If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that's the sign of a thermocouple malfunction. Does Citronella Actually Help Keep Bugs Away? Be sure to inspect before you test, however, to ensure that there are no obvious problems that could affect the readings from testing! So, when you lose a temperature sensor - like a thermocouple - you need to know why it failed and how to prevent it in . Well, there are a few more causes that can lead to an electrical issue on the appliance. It will secure your own safety. The cheap ones have the thermocouple sticking out of the end of a cloth covered cable. The first step in repairing a thermocouple is to identify the problem. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How to Fix a Thermocouple on a Water Heater? Newer gas appliances have igniters that start the pilot light as needed. Auto-igniters are quite simple. Often a thermocouple that is operating sporadically needs to be appropriately positioned. If the igniter has a pilot hole, move a sewing needle carefully around inside the hole to loosen any trapped material. I fiddled with it for a while, then figured it was time to order a new thermocouple. If your appliance wont light or only lights sporadically, the most common problem is build-up on the igniter. link to Does Citronella Actually Help Keep Bugs Away? A small electric current goes to the auto-igniter when the gas valve signals the gas to turn on. Light green color, on a type K thermocouple indicates the occurrence of aging and a change in the chemical composition known as Green rot. Sounds interesting? Check the thermocouple for the correct depth of immersion. 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. Then attach the other lead to the end of the thermocouple by the igniter. When a pilot goes out, relighting it is simple: Step 1: If there is a gas valve at the pilot, turn the valve to the OFF position and wait at least three minutes to let any built-up gas dissipate. You might also get a splatter or crumb of solder or other metal between them. 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. Start at the cable connector for the controller and work your way towards the tool. If the voltage meter counts less than 25 millivolts, its the thermocouple. Be cautious when reinstalling the thermocouple. 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. 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. Separate the thermocouple connector from the gas valve. In most cases, the thermocouple attaches to the gas valve with a thin. It's also a good idea to pull the pilot tube completely out and poke a needle in the flame orifice. To examine the gear, youll need a voltmeter. If the thermocouple is still not working correctly, you may need to replace it. Lastly, observe the reading of the voltage meter. A) Make sure the thermocouple is free of soot, centered in the flame of the pilot light, and is screwed in tightly to the control valve. In that case, you have to replace a new thermocouple. Use the results to keep your furnace in good repair and your home safe and warm throughout the year. A dirty thermocouple may affect the ability of the gas fireplace to ignite. Gevorg Grigorian is an Appliance Repair Specialist and the Owner of G and R Appliance Repair in Los Angeles, California. 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. Remove the thermopile wiring connector from the gas control. 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. In addition, a fan motor can also get energized while working on the appliance. For North Carolina homeowners, Air Experts can check the thermocouple and every other component of their gas furnace during a gas furnace repair appointment. For advice on determining if your gas-fired heater is due for replacement, visit this article. Then lets get your work done! Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. Then again some appliances need to push the gas valve in to open the pilot light. Fortunately, the plug can be disassembled. Next, use a multimeter to check for continuity of the heater zones. Step 2: Locate your thermocouple. I know its really hard to tell if it has started to malfunction or not. 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. If there is a safety or reset button, push the button, and keep it depressed. Turn On Gas Supply And Check for Leaks Once this check is done, turn the meter back to volts. 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 the thermocouple isnt bad, then whats creating a problem? An aged heater can create issues with gas valves, control panels, or even burners. But, if you discover that the voltage level is accurate, then your gear is not faulty at all! . Keep reading to find out how to maintain and repair one of the most vital components of any machine. It can be a pressing problem in your gas-fired heater. Turn the appliance off. These can be easily dislodged during cleaning or other maintenance, especially if the covers are left off the appliance. Gently rub the toothbrush over and around the igniter head. If the thermocouple still doesnt work and your appliance operates sporadically or not at all, further testing is required. On a random impulse, I measured the resistance between the two wires at the thermocouple end. If your equipment calls for a J type, you will need to replace with a J type. Expires 04/30/23 Call for details. Working on a gas appliance with the gas on is an open invitation to an accident and severe burn injuries. The thermocouple on your appliance is with the pilot light. 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. 1 cause of pilot lights that won't stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. Your furnace pilot light should burn just fine if you have got all these steps right. If your pilot light doesnt work, use the wrench to unscrew the thermocouples other end. The next step is to remove the thermocouple from the gas valve. Fortunately, repairing a thermocouple is a relatively simple process that requires minimal tools and a bit of patience. Find the controls on the gas valve and turn the valve to the off position. Enjoy! Another option is to call a heating repair person near you. Step 2: Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple tube, unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place. Only professionals have the parts and legal licensing to replace a gas valve. 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. To check for loose connections, you'll need to remove the thermocouple from the furnace or other device. The jack for the thermocouple on the meter was always a little flaky, so I thought it might be broken or just have bad contact. To replace the thermocouple, youll need to purchase a new one that is compatible with your device. If it is short and blue, then it is too weak. Sometimes the problem is simply that the thermocouple probe is too far from the flame. FIND LOCAL CONTRACTORS. The thermocouple on a gas fireplace may eventually become clogged with dirt and soot, which can reduce the effectiveness of the thermocouple and may eventually prevent the fireplace from lighting as expected. Overtightening it can prevent the flame from lighting. Thank you.". If the appliance should suddenly light the burner, you may suffer burns or worse injuries. If the thermocouple is out of alignment, gently pull or push the spring clamp. For that, turn on the gas valve and put it in the Light Pilot setting. This end appears needle-shaped and is designed to take on heat, so put the tip into the flame. With it all reassembled, the meter was again showing the correct temperature. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. A thermocouple is a device that produces a small electric current when it is heated. Don't try to adjust the mechanism or tamper with the gas line. While checking the tip temperature of the fine tip while soldering an SOIC-8 part, the meter just up and quit measuring temperatures. If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced. After three minutes, turn the valve to the PILOT position. A correctly adjusted pilot flame is steady and blue, and stands between 1/4 and 1/2 inch high. Finally, its important to properly maintain your thermocouple to ensure it works correctly for a long time. Sometimes the sporadic movement of the thermocouple can also shake its position. If this is the case, you will need to contact a trained technician to solve the problem. Do You Need Emergency Furnace Repair? Carefully complete a thorough inspection of the thermocouple probe looking for any pin holes, cracks, and areas with discoloration indicating internal contamination issues. The proper place for the device is in the flame of the pilot light. I know this is the first question that hits your mind. To check for loose connections, youll need to remove the thermocouple from the furnace or other device. You should hear a clicking sound as the igniter fires, and then the burner should light. This is often not realized and overlooked during troubleshooting. If your voltage meter doesnt have clamps to hold the probes in place, get a friend. If the thermocouple isnt problematic, search for the actual valid reason. If there is no reset button or gas valve, simply hold a lighted match to the pilot orifice. References. So that it can produce an ample amount of electrical flow. I recently bought a new soldering iron, and have been familiarizing myself with it and learning what temperature it takes to do what. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. They measure temperatures accurately and respond quickly to changes in temperature. And put off the thermocouple connector from the gas valve. If youre uncomfortable performing this test yourself, be sure to call a licensed HVAC contractor who can help you. Impulse, i measured the resistance between the two wires at the thermocouple, youll to. Was again showing the correct temperature ensure it works correctly for a while then. Is due for replacement, visit this article and have been familiarizing myself with it all reassembled the! And work your way towards the tool that is compatible with your device safety or button... Thermocouple, youll need a voltmeter replace a new one that is operating needs. It was time to order a new one that is compatible with your device a... 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