What is the first step in troubleshooting a pilot burner that will not light on a system with a pilot safety valve?

The first step in troubleshooting a pilot burner that will not light on a system with a pilot safety valve is to ensure the main gas supply is turned on. This is because the pilot burner requires a continuous source of gas to ignite. If the main gas supply is off or there is a blockage in the line, the pilot will not receive the necessary gas to function, making it impossible for the burner to ignite.

By confirming that the main gas supply is operational, the technician can rule out one of the most common causes of ignition failure. Once the gas supply is confirmed to be on, other troubleshooting steps, such as checking the power supply or cleaning the pilot orifices, can be taken if the burner still does not ignite. This systematic approach to troubleshooting helps to ensure that the technician addresses the most critical factors first.