Definition
A gas safety valve (also called an oven safety valve or bimetal valve) is the gas valve in a gas oven that opens only when the glow bar igniter is drawing enough current to ignite gas. It uses a bimetal sensor heated by the igniter's current to mechanically open the valve. This design prevents raw gas from escaping into the oven if the igniter is too weak to ignite it. When the safety valve fails, the burner will not light even with a strong igniter.
What It Does
The igniter is wired in series with the safety valve. When the igniter heats, it draws roughly 3.5–4.0 amps. That same current passes through a small heating coil on the safety valve, which warms a bimetal strip. The strip flexes and mechanically opens a gas port inside the valve, allowing gas to flow to the burner where the now-glowing igniter lights it. If the igniter weakens, current drops below the threshold, the bimetal does not flex enough, and the valve never opens — the safety feature working as intended.
Where It’s Located
Underneath the gas oven cavity, attached to the burner gas line and feeding the burner tube. Brand examples: Whirlpool/Kenmore/Maytag use the WPY0309661 series; GE uses WB19K31; Samsung gas ranges use DG96-00269A; LG MEE61841401.
Common Failure Signs
- Gas oven won't heat — igniter glows strongly, gas valve does not open
- Bake works but broil does not (or vice versa) — many safety valves have dual outlets
- Audible click but no gas flow after igniter glow
- Gas leak smell around the valve (rare but serious — shut off gas immediately)
- Coil winding measures open with a multimeter
Typical Replacement Cost
$220–$380 including parts and labor. The valve itself is $90–$220 in parts. Many "safety valve failures" turn out to be weak igniters not drawing enough current — always verify igniter current draw first.
DIY vs Pro
Pro only. Replacement involves disconnecting a live gas line, which requires both a gas shutoff and a leak test after reassembly. EPA 608 certification is not required for gas work, but a properly trained tech is. Book oven and stove repair.
Need this part replaced? Call (720) 447-8577 for same-day gas oven repair in the Denver metro area.