Pilot Light Safety

In some newer appliances, the pilot light is an electrical spark that happens only when you turn on the appliance. Or, the pilot light may be a small flame that burns continuously, using a tiny amount of natural gas as its fuel.

By the way, if you smell a slight odor of natural gas, it may mean that a pilot light has gone out, and you should tell an adult.

What Color Is Your Flame?

Ranges and other appliances are carefully adjusted to provide the correct gas-air mixture. A normal flame (steady, blue, and cone-shaped) means the gas-to-air mixture is perfect.

While flecks of orange are okay, if the flame is yellow, large, and flickering the appliance may need a safety adjustment. Ask an adult to have it checked by a qualified repairperson. The exception is decorative gas appliances such as fire logs, which are designed to have a yellow flame.

Next: Carbon Monoxide Alert