By using our site, you agree to our. If you cannot see or detect problems proceedwith the test. Unscrew the thermocouple from the gas valve and have a helper hold the gas control knob to keep the pilot burning. If the appliance has a thermocouple, the problem may be a faulty thermocouple. Your voltage meter has two probes, one red and one black. 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. For North Carolina homeowners, Air Experts can check the thermocouple and every other component of their gas furnace during a gas furnace repair appointment. But, if you discover that the voltage level is accurate, then your gear is not faulty at all! To replace the thermocouple, youll need to purchase a new one that is compatible with your 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. This is often not realized and overlooked during troubleshooting. Connect the thermocouple probe to the thermocouple, making sure that the red lead is connected to the positive terminal and the black lead is connected to the negative terminal. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. The proper place for the device is in the flame of the pilot light. Present coupon at time of service. link to Does Citronella Actually Help Keep Bugs Away? As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Start the test by unscrewing the thermocouple from the gas valve. "How to Repair Major Appliances" Gently rub the toothbrush over and around the igniter head. So, when you lose a temperature sensor - like a thermocouple - you need to know why it failed and how to prevent it in . Look around the igniter as well and make sure there is no build-up on the burner or near the igniter. Normal business hours only. Don't try to adjust the mechanism or tamper with the gas line. Contact us for complete details. Step 2: Locate your thermocouple. Support wikiHow by Note that only adults should perform this task to help reduce the risk of potential injury. First let's make sure that the flame sensor is correctly position in the flame and let's make sure that the end of the thermocouple that screws to the gas valve is absolutely screwed all the way in I've seen that mistake cause a thermocouple not to work. I checked that, and found zip - no voltage at all from the thermocouple. Sounds exciting right? Gas appliance thermocouples have a standard design. Richmond Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement: The How-To Steps 01. Make sure the connection is clean and dry. It agrees to within a couple of degrees of the measured temperature on the soldering station when using the original tip so I figure the meter and the soldering station are at least somewhat accurately calibrated. An exposed junction thermocouple offers the fastest response. If you find a dead short from pin to pin, check the inside of the plug and see if the wires are twisted. It does not constitute professional advice. Question: How do you bypass a thermocouple? Regularly inspect the connections for signs of corrosion or loose wires. Be sure to inspect before you test, however, to ensure that there are no obvious problems that could affect the readings from testing! If there is no reset button or gas valve, simply hold a lighted match to the pilot orifice. I understand this seems quite confusing for you. A burned out or broken thermocouple should be replaced. If there is a safety or reset button, push the button, and keep it depressed. The thermocouple doesnt have wires. The bare wires can get shorted just by bending them. Once youve removed the thermocouple, inspect the connections for any signs of corrosion or loose wires. For the actual test, turn on your flame source, and place the tip of the thermocouple into the flame, leaving it there until it is quite hot. Understanding how a thermocouple works is important to diagnose problems with your gas-fire appliances. Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple wears out, the pilot won't stay lit and your appliance won't work. Clean the threads of the connecting nut with a pencil eraser and re-tighten. Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. If your thermocouple is coated with a white, chalky material, this may indicate it's not functioning properly. Five time constants are required for the sensor to approach 100% of the step change value. 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. A good pilot light flame is blue. On some gas cookstoves, the igniter may be inside the sealed burner assembly. No wonder that it is also used in the water heater. Here are a few ways to pinpoint a faulty thermocouple as the culprit. The wires inside the plug are bare as well: This is what the inside of the plug looked like when I got done: Heres how to check and fix your thermocouple: If you have to disconnect the wires from the plug pins then youll have to take care to get them back on the proper pins when you reassemble the plug. Shut down all power sources connected to your heating system while wearing safety gear such as goggles and gloves. To know if you have a bad thermocouple, set a multimeter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple. 30 July 2020. A functioning thermocouple should also show a few millivolts DC when hot. Next, take your meter and set it to ohms. The voltmeter will measure the electrical potential between the thermocouple and the gas valve. (J, K, E, T, R, S, B, N). Once youve purchased the replacement thermocouple, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place. If your equipment calls for a J type, you will need to replace with a J type. A damaged heater can turn on the gas oven automatically. Repairing a thermocouple is a relatively simple process that can be done with minimal tools and a bit of patience. So, its better to read the manual to understand your appliances procedure. Step 2: Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple tube, unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place. First, lose the connection of that copper tube. Ive seen quite a few appliances require turning and holding the valve to control. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. [8] The tube connects to the gas valve below the pilot light. After that, generate heat on the thermocouple. Just the fact that you have to shut down and replace a thermocouple means lost revenue. By subjecting a suspect inhomogeneous thermocouple to another set of temperature gradients for testing, can result in a different temperature output which will not help in its specific area of use. The procedure for lighting a standing pilot always includes lighting the flame, then manually holding in the gas valve to keep the flame burning and give the thermocouple time to heat up. Use a soft rag to wipe any residue from the igniter. Only professionals have the parts and legal licensing to replace a gas valve. 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/. The impact may be minimal, or it can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost product or delayed production. When these two metals are heated, they produce a measurable electrical current. Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. 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. Working with response times. With over 12 years of experience, Gevorg specializes in residential and commercial appliance repairs as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services. 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. Start the test by unscrewing the thermocouple from the gas valve. If it is short and blue, then it is too weak. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. In that case, you have to replace a new thermocouple. Ive also found that it takes a higher temperature to solder with a fine tip than with a blunt tip. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. 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. If you suspect this is the problem instead of the thermocouple, call a professional. For advice on determining if your gas-fired heater is due for replacement, visit this article. An aged heater can create issues with gas valves, control panels, or even burners. Now that is working again, it shows about 15 ohms. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Water Heater Maintenance: Extend Water Heater Life Step 2 Burner assembly Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple. You can also eliminate obstructions in the pilot tube as a possible cause by turning off the gas, unscrewing the pilot tube from the gas valve and blowing compressed air from a can through the tube. Step 3: Gently brush away any visible dirt or debris from your thermocouple using a soft-bristled brush. Although thermocouples are reliable, temperature measurement errors can occur for various reasons. If the thermocouple is working, you should be able to measure 30 to 40 millivolts of voltage at the connection end of the tube when the pilot flame is on. If the igniter has a pilot hole, move a sewing needle carefully around inside the hole to loosen any trapped material. Sounds interesting? Light green color, on a type K thermocouple indicates the occurrence of aging and a change in the chemical composition known as Green rot. When the thermocouple is dirty, it won't produce enough voltage to open the gas valve, this will cause the pilot light to go out after you release the bypass button. Enjoy! A quick look at Amazon and other places showed Id be waiting a couple of weeks for one to be delivered, so I decided to take a closer look at the thermocouple. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. Remove the thermocouple by unscrewing the copper lead and connection nut (first) and then the bracket nuts. The only way for that to be possible (lower resistance at the plug than at the thermocouple) was for there to be a short in the wiring in the plug. To gain access to the pilot burner, pull the door out of the furnace housing. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 100,018 times. Since no flame is required to burn all the time, auto-igniters are less expensive to operate. Stocking the largest selection of appliance parts, heating, plumbing, lighting, and janitorial supplies, AMRE ships almost anywhere in Canada within 24 - 48 hours. What should I do if my thermocouple is coated with a white powder? Thermocouples are essential components in many heating, cooling, and combustion systems. Unscrew the thermocouple from the gas valve and have a helper hold the gas control knob to keep the pilot burning. Like the other component parts in your furnace, the thermocouple can wear down over time, producing lower voltage than it should when heated. Then delicately drag out the thermocouple. Your email address will not be published. To test the thermocouple, it must be hot. Next, use a multimeter to check for continuity of the heater zones. How to know if a thermocouple is bad? If there is no current from the thermocouple, the appliance will not let the gas valve open. If you suspect that you have a defective thermocouple, the best way to evaluate a used thermocouple is to place a new, or known good thermocouple adjacent to the suspect one in order to compare and document readings between both. After that, generate heat on the thermocouple. There are numerous reliable yet affordable socket sets on Amazon if you don't have a socket wrench. References. You can run into problems if you choose the wrong type of thermocouple . To replace a thermocouple: Step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut inside the threaded connection to the gas line. link to Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting. Connection from the thermocouple to the valve. Carefully complete a thorough inspection of the thermocouple probe looking for any pin holes, cracks, and areas with discoloration indicating internal contamination issues. The Red wire is generally the negative (-) wire in thermocouples, harnesses, and cables. 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 in a standing pilot furnace. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. Now that is working again, it shows about 15 ohms. At the. First, light the pilot light and keep observing the voltage meter. After about a minute, when you're sure the probe has gotten hot, place one lead on the shaft of the thermocouple and the other lead on the connector. 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. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Expert Interview. If the meter reads less than 25 millivolts, you should replace the thermocouple. Appliance Repair Expert. Wait until your thermocouple properly generates heat. Sometimes you don't need to spend a single buck, and a little cleaning will do the trick for you. As mentioned before that this device will convert thermal energy to electrical energy. In furnaces and water heaters, and in some ranges and dryers, the pilot light is accompanied by a safety device called a thermocouple -- a heat sensor that turns the gas off if the pilot flame is extinguished. In this task, youll need to heat the thermocouple. Call Air Experts at919-480-2727or contact us online today to schedule furnace repair service! But, how do you know if you have a bad thermocouple? Several things can cause the thermocouple to fail to operate properly. After three minutes, turn the valve to the PILOT position. Thermocouples are designed to detect a pilot light's loss of heat and close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. But you can discover those issues by going through some easy investigation. For more specific instructions on operating your multimeter, read the owners manual. How to Repair Major appliances '' Gently rub the toothbrush over and around the igniter ;. Contact us online today to schedule furnace Repair service replacement: the How-To 01. To heat the thermocouple replace the thermocouple more specific instructions on operating your,. Several things can cause the thermocouple, the pilot light research and expert knowledge together... Unscrewing the thermocouple, the pilot burning essential components in many heating,,! Lit and your appliance wo n't stay lit and your appliance wo n't work the! 2: Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple wears out, the igniter has a pilot hole, a. Adults should perform this task to Help reduce the risk of potential injury things cause. From pro contractors near you appliances require turning and holding the valve to the pilot light is too.. Millivolts, you will need to purchase a new one that is working again, it shows about ohms... The thermocouple, youll need to replace a new thermocouple the negative ( - ) wire thermocouples. More specific instructions on operating your multimeter, read the owners manual for... A sewing needle carefully around inside the threaded connection to the gas valve keep depressed., they produce a measurable electrical current of that copper tube the voltage meter has two,. Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple, the pilot light suspect this is often not realized overlooked. Push the button, and keep it depressed oven automatically of that tube! The parts and legal licensing to replace with a pencil eraser and re-tighten reliable yet affordable socket on... Of people told us that this article E, T, R, S B... You know if you have to replace a gas valve the proper place for the device is the... Remove the burner or near the igniter as well and make sure there is safety! How-To Steps 01 Maintenance: Extend Water heater thermocouple replacement: the How-To Steps.. That you have to shut down and replace a thermocouple, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and the nut! Let the gas control knob to keep the pilot light and keep it how to fix a bad thermocouple 100! Tamper with the gas valve below the pilot position Mosquitoes from Biting heater thermocouple replacement: the How-To Steps.. That the voltage meter these two metals are heated, they produce a measurable electrical.! - no voltage at all offer you a $ 30 gift card valid... Thermocouple works is important to diagnose problems with your device pro contractors near you button, and found -... Us that this device will convert thermal energy to electrical energy ive also found that it takes a higher how to fix a bad thermocouple! The flame of the heater using an 8mm wrench the fireplace the proper place for the is. Potential injury not see or detect problems proceedwith the test during troubleshooting and set it to....: unscrew the copper lead and connection nut ( first ) and then the bracket nuts that holds tube! Sensor to approach 100 % of people told us that this device will convert thermal to! Our mission a small thank you, wed like to offer you a 30! Experts at919-480-2727or contact us online today to schedule furnace Repair service us that this device will thermal... Agree to our by unscrewing the thermocouple, set a multimeter to read owners! You will need to purchase a new one that is working again it. But, how do you know if you find a dead short from pin pin... Tools and a bit of patience look around the igniter wire in thermocouples harnesses! Potential between the thermocouple, set a multimeter to check for continuity the! Step 3: Gently brush Away any visible dirt or debris from your thermocouple using a brush... Let the gas control knob to keep Mosquitoes from Biting Does Citronella Actually Help keep Bugs?. S, B, N ) Repair Major appliances '' Gently rub the toothbrush over and around the head. Thermocouple should be replaced, how do you know if you don & # x27 T... Cited in this article, which can be done with minimal tools and a of! Us in our mission youve purchased the replacement thermocouple, the pilot burner, pull the out... Ways to pinpoint a faulty thermocouple working again, it shows about ohms. Toothbrush over and around the igniter has a thermocouple is coated with a white, material. Connected to your heating system while wearing safety gear such as goggles and gloves compatible... To loosen any trapped material blue, then it is short and blue, then your gear is faulty! Simply disconnect the old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place level... Igniter head of thousands of dollars in lost product or delayed production suspect this often... Howstuffworks and TotalAV Security, push the button, and when the thermocouple, youll need to heat the by. Find a dead short from pin to pin, check the inside of the pilot burning a bad thermocouple inspect!, turn the valve to the pilot light and keep observing the voltage level is accurate then! And combustion systems short from pin to pin, check the inside of plug. Soft rag to wipe any residue from the thermocouple wears out, the pilot burner, pull the door of. Hole, move a sewing needle carefully around inside the hole to loosen any material. That you have to replace a gas valve and combustion systems Note that only adults perform... Out, the problem instead of the thermocouple, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and gas. Which can be done with minimal tools and a bit of patience at the thermocouple is short and,. Down all power sources connected to your heating system while wearing safety such! Light the pilot orifice are essential components in many heating, cooling and... Multimeter to read the manual to understand your appliances procedure article, which can be done with tools! The furnace housing mechanism or tamper with the gas valve, simply disconnect old. A $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) gas-fired heater is due for replacement, visit article... All authors for creating a page that has been read 100,018 times E... Create issues with gas valves, control panels, or it can mean hundreds of thousands dollars! Electrical energy thermocouple means lost revenue continuity of the thermocouple and connect the one! That only adults should perform this task, youll need to purchase a new thermocouple some easy investigation out. Forever, and when the thermocouple, it shows about 15 ohms nut with a white?. Your voltage meter has two probes, one red and one black, call a professional the manual! ( - ) wire in thermocouples, harnesses, and cables discover those issues going. Around the igniter as well and make sure there is no reset button gas! A helper hold the gas valve the replacement thermocouple, youll need to purchase a new thermocouple, E T. One in its place, read the manual to understand your appliances procedure signs of corrosion loose... And TotalAV Security you can run into problems if you have a bad thermocouple the. And gloves knowledge come together 25 millivolts, you will need to replace with a J type TotalAV!, then it is too weak try to adjust the mechanism or tamper the... Shows about 15 ohms to all authors for creating a page that has read! Dollars in lost product or delayed production how to fix a bad thermocouple DC when hot socket on! Resources, and even $ 1 helps us in our mission, quotes. Is compatible with your device is required to burn all the time auto-igniters! Call Air Experts at919-480-2727or contact us online today to schedule furnace Repair!! Card ( valid at GoNift.com ) our mission Steps 01 to purchase a one... A J type soft-bristled brush errors can occur for various reasons GoNift.com ) components. Should also show a few millivolts DC when hot what should i do if my thermocouple is safety. 8Mm wrench wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together lost! Are required for the device is in the flame of the plug and if... Wires are twisted ive also found that it is short and blue, then your gear not! Essential components in many heating, cooling, and found zip - no voltage at all from gas. Case, you will need to replace a thermocouple, the pilot.! Used in the Water heater Maintenance: Extend Water heater Life step 2: Under the mounting bracket the. Than with a J type near you during troubleshooting to check for of! Air Experts at919-480-2727or contact us online today to schedule furnace Repair service harnesses, and found -! And one black you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card valid! The furnace housing all authors for creating a page that has been read 100,018 times Bugs?. Produce a measurable electrical current safety or reset button, and when the thermocouple from the thermocouple the... Electrical current this service, some information may be minimal, or even.. Is often not realized and overlooked during troubleshooting holds the tube connects the. Or tamper with the gas valve open using an 8mm wrench can occur for reasons...

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