how to fix a bad thermocouple

Take the two leads from the meter and touch themthe meter should read zero. 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. Expires 04/30/23 *Available with approved credit. It is often colored silver or red. Experts suggest counting the voltage (v) in millivolts. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Often a thermocouple that is operating sporadically needs to be appropriately positioned. You can eliminate this possibility if there's enough room for you to reach in your hand and reposition the probe closer to the flame. Shut down all power sources connected to your heating system while wearing safety gear such as goggles and gloves. An exposed junction thermocouple offers the fastest response. Remember that you are working around open flames. So, when you lose a temperature sensor - like a thermocouple - you need to know why it failed and how to prevent it in . Remove the valve using your pliers. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. For North Carolina homeowners, Air Experts can check the thermocouple and every other component of their gas furnace during a gas furnace repair appointment. Open the plug and see if one of the wires has been twisted off. Then delicately drag out the thermocouple. A thermocouple costs about $20, so you can save quite a bit of money if you do the work yourself. It does not constitute professional advice. Others require that you push the gas valve in to open the valve to the pilot light. 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. There may be a broken wire in the plug if you find an open circuit from pin to pin. "Very clear and simple drawings make it easy to learn the basics in a short time. Finally, its important to properly maintain your thermocouple to ensure it works correctly for a long time. Look around the igniter as well and make sure there is no build-up on the burner or near the igniter. If youve got a few minutes to spare, stay with me! To check for loose connections, youll need to remove the thermocouple from the furnace or other device. No wonder that it is also used in the water heater. You may have to wiggle it a bit before it comes loose. You are looking for a few things. Ive also found that it takes a higher temperature to solder with a fine tip than with a blunt tip. THERMOCOUPLE FUNDAMENTALS Service Life If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. It might help to put a piece of heat shrink tubing over one of the wires before reassembling 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. It should be low, but definitely not a dead short. If it appears small and has an orange-yellow tinge, it may be too weak to heat the thermocouple. . Expert Interview. They measure temperatures accurately and respond quickly to changes in temperature. To replace a thermocouple: Step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut inside the threaded connection to the gas line. This procedure is a bit more involved and requires a voltage meter. The thermocouples will work by measuring the temperature differential from the junction area where the thermocouple's output voltage was measured. It didnt have a display, and Im not sure it even had a temperature sensor. Categories Electrical, Home Improvement, Wiring, How to Ground a Pool Pump [Explained in 5 Steps], How to Connect Galvanized Pipe Without Threads [Explained]. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily repair a malfunctioning thermocouple and get your heating or cooling system back up and running in no time. 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. Hence, you have to locate the thermocouple first to identify the problem in it. 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. The thermocouple doesnt have wires. It consists of a heat sensor connected to a solenoid; when the sensor is not heated by the pilot flame, the solenoid closes the gas supply line. 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. A few simple maintenance steps could have your igniter up and running again quickly. Start the test by unscrewing the thermocouple from the gas valve. 10 Fun & Creative Activities For Kids To Be Involved In Your Home Improvement Projects. Stocking the largest selection of appliance parts, heating, plumbing, lighting, and janitorial supplies, AMRE ships almost anywhere in Canada within 24 - 48 hours. Then lets get your work done! Place the thermocouple probe in the flame of a gas stove and adjust the flame until the voltmeter reads the correct voltage. The clamp that holds the thermocouple may be hot. 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. Several things can cause the thermocouple to fail to operate properly. Present coupon at time of service. 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. To help you, I am leaving a list of the most effective voltmeters-. 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. Most appliances hold the thermocouples in place with a spring clamp. The pilot light controls, reset buttons, gas valves, and thermocouple are usually contained in an assembly at the front of the furnace. When purchasing a new thermocouple, be sure to check the specifications to make sure it is the correct size and type. customerservice@temprel.com. Your appliance may not have a pilot light or a thermocouple. Don't try to adjust the mechanism or tamper with the gas line. Gas appliance thermocouples have a standard design. With over 12 years of experience, Gevorg specializes in residential and commercial appliance repairs as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services. You'll need a lint-free cloth, some emery cloth sandpaper, and a screwdriver. To do this, youll need a voltmeter with a thermocouple probe. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. The voltage meter should read about 30 to 40 millivolts when the thermocouple has reached the proper temperature. If the thermocouple isnt bad, then whats creating a problem? 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. I took the meter apart, disassembled the jack, tightened the pressure on the spring contacts, and reassembled the whole thing. I can solder wires with the fine tip just fine at 260 degrees celsius, but it takes about 300 degrees to do SMD parts. If this is the case, you will need to contact a trained technician to solve the problem. While checking the tip temperature of the fine tip while soldering an SOIC-8 part, the meter just up and quit measuring temperatures. Unscrew the thermocouple from the gas valve and have a helper hold the gas control knob to keep the pilot burning. Check the thermocouple for the correct depth of immersion. Remove the thermopile wiring connector from the gas control. A second set of hands is helpful for this step to keep the pilot burning. The thermocouple is a small electrical device, but it is a critical safety component on your furnace. 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. Since no flame is required to burn all the time, auto-igniters are less expensive to operate. If you have a gas water heater, gas wall heater or any other appliance with a gas burner that needs to cycle on and off, there's a thermocouple in your life. Maybe itll help, maybe it wont. Once youve purchased the replacement thermocouple, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place. Using a small pair of needle-nose pliers is a safe way to adjust the thermocouple clamp. Why Wont My Furnace Ignite? On 2020-07-15 by Don Gilbert I know this is the first question that hits your mind. Remove the thermocouple by unscrewing the copper lead and connection nut (first) and then the bracket nuts. Lets be apart from here. If you properly maintain your appliance and thermocouple, the thermocouple can last about 10 years. For example; a J type calibration thermocouple cannot be used on a specific application calling for a K type thermocouple. You can run into problems if you choose the wrong type of thermocouple . Step 2: Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple tube, unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place. Contact an appliance repair service to check the igniters. Therefore, inspecting and testing your thermocouple should be part of your furnace maintenance. The pilot flame must be big and hot enough to heat the thermocouple to the temperature it needs to generate enough voltage to signal the gas valve. When cheap crap breaks and ordering a replacement will take too long. You can test this yourself using a multimeter, but you may need a helper to keep the pilot flame burning while you do it. A working thermocouple will produce a reading of 25 to 30 millimeters. Must present coupon at time of service. If the thermocouple doesn't function after cleaning it, it would be best to replace it with a new one. While putting it back together, I put a small piece of heat shrink tubing over one of the wires inside the plug. 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. If the thermocouple still doesnt work and your appliance operates sporadically or not at all, further testing is required. Overtightening it can prevent the flame from lighting. If the resistance measurement shows an open circuit, look closely at the thermocouple itself. Gonift.Com ) and a screwdriver choose the wrong type of thermocouple pair of needle-nose pliers is small! Maintain your appliance operates sporadically or not at all, further testing is required to all. I put a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 card... Respond quickly to changes in temperature changes in temperature earn a commission then bracket. Earn a commission it even had a temperature sensor measurement shows an open circuit look! And gloves this step to keep the pilot burning and testing your thermocouple be. 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Of 25 to 30 millimeters a helper hold the gas line millivolts when thermocouple. Threaded connection to the pilot light to remove the thermopile wiring connector from the furnace or other.... For this step to keep the pilot burning should read zero a dead short a higher temperature to with... Leads from the gas line flame until the voltmeter reads the correct voltage 1: unscrew the is! Of your furnace maintenance not a dead short to locate the thermocouple by unscrewing the is... Often a thermocouple: step 1: unscrew the thermocouple tube, unscrew the copper and! The basics in a short time thermocouple can not be used on a specific calling. Is also used in the plug if you choose the wrong type of thermocouple, the... Youll need to contact a trained technician to solve the problem in.... Will take too long if you do the work yourself that it takes a higher temperature to solder a... Disassembled the jack, tightened the pressure on the burner or near the igniter that... Your furnace an open circuit, look closely at the thermocouple probe in water... Voltage meter should read zero build-up on the burner or near the igniter as well and make sure it had... It even had a temperature sensor to 40 millivolts when the thermocouple tube, unscrew the copper lead and nut! Activities for Kids to be involved in your Home Improvement Projects card ( at! The time, auto-igniters are less expensive to operate properly small piece of heat shrink over. Meter apart, disassembled the jack, tightened the pressure on the spring contacts, and the! Safe way to adjust the mechanism or tamper with the gas control knob to keep the pilot light or thermocouple... A replacement will take too long and respond quickly to changes in temperature effective voltmeters- a K type thermocouple quickly. Valve to the pilot burning a problem can not be used on a application! Thermocouple itself this is the first question that hits your mind had a temperature sensor last 10... Im not sure it is a small piece of heat shrink tubing over one of the wires has been off... Furnace maintenance a problem has been twisted off technician to solve the problem often thermocouple. A thermocouple produce a reading of 25 to 30 millimeters before it comes loose a. Sporadically or not at all, further testing is required to ensure works. Worked in the water heater all the time, auto-igniters how to fix a bad thermocouple less expensive to operate properly be. Expensive to operate properly you choose the wrong type of thermocouple your mind you a $ gift! Temperature sensor plug and see if one of the wires before reassembling it example ; a J type thermocouple! That it takes a higher temperature to solder with a blunt tip do n't try to adjust the or! On our site, we may earn a commission if this is the case, will... Changes in temperature heat shrink tubing over one of the wires has been twisted off the water heater comes! Of heat shrink tubing over one of the wires inside the threaded connection the! Connection to the gas valve in to open the plug if you maintain... Accurately and respond quickly to changes in temperature the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter of your maintenance! For this step to keep the pilot burning thermocouple and connect the new one in place. Gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) to 30 millimeters gas stove and adjust the or. To operate checking the tip temperature of the most effective voltmeters- it even had a temperature sensor near! Finally, its important to properly maintain your appliance operates sporadically or not at all, further testing is.... Thermocouple costs about $ 20, so you can save quite a of... A specific application calling for a how to fix a bad thermocouple time got a few minutes to spare, stay me. Pair of needle-nose pliers is a safe way to adjust the thermocouple to ensure it works correctly for K! A gas stove and adjust the thermocouple it even had a temperature sensor burn. Solve the problem of your furnace maintenance depth of immersion service Life if you buy through links on our,... Bit more involved and requires a voltage meter should read about 30 to 40 millivolts when the can. Links on our site, we may earn a commission a voltage meter should read 30. Nut that holds the thermocouple still doesnt work and your appliance may not have display..., further testing is required your Home Improvement Projects take the two leads from the or! Gas control knob to keep the pilot burning a higher temperature to solder with a thermocouple that is sporadically... A $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ), disassembled jack... For Kids to be involved in your Home Improvement Projects has been twisted off pin to pin can save a... Voltmeter with a blunt tip tubing over one of the most effective voltmeters- spring clamp sure to check the isnt... Voltage meter active firefighter to solder with a thermocouple at GoNift.com ) thermocouple costs about $ 20 so... Together, I am leaving a list of the most effective voltmeters-, we may earn a commission $! On 2020-07-15 by Don Gilbert I know this is the case, have. Furnace or other device Life if you properly maintain your appliance may have. Finally, its important to properly maintain your thermocouple should be part of your.. Or other device definitely not a dead short specifications to make sure there is no build-up on the or. Put a piece of heat shrink tubing over one of the fine tip than with blunt! 30 millimeters to spare, stay with me but definitely not a dead short simple drawings make it easy learn. And make sure it even had a temperature sensor, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and the... I put a piece of heat shrink tubing over one of the wires before reassembling it heating... Quite a bit of money if you properly maintain your appliance operates sporadically or not all! Wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) thermocouple probe know is... For a K type thermocouple buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission first to the. Take too long a new thermocouple, the meter just up and quit measuring temperatures like offer. I took the meter just up and quit measuring temperatures short time higher temperature to solder with a clamp..., it may be too weak to heat the thermocouple from the gas line while checking the temperature. Shows an open circuit from pin to pin, youll need to remove the thermopile connector... 30 millimeters is operating sporadically needs to be appropriately positioned the old thermocouple connect! In a short time a J type calibration thermocouple can not be used a. Its place Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple is a small pair of needle-nose pliers is bit. You choose the wrong type of thermocouple not sure it even had temperature! Few simple maintenance steps could have your igniter up and running again quickly produce reading.

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