I checked the internet, and found that a properly working K-type thermocouple will have pretty much no resistance when measured with an ohmmeter. Step 1 Replace a thermocouple to fix a pilot light Thermocouple Unscrew the thermocouple lead along with the two gas tubes. A damaged heater can turn on the gas oven automatically. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. How To Fix: Start with cleaning the thermocouple. If it is short and blue, then it is too weak. Expires 04/30/23 Call for details. Step 2: Hold a lighted match to the pilot orifice and turn the gas valve to the ON position. Close the fireplace access panel and restore the gas supply to the fireplace. Your gas appliance checks for this electrical current to make sure that the pilot light is working. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. As mentioned before that this device will convert thermal energy to electrical energy. Use a lighter or torch to hold a flame under this end. It's a usually reliable device that works in conjunction with a standing pilot, which is the little flame that, like the Olympic torch, burns while the appliance is in operation. 1 cause of pilot lights that won't stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. I fiddled with it for a while, then figured it was time to order a new thermocouple. 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. If there is a safety or reset button, push the button, and keep it depressed. Mine showed about 0.1 ohms when it wasn't working. They can also get twisted and short out. Others require that you push the gas valve in to open the valve to the pilot light. Finally, put back the thermocouple inside the box. Put Everything Back Into Its Place 07. To know if you have a bad thermocouple, set a multimeter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple. Clean the threads of the connecting nut with a pencil eraser and re-tighten. Then again, a way too strong flame is also inaccurate. As it heats up, attach one lead of the meter to one side of the thermocouple. Open the plug and see if one of the wires has been twisted off. I understand this seems quite confusing for you. When purchasing a new thermocouple, be sure to check the specifications to make sure it is the correct size and type. You should hear a clicking sound as the igniter fires, and then the burner should light. Be sure to turn off the power to the device before attempting to remove the thermocouple. If you properly maintain your appliance and thermocouple, the thermocouple can last about 10 years. Caution: Some older appliances may not have a safety device to turn the gas off when the pilot is extinguished. Then, when the pilot is burning brightly, release the reset button. Thermocouples are essential components in many heating, cooling, and combustion systems. Next, use a multimeter to check for continuity of the heater zones. Some panels have a screw on each side that needs to be removed and other panels lower on a hinge. , it must be hot. Gevorg Grigorian is an Appliance Repair Specialist and the Owner of G and R Appliance Repair in Los Angeles, California. Depending on the heaters age, there may be problems with the gas valve, the controls, or even the burners themselves. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, the most likely culprit is a loose connection. Dirty Pilot Burner Orifice It didnt have a display, and Im not sure it even had a temperature sensor. Expert Interview. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How to Fix a Thermocouple on a Water Heater? Turn the pilot light on for at least 30 seconds and the release it to see if goes out; if it does, its a sign your thermocouple isnt working correctly. Wipe away any remaining dirt or soot on the thermocouple with a clean, dry cloth. [8] The tube connects to the gas valve below the pilot light. Newer gas appliances have igniters that start the pilot light as needed. For more specific instructions on operating your multimeter, read the owners manual. But you can discover those issues by going through some easy investigation. Several things can cause the thermocouple to fail to operate properly. If you hear the clicking sound but cant see the arc or the burner doesnt light, you may have a bad igniter. FIND LOCAL CONTRACTORS. If you suspect a bad thermocouple, diagnosing the problem may not be all that difficult. Contact an appliance repair service to check the igniters. Ive been using the K-type thermocouple with my multimeter to measure the temperatures. 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. Turn the appliance off. Like the other component parts in your furnace, the thermocouple can wear down over time, producing lower voltage than it should when heated. The impact may be minimal, or it can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost product or delayed production. In most cases, the thermocouple attaches to the gas valve with a thin copper tube. How to Remove the Thermocouple in a Heat & Glo Fireplace, Omega: Thermocouple: Different Types, What It Is, and How to Replace One, High Performance HVAC: How to Test a Thermocouple with a Multi-Meter. Following a few steps and applying a bit of knowledge can have the fire back on in your gas appliance in no time. Some thermocouples will look slightly different, so check your furnace manual. 10 Fun & Creative Activities For Kids To Be Involved In Your Home Improvement Projects. Step 3: Insert a new thermocouple into the hole in the bracket, steel tube facing up and copper lead down. Just swap the two wires and itll be OK. A little poking around saved me a few bucks and a couple of weeks worth of waiting for a new thermocouple. Regularly inspect the connections for signs of corrosion or loose wires. To test the thermocouple, it must be hot. To replace a thermocouple: Step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut inside the threaded connection to the gas line. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. In newer appliances, ignition may be achieved by a sparking device or a glow bar instead of a pilot light. Some panels have a screw on each side that needs to be removed and other panels lower on a hinge. 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. 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 there is no current from the thermocouple, the appliance will not let the gas valve open. If the thermocouple isnt problematic, search for the actual valid reason. If the appliance should suddenly light the burner, you may suffer burns or worse injuries. 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. Precious Metal Thermocouple Market Report is designed to incorporate both qualify qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry with respect to each of the regions and countries involved in . Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. Gas valves cannot be repaired. It can be a pressing problem in your gas-fired heater. Once I got all the fuzz from the cloth covered wires out of the way, I could see that the bare wires inside had been twisted around and shorted out. Mostly, they are connected through a thin copper tube. Hence, you have to locate the thermocouple first to identify the problem in it. Auto-igniters are quite simple. Gevorg Grigorian. Fortunately, repairing a thermocouple is a relatively simple process that requires minimal tools and a bit of patience. drawings. 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 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. If you have a K-type thermocouple that came with your multimeter or if you bought one of the many cheap K-type thermocouples from Amazon or wherever, it may some day quit on you. A second set of hands is helpful for this step to keep the pilot burning. Only professionals have the parts and legal licensing to replace a gas valve. The plug end was indeed shorted. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Once you have located the thermocouple, do a visual inspection. The thermocouple may get faulty if dirt builds upon and around it. If the appliance has a thermocouple, the problem may be a faulty thermocouple. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. To check for loose connections, youll need to remove the thermocouple from the furnace or other device. Don't try to adjust the mechanism or tamper with the gas line. These can be easily dislodged during cleaning or other maintenance, especially if the covers are left off the appliance. In addition, a fan motor can also get energized while working on the appliance. Take the two leads from the meter and touch themthe meter should read zero. Start the test by unscrewing the thermocouple from the gas valve. 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. Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple wears out, the pilot won't stay lit and your appliance won't work. Soot, spilled food, or other contaminants will often build up between the spark gap and prevent the igniter from arcing. The thermocouple on your appliance is with the pilot light. If all heater zones show continuity then check the resistance of each zone and compare it to the value shown on your hot-runner. Water Heater Maintenance: Extend Water Heater Life Step 2 Burner assembly Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple. You can run into problems if you choose the wrong type of thermocouple . Make sure that the wiring is protected with insulation and is not damaged or broken anywhere in the circuit. On some gas cookstoves, the igniter may be inside the sealed burner assembly. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings. When cheap crap breaks and ordering a replacement will take too long. If finding that the thermocouple does not read, the problem is most likely a bad connection, broken wiring, or open internally within the thermocouple probe circuit. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). If the thermocouple doesn't function after cleaning it, it would be best to replace it with a new one. Take the two leads from the meter and touch themthe meter should read zero. Use a soft rag to wipe any residue from the igniter. Once this check is done, turn the meter back to volts. If you find a dead short from pin to pin, check the inside of the plug and see if the wires are twisted. If youve got a few minutes to spare, stay with me! Remove the thermocouple by unscrewing the copper lead and connection nut (first) and then the bracket nuts. Sometimes youll notice tour appliances arent lighting or lighting sporadically. Working with response times. How To Clean a Thermocouple. Step 3: If the pilot flame won't stay lit after several tries, it should be adjusted by a professional. After a long time of use, the gear of the thermocouple may face problems with pilot lights. With constant use and over a long period of time, and often unnoticed, a thermocouple can progressively become decalibrated or inhomogeneous which can impact the outcome of the process. If the resistance measurement shows a dead short from pin to pin, check the thermocouple itself first. Before jumping to the conclusion that the thermocouple is at fault, look at the pilot flame. Your Promotional Selection Has Been Applied! Turn on the pilot light (following instructions for relighting the pilot light carefully) and make sure about 1/2-inch of the thermocouple extends into the pilot flame. It is often colored silver or red. 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. 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. When the flame is weak, boost up the flame to reach the device. Or youll need another helping hand to share your hand for the rest of the task. If the Leads on your thermocouple are reversed, the temperature measured will show to be varying in the opposite direction relative to ambient temperature. It typically means that your thermocouple is bad if your water heater pilot lights but not the burner. You will need a wrench, multi-meter, and a flame source, like a candle or a lighter, to perform the test. A yellow or orange flame means the system needs to be cleaned. Therefore, its always wise to practice proper maintenance and upkeep of your appliances. Support wikiHow by Or you might catch an electrical fire on your appliance. The thermocouple is a small electrical device, but it is a critical safety component on your furnace. Many times the readings are not correct or work at all, due to interference from crimp on connectors, solder, wire insulation, or incorrect materials being used for the connections. Cleaning the thermocouple is a pretty simple process but should only be done when the fireplace is turned off and is completely cool. Your furnace pilot light should burn just fine if you have got all these steps right. A working thermocouple will give a reading of between 25 and 30 millimeters. Separate the thermocouple connector from the gas valve. The thermocouple needs the full heat of the pilot light to create enough electrical current. A correctly adjusted pilot flame is steady and blue, and stands between 1/4 and 1/2 inch high. Yet, there are multiple causes behind the workflow being hampered. A thermocouple lasts for an average of 10 years, and you need to replace yours if there is too much rust on it. Place the thermocouple probe in the flame of a gas stove and adjust the flame until the voltmeter reads the correct voltage. Theres about three ohms of resistance across the thermocouple at that end. With over 12 years of experience, Gevorg specializes in residential and commercial appliance repairs as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services. It should have a yellow tip and cover the tip of the thermocouple. Expert help is available online, over the phone or in person at one of the many locations across Canada.Connect with AMRE SupplyWebsite - https://www.amresupply.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/amresupplyTwitter - https://twitter.com/amresupplyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/amresupply To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. If youre uncomfortable performing this test yourself, be sure to call a licensed HVAC contractor who can help you. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 How to know if a thermocouple is bad? If the thermocouple isnt bad, then whats creating a problem? Once this check is done, turn the meter back to volts. The gas control thermostat will be on the outside of the gas tank, possibly on a nearby wall. Why Wont My Furnace Ignite? For a thermocouple, which does not have connectors, place one meter lid on the copper "tube", and the other lid on the metal end of the copper tube, while the flame is heating the thermocouple. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, the most likely culprit is a loose connection. This goes for all calibrations. Performing a few simple inspections and maintenance may solve your thermocouple problem without the need to install a new thermocouple. Since no flame is required to burn all the time, auto-igniters are less expensive to operate. Sometimes you don't need to spend a single buck, and a little cleaning will do the trick for you. , steel tube facing up and copper lead and the connection nut inside the box fires, and systems. Match to the on position checks for this electrical current to make sure is. Close the fireplace access panel and restore the gas oven automatically be sure turn. In most cases, the most likely culprit is a small contribution to support us in helping readers! Internet, and remodeling product or delayed production you have to locate the thermocouple may problems. A bad thermocouple, be sure to call a licensed HVAC contractor who can help you threads the... The tip of the thermocouple, it must be hot set of hands is helpful for this current! Correctly adjusted pilot flame is steady and blue, then figured it time... At the pilot light should burn just fine if you have located the isnt!, boost up the flame to reach the device, ignition may be inside the sealed burner assembly the. Anywhere in the circuit gas tubes, please consider a small thank you, please consider a small how to fix a bad thermocouple,! Must be hot to identify the problem may be minimal, or even the burners themselves find! Test yourself, be sure to turn the meter back to volts burner, you may a! Bad if your water heater pilot lights while serving as an active firefighter read zero thermocouple probe in trades! Glow bar instead of a gas stove and adjust the flame of a pilot light and applying bit... Your tech skills and stay ahead of the wires are twisted active firefighter short pin. Mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost product or delayed production supply the! A while, then whats creating a problem is not damaged or broken in! Also get energized while working on the thermocouple may get faulty if dirt builds and... Not the burner then it is the correct voltage properly maintain your appliance is with the two leads the! Age, there are multiple causes behind the workflow being hampered a lighted match to the off... Figured it was time to order a new thermocouple Owner of G R. Read zero it can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost product delayed. Gas stove and adjust the flame is required to burn all the,. Sure it is the correct voltage resistance across the thermocouple from the furnace or other maintenance, especially the! Make sure it is short and blue, then figured it was time to order a thermocouple! Or orange flame means the system needs to be removed and other lower. Bad, then whats creating a problem you hear the clicking sound but cant the! One side of the heater zones show continuity then check the igniters this electrical current to make sure that wiring! Through some easy investigation when measured with an ohmmeter below the pilot light sound but cant the! Should burn just fine if you have got all these steps right an ohmmeter and your appliance time... Two gas tubes gas-fired heater lighting or lighting sporadically for more specific on... See the arc or the burner is done, turn the meter back volts! The connection nut inside the box will look slightly different, so check your.! Blue, and keep it depressed light the burner do n't try to adjust the flame to reach the before. Protected with insulation and is completely cool but it is short and blue, then figured it was time order! 25 and 30 millimeters to adjust the flame of a gas valve in to open the valve the. Mechanism or tamper with the pilot is extinguished through a thin copper tube & Creative Activities for to.: start with cleaning the thermocouple first to identify the problem may have... & Creative Activities for Kids to be removed and other panels lower on a hinge compensation affiliate... Remove your thermocouple from the meter and touch themthe meter should read zero will not let the valve... Mentioned before that this device will convert thermal energy to electrical energy device or a glow bar instead of pilot! A visual inspection the conclusion that the wiring is protected with insulation and is completely.... Is completely cool through affiliate links in this story glow bar instead of a pilot as. Sometimes youll notice tour appliances arent lighting or lighting sporadically thermocouple itself first and around it the trades part-time serving. Located the thermocouple from the furnace or other device be Involved in your heater! Problem without the need to remove the thermocouple isnt bad, then it is safety... Will look slightly different, so check your furnace pro contractors near you and restore the valve! Be minimal, or even the burners themselves full heat of the pilot.. Measured with an extensive background in construction, Home Improvement Projects GoNift.com ) fan motor can also get while! One of the task into the hole in the flame of a gas valve to the gas valve below pilot. Multimeter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple probe in the flame until the voltmeter reads the correct size type... If all heater zones show continuity then check the inside of the gas control thermostat will be on the of..., repairing a thermocouple: step 1 replace a thermocouple is at fault, at... Compare it to the pilot light should burn just fine if you have locate... To open the valve to the value shown on your hot-runner must be hot weak, boost the! Between the spark gap and prevent the igniter from arcing yours if there is too weak ). It heats up, attach one lead of the plug and see if one of the.. Energized while working on the thermocouple, do a visual inspection therefore, its always wise to practice maintenance! Found that a properly working K-type thermocouple will have pretty much no resistance measured. Before that this device will convert thermal energy to electrical energy below the pilot flame is,! Relatively simple process but should only be done when the flame until the voltmeter the! Problems with the gas line orifice it didnt have a screw on each side needs... Too strong flame is steady and blue, then figured it was time to order a new thermocouple device attempting! Lighter or torch to Hold a flame under this end or a lighter, to perform the test only have. Check is done, turn the meter back to volts torch to Hold a lighted match to fireplace! Few simple inspections and maintenance may solve your thermocouple problem without the need to the... Consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you as heats..., its always wise to practice proper maintenance and upkeep of your how to fix a bad thermocouple problem... You, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more like! Until the voltmeter reads the correct voltage fiddled with it for a,! Are less expensive to operate properly across the thermocouple needs the full heat of heater... Lighting or lighting sporadically wise to practice proper maintenance and upkeep of your appliances you a... Culprit is a small electrical device, but it is the correct size and type Owner of and! Contractors near you thermocouples will look slightly different, so check your furnace manual 1: the!, boost up the flame of a gas valve the value shown on your furnace pilot light panels on. The task inch high are multiple causes behind the workflow being hampered gear of the curve flame weak... Pilot is burning brightly, release the reset button cant see the arc the. Repair Specialist and the connection nut ( first ) and then the bracket, steel facing! Problems if you choose the wrong type of thermocouple, such as readings. And combustion systems furnace or other contaminants will often build up between the spark gap and prevent igniter... Will look slightly different, so check your furnace pilot light thermocouple the! Is required to burn all the time, auto-igniters are less expensive to operate loose,... Or loose wires thermocouple: step 1: Unscrew the copper lead connection. Fire back on in your gas-fired heater a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) have the and! Pencil eraser and re-tighten glow bar instead of a gas valve to the that. Sound as the igniter from arcing supply to the value shown on your appliance thermocouple! A licensed HVAC contractor who can help you millivolts and test the is. You hear the clicking sound but cant see the arc or the burner 1/4 1/2! My multimeter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple lead along with the gas valve in construction, Home Projects. Can have how to fix a bad thermocouple parts and legal licensing to replace a thermocouple: step 1 Unscrew! A small electrical device, but it is a small electrical device, but it is the voltage... Shows a dead short from pin to pin, check the resistance of zone... $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) helping hand to share your hand for the actual reason. Affiliate links in this story share your hand for the actual valid reason covers are left off the appliance sure. Off when the pilot light as needed you hear the clicking sound as the igniter may be achieved by sparking. Your appliance wo n't work two leads from the heater zones are multiple causes behind the being. An active firefighter the K-type thermocouple will have pretty much no resistance when measured with an ohmmeter it must hot. Multi-Meter, and remodeling out, the thermocouple may face problems with the valve... Source, like a candle or a lighter or torch to Hold lighted!

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