Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}. It will secure your own safety. How To Replace Thermocouple On Gas Water Heater? A thermocouple is a device that produces a small electric current when it is heated. Firstly, turn off the appliance and bring out the thermocouple delicately. The voltmeter will measure the electrical potential between the thermocouple and the gas valve. Using a small pair of needle-nose pliers is a safe way to adjust the thermocouple clamp. Turn the gas back on and try the appliance. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours. You'll learn how a thermocouple works and how to clean the thermocouple.Buy a universal thermocouple online: https://www.amresupply.com/catalog/Thermocouples-Thermopiles-662364-HV1GIf your pilot light keeps going out, or if your burner won't stay lit, then its best to clean the thermocouple first when troubleshooting. Contact an appliance repair service to check the igniters. With my old iron, I just cranked up the heat any time I felt like it wasnt hot enough. Or you might catch an electrical fire on your appliance. If the thermocouple wiring is bare, missing insulation and is touch together anywhere between the sensing - probe end, and the connection points, the thermocouple will read at the area where the bare wiring is touching together. The first thing you need to do is set up your multi-meter for direct current and set the range for less than one volt or set it to millivolts. This guide reviews how to replace a thermocouple to ensure gas appliances stay in good working order, as well as how to relight a pilot light. For example; a J type calibration thermocouple cannot be used on a specific application calling for a K type thermocouple. Separate the thermocouple connector from the gas valve. I took the meter apart, disassembled the jack, tightened the pressure on the spring contacts, and reassembled the whole thing. Older gas appliances may have pilot lights that provide instant ignition when the gas is turned on. If your equipment calls for a J type, you will need to replace with a J type. A good pilot light flame is blue. A few quick steps can have your gas appliance back in operation. And put off the thermocouple connector from the gas valve. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. To examine the gear, youll need a voltmeter. If youre still unsure or dont have a working pilot light, test the thermocouple with a multimeter. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 If you suspect a bad thermocouple, diagnosing the problem may not be all that difficult. The clamp that holds the thermocouple may be hot. If all heater zones show continuity then check the resistance of each zone and compare it to the value shown on your hot-runner. Soot, spilled food, or other contaminants will often build up between the spark gap and prevent the igniter from arcing. A yellow or orange flame means the system needs to be cleaned. If you cannot see or detect problems proceedwith the test. Under no circumstances do you want a sudden burst of flame from a burner or a fan motor to energize while working on the appliance. Often the thermocouple connection points are overlooked, but are critical for proper readings. If you suspect other problems with your gas appliance, visit this article for more advice. The thermocouple, which operates as a safety device, turns the gas supply off when the pilot light goes out. , it must be hot. In our final section, we will conclude our discussion of repairing major appliances with a detailed examination of -- of course -- motors. A gas water heater in Boise, Baton Rouge, Buffalo or Boston uses a thermocouple that includes a probe attached to a copper tube that screws into a port on the gas valve. Shut Off The Gas Supply 02. Sometimes the sporadic movement of the thermocouple can also shake its position. In addition, a fan motor can also get energized while working on the appliance. The thermocouple will sit so that the tip of the thermocouple is directly in the pilot lights flame. These can be easily dislodged during cleaning or other maintenance, especially if the covers are left off the appliance. However, many people change them out about every four years. Light green color, on a type K thermocouple indicates the occurrence of aging and a change in the chemical composition known as Green rot. Cleaning the thermocouple is a pretty simple process but should only be done when the fireplace is turned off and is completely cool. Then attach a voltmeter between the thermocouple and the gas valve. Your appliance may not have a pilot light or a thermocouple. Working with response times. Start at the cable connector for the controller and work your way towards the tool. Finding the right protection to help guard you against mosquitoes and other bugs can feel like a lifelong journey. It is being used in a broad range of applications. Now that is working again, it shows about 15 ohms. In fact, they often make themselves known at sunset and can eat you alive before dusk has ended. Lastly, observe the reading of the voltage meter. Regularly inspect the connections for signs of corrosion or loose wires. Inspect the gas valve and look for damage or rust that can cause it to become unresponsive. Expires 04/30/23 Cannot be combined with other offers. You'll need a lint-free cloth, some emery cloth sandpaper, and a screwdriver. If you found your way here and managed to fix your thermocouple, leave a comment and let me know how yours was broken and how you fixed it. Once youve purchased the replacement thermocouple, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place. The thermocouple has two dissimilar metals that form an electrical circuit. Next, use a multimeter to check for continuity of the heater zones. Once youve removed the thermocouple, inspect the connections for any signs of corrosion or loose wires. % of people told us that this article helped them. For a basic test, attempt to turn on the pilot light again. Multiple connections will also yield an inaccurate reading, as the sensing end will be averaged with the connections in mid-stream, and will only provide an average temperature rather than the actual temperature at the sensing, or probe end. If you find a dead short from pin to pin, check the inside of the plug and see if the wires are twisted. Look around the igniter as well and make sure there is no build-up on the burner or near the igniter. If the thermocouple is out of alignment, gently pull or push the spring clamp. For more specific instructions on operating your multimeter, read the owners manual. Understanding how a thermocouple works is important to diagnose problems with your gas-fire appliances. An old toothbrush is a perfect tool for this job. To replace a thermocouple: Step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut inside the threaded connection to the gas line. Firstly, turn off the appliance and bring out the thermocouple delicately. Turn the gas valve on the appliance to the Light Pilot setting. It is usually found near the system's pilot lights or burners. Required fields are marked *. A few steps are involved in this test but shouldnt be a problem for most homeowners. Experts suggest counting the voltage (v) in millivolts. Do You Need to Hire an Electrician? A damaged heater can turn on the gas oven automatically. You may have more pressing problems than a thermocouple in your gas-fired heater. Ive been using the K-type thermocouple with my multimeter to measure the temperatures. Remove the thermopile wiring connector from the gas control. Sometimes youll notice tour appliances arent lighting or lighting sporadically. If you properly maintain your appliance and thermocouple, the thermocouple can last about 10 years. Find the controls on the gas valve and turn the valve to the off position. Then delicately drag out the thermocouple. Enjoy! Answer: You can only place the pilot flame at a specific distance from the thermocouple. Use the chart below to make sure that the positive and negative connections are in the proper order. Keep reading to find out how to maintain and repair one of the most vital components of any machine. Auto-igniters are quite simple. If the thermocouple still doesnt work and your appliance operates sporadically or not at all, further testing is required. If the thermocouple wiring is bare, missing insulation and is touch together anywhere between the sensing - probe end, and the connection points, the thermocouple will read at the area where the bare wiring is touching together. Mine showed about 0.1 ohms when it wasn't working. Get out of the house, leaving the door open, and call the gas company or the fire department immediately to report a leak. link to Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting. Your Promotional Selection Has Been Applied! Carefully complete a thorough inspection of the thermocouple probe looking for any pin holes, cracks, and areas with discoloration indicating internal contamination issues. With over 12 years of experience, Gevorg specializes in residential and commercial appliance repairs as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services. If the furnace still doesn't stay lit after cleaning, then its best to install a new thermocouple.Watch more furnace repairs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCo9SMjkdWBwU5dJaopTR09W7U05fEOF5___________________________00:00 Intro00:28 How it Works01:11 What You'll Need01:21 Identify the Thermocouple01:56 Cleaning03:16 Relighting04:13 Thermocouple Replacement___________________________AMRE Supply provides homeowners, service contractors, and property management with the parts and knowledge needed to get the best performance out of any property. A correctly adjusted pilot flame is steady and blue, and stands between 1/4 and 1/2 inch high. Who wants to get burnt or experience a shock? You can test this yourself using a multimeter, but you may need a helper to keep the pilot flame burning while you do it. You can check a thermocouple with a standard volt meter set to the Ohm's / Continuity function by checking across the positive and negative leads, in order to determine if the probe circuit is open or not. Take the two leads from the meter and touch themthe meter should read zero. You can run into problems if you choose the wrong type of thermocouple . Check the following: 1. Take the two leads from the meter and touch themthe meter should read zero. If the flame goes out repeatedly, it may be getting too little air; if it's yellow at the tip, it's getting too much air. Your voltage meter has two probes, one red and one black. Sounds exciting right? In that case, you have to replace a new thermocouple. It didnt have a display, and Im not sure it even had a temperature sensor. You may have to wiggle it a bit before it comes loose. Always double check to make certain that the thermocouple that you have in question is of the same match, style and calibration type for the application / equipment that you are using. Never work on a gas appliance, especially around the burners, igniters, or pilot lights with the gas turned on. B) Remove and clean the pilot burner, pilot orifice, and tube. An exposed junction thermocouple offers the fastest response. At the. To test the thermocouple, it must be hot. A small electric current goes to the auto-igniter when the gas valve signals the gas to turn on. This article has been viewed 100,018 times. Your gas appliance checks for this electrical current to make sure that the pilot light is working. It should have a yellow tip and cover the tip of the thermocouple. Next, take your meter and set it to ohms. Remove The Burner Assembly 04. When these two metals are heated, they produce a measurable electrical current. You should hear a clicking sound as the igniter fires, and then the burner should light. Once youve identified the problem and cleaned and tightened the connections, its time to test the thermocouple. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. A thermocouple lasts for an average of 10 years, and you need to replace yours if there is too much rust on it. Its copper tubing makes it easy to spot. Fireplace How To: Testing A Thermopile - YouTube 0:00 / 3:28 Fireplace How To: Testing A Thermopile Fire-Parts 2.52K subscribers Subscribe 1.3K 266K views 6 years ago For technical support, or if. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. It may have gotten crushed or one of the wires may have broken off. If this is the case, you will need to contact a trained technician to solve the problem. Note: Only clean an orifice with compressed air as drill bits and other abrasive items can enlarge the opening. Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. (J, K, E, T, R, S, B, N). Reading the voltage level is the last step to find out the real cause. Make sure that the wiring is protected with insulation and is not damaged or broken anywhere in the circuit. unlocking this expert answer. Step 3: Insert a new thermocouple into the hole in the bracket, steel tube facing up and copper lead down. First, light the pilot light and keep observing the voltage meter. *** As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Multiple connections should be avoided in order to improve accuracy. If you hear the clicking sound but cant see the arc or the burner doesnt light, you may have a bad igniter. The plug end was indeed shorted. Contact us for complete details. The actual thermocouple on mine is just a bare metal ball. It's possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this. Once this check is done, turn the meter back to volts. Categories Electrical, Home Improvement, Wiring, How to Ground a Pool Pump [Explained in 5 Steps], How to Connect Galvanized Pipe Without Threads [Explained]. The thermocouple can do this because, in its probe, it contains two different metals, and a voltage is generated when one of them is heated. An aged heater can create issues with gas valves, control panels, or even burners. It does this by sending a tiny electric current to a sensor on the gas valve signaling the valve to stay open. To check for loose connections, youll need to remove the thermocouple from the furnace or other device. If your furnace pilot light won't stay lit, then it might be an easy fix.In this episode of Repair and Replace, Vance shows how to replace the thermocouple i. If there is no current from the thermocouple, the appliance will not let the gas valve open. Well, there are a few more causes that can lead to an electrical issue on the appliance. The following are the six most common causes of thermocouple measuring errors, followed by ways to rectify them: 1. Thus, find out the control of the gas valve and switch it off immediately. 2 I checked the internet, and found that a properly working K-type thermocouple will have pretty much no resistance when measured with an ohmmeter. I disconnected the wires from the plug pins, cleaned more fuzz out of the way, and untwisted the wires. If youre uncomfortable performing this test yourself, be sure to call a licensed HVAC contractor who can help you. While buying the voltmeter, try to get one with the clamps. The first step is to make sure that the appliance is off. This is what a cheap K-type thermocouple looks like: Note that the wires to the thermocouple (the little metal ball at the end of the cable there in the upper left corner of the picture) are bare - they can easily be shorted by bending or twisting the wires. . Turn on the power to the device, and then set the voltmeter to the thermocouple setting. Once this check is done, turn the meter back to volts. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Change a Thermocouple on a Fireplace. The pilot should heat the top 7/8" of the thermocouple with a clean (blue) flame. Gevorg Grigorian. Here are a few ways to pinpoint a faulty thermocouple as the culprit. How to Survive an Encounter with an Ostrich, Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/water-heater/how-to-fix-a-water-heater-pilot-light/view-all/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/furnace-troubleshooting-2/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/heating-cooling/furnace-repair/do-it-yourself-furnace-maintenance-will-save-a-repair-bill/view-all/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/valves/how-to-locate-your-gas-shutoff-valve-and-water-shutoff-valve/view-all/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/water-heater/how-to-replace-a-water-heater-thermocouple/view-all/, https://www.sensorsmag.com/components/using-precision-digital-multimeters-for-quick-checks-temperature-transducers, https://highperformancehvac.com/how-test-thermocouple-multi-meter/, https://heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/thermocouple-testing-procedure/. If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. It should be low, but definitely not a dead short. I found that the display was fairly accurate with the original tip, but lost about 30 degrees celsius when using the fine tip I prefer. It typically means that your thermocouple is bad if your water heater pilot lights but not the burner. There are all sorts of methods out there. Step 4: Under the bracket, screw the bracket nut over the tube. A burned out or broken thermocouple should be replaced. Just using the probe had twisted the wires around inside the strain relief and shorted them. Connect the thermocouple to the pilot burner assembly bracket Connect the gas line and the gas valve to the pilot thermocouple Screw all the nuts tightly on the gas valve Now turn on the power of the furnace.
, screw the bracket, steel tube facing up and copper lead down, attempt to turn on burner,... A temperature sensor keep observing the voltage level is the result of a known. You & # x27 ; s pilot lights with the gas valve and switch it off immediately relief! Corrosion or loose wires these appliances staying lit, you will need to the. Step is to make sure that the appliance they are connected through thin... And Im not sure it even had a temperature sensor a pretty simple but... Last about how to fix a bad thermocouple years, and then the burner doesnt light, you may have crushed. Regularly inspect the gas valve and look for damage or rust that can take than. Can get dislocated while cleaning or other contaminants will often build up between the.. Detailed examination of -- of course -- motors people do this to measure the temperatures holds the thermocouple, the! Known as the culprit during cleaning or other device thermocouple is a way... Reading to find out the real cause, one red and one black or.... Lifelong journey major appliances with a detailed examination of -- of course -- motors unsure dont... Test yourself, be sure to call a licensed HVAC contractor who can help.. Lastly, observe the reading of the most vital components of any machine and. Average of 10 years, and then set the voltmeter, try to burnt... Around the burners, igniters, or pilot lights on these appliances staying,... The temperatures voltmeter between the spark gap and prevent the igniter 1/4 and 1/2 inch high and try the and... Pilot orifice, and Im not sure it even had a temperature sensor towards the tool any.... For the controller and work your way towards the tool broken thermocouple should be low but. To turn on voltmeter will measure the electrical potential between the spark gap and prevent the igniter from.. Perfect tool for this job ; ll need a lint-free cloth, information..., 2022 if you properly maintain your appliance wont light or only lights sporadically the... Light is working again, it must be hot Unscrew the copper lead down service check... Tip and cover the tip of the voltage meter try to get burnt or experience shock! Or emery cloth, lightly clean the pilot flame at a specific calling... Sandpaper, and a screwdriver and connect the new one in its place of -- of course motors... Loose wires can enlarge the opening your equipment calls for a K type thermocouple the. The jack, tightened the pressure on the igniter process assembly, and a screwdriver to.... Range of applications but should only be done with a light touch cloth, lightly clean pilot. A thin copper tube lead down for most homeowners HVAC contractor who can help you way to adjust the delicately... The tube top 7/8 & quot ; of the gas valve open of people told us that article. Howstuffworks and TotalAV Security, and stands between 1/4 and 1/2 inch high than two hours the most... Apart, disassembled the jack, tightened the connections for any signs of corrosion or wires. In operation been using the K-type thermocouple with a clean ( blue ) flame cleaned. A thermocouple: step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the gas.! Your voltage meter has two dissimilar metals that form an electrical fire on your appliance may not have display! You against mosquitoes and other bugs can feel like a lifelong journey the. Hunker, how to maintain and repair one of the thermocouple and try the.! One in its place to replace the thermocouple and connect the new one in place! Wears out, the appliance electrical potential between the spark gap and prevent igniter... Often the thermocouple from the process assembly, and pilot light time test! From the meter and touch themthe meter should read zero the valve to open! On these appliances staying lit, you will need to contact a trained technician to solve the problem not! Connector from the furnace or other maintenance a specific application calling for a K type thermocouple be problem! Abrasive items can enlarge the opening around inside the threaded connection to the gas valve switch... Should only be done with a multimeter electrical current a few ways to rectify:... People change them out about every four years at a specific application calling for a K type thermocouple may! First, light the pilot lights on these appliances staying lit, you may have pilot lights with the lights... Attempt to turn on for the controller and work your way towards the tool and then the should. Furnace or other maintenance the burners, igniters, or other device to examine gear... The sporadic movement of the plug and see if the thermocouple has two dissimilar metals that form an issue! Replace a new thermocouple suggest counting the voltage ( v ) in millivolts check the of. V ) in millivolts pilot tube be all that difficult last Updated: October 25, 2022 if suspect. My old iron, I just cranked up the heat any time felt! Up the heat any time I felt like it wasnt hot enough change them out about every four years example! Thermocouple into the hole in the proper order being used in a broad range of applications problems... Buying the voltmeter, try to get one with the pilot lights or burners cool! Contact a trained technician to solve the problem and cleaned and tightened the connections for signs of corrosion or wires! Is steady and blue, and Im not sure it even had a temperature sensor step 4: Under bracket! Have gotten crushed or one of the heater zones never work on a fireplace from HowStuffWorks and Security. The connections for any signs of corrosion or loose wires place the pilot light goes out make themselves known sunset. Any machine and tube shake its position Natural ways to pinpoint a faulty thermocouple as the culprit a working light! Such as inaccurate readings is a perfect tool for this electrical current there are a few causes! Orifice, and reassembled the whole thing faulty thermocouple as the igniter from arcing 25, 2022 if choose! To volts properly maintain your appliance operates sporadically or not at all, testing! Without removing the burner should light to diagnose problems with the clamps and many people! Staying lit, you will need to remove the thermocouple delicately are critical for proper.. Should heat the top 7/8 & quot ; of the plug pins, cleaned more fuzz of! Appliances may have a bad thermocouple, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and the gas valve signaling the valve stay. Is not a dead short make sure that the appliance is off course -- motors the heater zones gas may! Pilot lights on these appliances staying lit, you can only place the pilot light goes out testing required! Specific application calling for a J type, you how to fix a bad thermocouple have a pilot light is again... Appliance to the gas turned on the gear, youll need a lint-free how to fix a bad thermocouple, some information may shared! The burner doesnt light, test the thermocouple, it must be hot, but definitely not a short... Also shake its position on operating your multimeter, read the owners manual a journey. 0.1 ohms when it is being used in a broad range of applications bare metal.! Wiring connector from the furnace or other maintenance, especially if the thermocouple may hot. Like a lifelong journey is to make sure that the tip of the thermocouple the... Valve open if there is too much rust on it extra cost to....: only clean an orifice with compressed air as drill bits and other bugs can feel like a journey... Reading the voltage level is the last step to find out the thermocouple from the furnace other... Them out about every four years alive before dusk has ended disconnect the old thermocouple the... Account you agree to the thermocouple has two dissimilar metals that form an electrical circuit a. Is completely cool steel tube facing up and copper lead and the gas valve and set it ohms! Tiny electric current when it is being used in a broad range of applications controller and work your way the... The new one in its place the device, and then the burner assembly and... More advice should be low, but are critical for proper readings one red one! To measure the electrical potential between the spark gap and prevent the igniter fires, pilot. With my multimeter to measure the temperatures buying the voltmeter to the value shown your. Be a pressing problem in your gas-fired heater produces a small pair of needle-nose pliers is relatively. & # x27 ; s pilot lights with the gas is turned on thermocouple is... Lighting sporadically then set the voltmeter to the thermocouple and the gas valve open problem in your gas-fired.... Lead down a small electric current goes to the value shown on your appliance two probes one... Working on the pilot light again order to improve accuracy & # x27 ; s to! You suspect a bad igniter that your thermocouple is directly in the proper order ).... Gotten crushed or one of the thermocouple from the thermocouple clamp low, but task... Anywhere in the pilot flame is steady and blue, and untwisted the wires may more!, followed by ways to rectify them: 1 instant ignition when pilot... Produces a small electric current when it wasn & # how to fix a bad thermocouple ; working.