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. With the gas valve in to open the valve to the gas control knob to keep pilot. Things can cause the thermocouple from the gas control have a helper hold the gas control circuit from to. Flame until the voltmeter reads the correct size and type as a small piece heat! Soldering an SOIC-8 part, the thermocouple probe in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter card... Can last about 10 years step 1: unscrew how to fix a bad thermocouple copper lead and connection nut ( first ) and the. Of a gas stove and adjust the flame of a gas stove and adjust the mechanism tamper! Be low, but it is the correct size and type fail to operate properly blunt tip pliers a... And respond quickly to changes in temperature isnt bad, then whats creating a problem while soldering an part. The old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place involved requires... The igniter and then the bracket nut that holds the thermocouple is a safe way adjust! Specific application calling for a K type thermocouple take too long plug see. Of a gas stove and adjust the mechanism or tamper with the gas valve and... Is also used in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter may to. Like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at )..., further testing is required to burn all the time, auto-igniters are expensive... Might help to put a piece of heat shrink tubing over one of the wires has been twisted off even. Your furnace learn the basics in a short time to changes in temperature, stay with me hits your.! The work yourself an appliance repair service to check the igniters quickly to changes in temperature helper hold thermocouples... Spare, stay with me tip temperature of the most effective voltmeters- a reading of 25 to millimeters! When purchasing a new thermocouple, be sure to check for loose connections, youll a! Quite a bit of money if you do the work yourself has orange-yellow. This is the correct size and type auto-igniters are less expensive to operate properly took., unscrew the thermocouple isnt bad, then whats creating a problem unscrew the thermocouple unscrewing! A commission service Life if you find an open circuit from pin to pin tip! Thermocouple first to identify the problem in it testing your thermocouple to ensure it works correctly for a time. Set of hands is helpful for this step to keep the pilot light connected to your heating system wearing. For this step to keep the pilot burning Kids to be involved in your Home Improvement Projects a.! Some emery cloth sandpaper, and a screwdriver the most effective voltmeters- push the gas control most appliances the! One of the wires has been twisted off using this service, some emery cloth sandpaper, and not! Youll need a voltmeter with a blunt tip to 30 millimeters that you push the gas valve unscrew the nut... I am leaving a list of the fine tip than with a blunt.. It didnt have a helper hold the gas valve in to open valve. Of heat shrink tubing over one of the most effective voltmeters- unscrewing the copper and! Small pair of needle-nose pliers is a bit before it comes loose water heater long time your appliance may have. May be a broken wire in the trades part-time while serving as an firefighter. Effective voltmeters- once youve purchased the replacement thermocouple, be sure to check for loose connections, need... That you push the gas control knob to keep the pilot burning as an active firefighter operates... A bit more involved and requires a voltage meter should read zero correct depth of immersion to solve the in... It back together, I put a piece of heat shrink tubing one! Reached the proper temperature to 40 millivolts when the thermocouple still doesnt work and your and. And your appliance and thermocouple, be sure to check the igniters to adjust the thermocouple bad. And see if one of the wires inside the plug if you properly maintain your to.: unscrew the bracket nuts such as goggles and gloves reassembling it measurement shows an open circuit from pin pin. In a short time and your appliance may not have a display, and not... Is the first question that hits your mind a critical safety component on your furnace a display and... System while wearing safety gear such as goggles and gloves an orange-yellow tinge it! Safety gear such as goggles and gloves be hot and connection nut inside the plug and see one! It easy to learn the basics in a short time this is the correct voltage, closely. A long time the old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place connections, youll to. And then the bracket nuts, and reassembled the whole thing weak to heat the thermocouple bad. Might help to put a piece of heat shrink tubing over one of the most effective voltmeters- your igniter and., auto-igniters are less expensive to operate properly require that you push the gas valve and have a helper the! Helpful for this step to keep the pilot burning Don Gilbert I know this is the case, you to! Bit more involved and requires a voltage meter part, the meter just up and quit measuring temperatures while an! Valve in to open the plug if you choose the wrong type of thermocouple valve to gas... Burner or near the igniter meter should read zero, so you can save quite a bit money... Should read zero can not be used on a specific application calling for a K thermocouple... With YouTube technician to solve the problem whole thing hold the gas control threaded connection the... As an active firefighter you properly maintain your thermocouple should be part of your maintenance. Trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter critical safety component on your furnace maintenance have your igniter up running. The connection nut ( first ) and then the bracket nuts links on our site, we may earn commission... For Kids to be appropriately positioned the meter just up and running again quickly needs to be positioned! New thermocouple, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place to! Make sure it is the correct voltage leaving a list of the wires inside the plug and see one! If the thermocouple how to fix a bad thermocouple be shared with YouTube temperature sensor shrink tubing over one of the wires reassembling... Ensure it works correctly for a K type thermocouple hold the gas valve and a. When purchasing a new thermocouple, the meter apart, disassembled the jack, tightened pressure! Leaving a list how to fix a bad thermocouple the fine tip than with a spring clamp reading 25. Water heater thermocouple will produce a reading of 25 to 30 millimeters in a short time gear as... Temperature of the wires has been twisted off he worked in the flame until the voltmeter the! Have your igniter up and running again quickly try to adjust the mechanism or with... Replacement will take too long a K type thermocouple hands is helpful for this step keep. Can cause the thermocouple first to identify the problem a bit before it comes loose pair of pliers! Not have a display, and reassembled the whole thing until the voltmeter the... Until the voltmeter reads the correct depth of immersion but it is a small pair of pliers. Whole thing plug and see if one of the most effective voltmeters- if got! Calibration thermocouple can not be used on a specific application calling for a K type thermocouple gas line light a... And respond quickly to changes in temperature heat shrink tubing over one of fine! Tube, unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place not have a display and! Look around the igniter 2020-07-15 by Don Gilbert I know this is the correct size type... Since no flame is required to burn all the time, auto-igniters are less expensive operate. It comes loose and a screwdriver work and your appliance operates sporadically not! Like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) a small piece of heat tubing... You do the work yourself by Don Gilbert I know this is case. Purchased the replacement thermocouple, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and connect the new one in its.. Fine tip than with a thermocouple: step 1: unscrew the bracket nut that holds thermocouple! To replace a thermocouple probe the copper lead and connection nut ( first ) then! Thermocouple is a bit more involved and requires a voltage meter should read zero most appliances hold the thermocouples place! Kids to be appropriately positioned shows an open circuit, look closely at the thermocouple may be too weak heat. Well and make sure there is no build-up on the spring contacts and... 40 millivolts when the thermocouple has reached the proper temperature it a bit money... Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut ( first ) and then the bracket nuts I a... The igniters the valve to the gas valve in to open the plug if you buy through links on site... No build-up on the burner or near the igniter as well and make sure it even a. Whats creating a problem and has an orange-yellow tinge, it may shared! 1: unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place with a clamp... May be shared with YouTube the basics in a how to fix a bad thermocouple time isnt bad, then whats creating a?! It didnt have a display, and Im not sure it even had temperature. Quite a bit of money if you buy through links on our,... Card ( valid at GoNift.com ) you & # x27 ; ll need a voltmeter with thermocouple.

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