adjusting the Pilot

The pilot flame should surround the tip of the generator. The pilot is factory-set and normally needs no adjustment. If adjustment is necessary, remove the cap screw and turn the smaller adjustment screw counterclockwise to increase the flame or clockwise to reduce it. Reinstall the cap screw after adjustment.

Turning the Burner On and Off

1. Light the pilot and leave it burning.
2. Turn the safety valve knob to ON.
3. Move the toggle switch to the upper ON position. The burner should ignite.
4. To turn off the burner while keeping the pilot lit, move the toggle switch to the lower OFF position.
5. To turn off the pilot, confirm that the toggle switch is OFF, then press and turn the safety valve knob to OFF.

For remote operation, light the pilot using the procedure above and then follow the instructions supplied with the compatible remote-control kit. The APK-11(M)(P) supports Peterson remote-control options when properly equipped.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Have a qualified professional service representative inspect the system at least once each year. The annual inspection should include the valves and toggle switch, fireplace flue, damper, burner orifices, and visible burner condition.

• Verify that the pilot flame is correctly adjusted and surrounds the generator tip.
• Check that both generator spade clips are tight on the valve terminals.
• Inspect the flue for rust, damage, leaks, or obstructions.
• Confirm that the damper opens and operates correctly.
• Check burner orifices for dirt and foreign material.
• Confirm that the radiant heatshield remains installed over the valve.
• Keep wiring and gas-supply leads away from the burner pan and flame.

Troubleshooting

Pilot Will Not Stay Lit

• Check generator output with a millivolt meter; the system requires approximately 250 millivolts or more for this condition.
• Adjust the pilot if the flame makes a blowing sound or does not properly contact the generator.
• Verify that generator wires are connected to the correct TP and TH-TP terminals.
• If wiring and generator output are correct but the pilot still will not remain lit, the valve safety magnet may be defective and require professional replacement.

Pilot Is Lit but the Burner Does Not Ignite

• Confirm that the safety valve knob is turned to ON after lighting the pilot.
• Check that the toggle-switch wires are tight and connected to the correct terminals.
• Check generator output and valve operation.
• Have a qualified professional replace a defective valve.

Low or Uneven Flame

• Verify gas pressure at the manifold: 7 inches water column for natural gas or 11 inches water column for propane.
• Check the gas supply and burner orifices for restrictions.
• For propane burners, confirm that the burner pan is filled completely with the specified vermiculite or other material required by the burner instructions.

Burner Will Not Shut Off

• Inspect the toggle-switch wiring for shorted leads.
• Verify that the switch wires are connected to the proper valve terminals.
• Stop using the system and have the wiring and valve checked by a qualified professional if the burner continues operating.

Frequent Pilot Outage

• Check and adjust the pilot flame.
• Inspect the fireplace for downdrafts that could extinguish the pilot.
• Have a qualified chimney professional evaluate the draft before operating the log set again.

System Shuts Down During Operation

• Open fully closed glass doors; excessive heat can cause the system to shut down.
• Confirm that the pilot assembly is mounted correctly on the rear of the burner pan where specified.
• Verify that the radiant heatshield covers the valve and that its black face is between the valve and burner.

Warranty

The warranty applies to the original purchaser for single-family residential use and begins on the purchase date. Proof of purchase is required. Installation and gas connection must be completed by a qualified professional in accordance with the instructions.

• Peterson gas logs: warranted for the duration of ownership.
• Peterson burner assemblies: ten-year warranty.
• SPK-26 controls: three-year all-parts warranty.
• Other Peterson valves, pilots, and controls: one-year limited warranty, excluding batteries.

Coverage excludes defects or damage caused by misuse, accidents, electrical damage, improper handling, storage, or installation. Labor and labor-related charges are excluded. Rust, corrosion, oxidation, or discoloration are excluded unless the affected component becomes inoperable. The warranty also excludes indirect, incidental, and consequential damages where permitted by law.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides automatic pilot safety shutoff for compatible Peterson vented gas log sets.
• Offers simple on/off operation through a toggle switch.
• Supports optional Peterson remote-control configurations.
• Works with natural gas and propane versions when the correct model is selected.
• Includes a heatshield and pilot-mounting hardware for burner integration.

Cons

• Designed only for Peterson gas log and burner systems.
• Requires a fully vented fireplace with an unobstructed chimney and open damper.
• Installation involves gas piping, pilot wiring, burner mounting, and leak testing.
• Remote operation requires compatible additional equipment.
• Annual inspection by a qualified professional is necessary for continued safe operation.