Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Question: Should thermocouples be in pilot flame? And put off the thermocouple connector from the gas valve. Well, there are a few more causes that can lead to an electrical issue on the appliance. Contact us for complete details. Under no circumstances do you want a sudden burst of flame from a burner or a fan motor to energize while working on the appliance. The Red wire is generally the negative (-) wire in thermocouples, harnesses, and cables. Regularly inspect the connections for signs of corrosion or loose wires. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Do this until the end of the thermocouple sits squarely in the flame of the pilot light. To operate correctly, a thermocouple requires the full heat from the pilot light. Next, take your meter and set it to ohms. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? You may have to wiggle it a bit before it comes loose. When these two metals are heated, they produce a measurable electrical current. 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. You should also turn the appliance off before working around the pilot light and burner. 1 cause of pilot lights that won't stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. This article has been viewed 100,018 times. They can also get twisted and short out. If youre uncomfortable performing this test yourself, be sure to call a licensed HVAC contractor who can help you. Finally, put back the thermocouple inside the box. Gas valves cannot be repaired. 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. How to know if a thermocouple is bad? An old toothbrush is a perfect tool for this job. 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. 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. If the voltage meter counts less than 25 millivolts, its the thermocouple. A small electric current goes to the auto-igniter when the gas valve signals the gas to turn on. 2 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. Gevorg holds a BS in Business Administration and Management from California State University-Northridge. It does not constitute professional advice. A gas water heater in Boise, Baton Rouge, Buffalo or Boston uses a thermocouple that includes a probe attached to a copper tube that screws into a port on the gas valve. When a thermocouple fails in your control system, bad things happen. If it is mashed or one of the wires is broken off right at the thermocouple then youre going to have get a new one - that kind of thing cant be fixed. 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. They measure temperatures accurately and respond quickly to changes in temperature. For example; a J type calibration thermocouple cannot be used on a specific application calling for a K type thermocouple. Contact an appliance repair service to check the igniters. Use the results to keep your furnace in good repair and your home safe and warm throughout the year. If your pilot light doesnt work, use the wrench to unscrew the thermocouples other end. Absolutely you dont want that. This procedure is a bit more involved and requires a voltage meter. To know if you have a bad thermocouple, set a multimeter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple. The welded end of the thermocouple probe should protrude at least 1.5 inches (0.0381 meters) into the kiln chamber. The thermocouple, which operates as a safety device, turns the gas supply off when the pilot light goes out. Lets be apart from here. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. Therefore, its always wise to practice proper maintenance and upkeep of your appliances. 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. 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. The idea is to make that sensor portion really hot. Unscrew the thermocouple from the gas valve and have a helper hold the gas control knob to keep the pilot burning. Auto-igniters are quite simple. When the flame is weak, boost up the flame to reach the device. Use an 8mm wrench to pull off the thermocouple. It should be low, but definitely not a dead short. % of people told us that this article helped them. In newer appliances, ignition may be achieved by a sparking device or a glow bar instead of a pilot light. If you can't get the flame to light at all, and you're sure the gas is on, there's probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. Separate the thermocouple connector from the gas valve. It is often colored silver or red. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. A burned out or broken thermocouple should be replaced. We hope that you found this information helpful. Question: How do you bypass a thermocouple? If a water heater pilot won't light at all, the thermocouple probably isn't the problem. 2 May 2006. To check for loose connections, you'll need to remove the thermocouple from the furnace or other device. Water Heater Maintenance: Extend Water Heater Life Step 2 Burner assembly Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple. 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. 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. Use a soft rag to wipe any residue from the igniter. Another option is to call a heating repair person near you. 2. Additionally, be sure to keep the thermocouple free of dust and debris, as this can interfere with the functioning of the device. Expires 04/30/23 Call for details. Find the controls on the gas valve and turn the valve to the off position. But, how do you know if you have a bad thermocouple? Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. Expert Interview. A thermocouple is a safety device that helps control the gas supply in gas-heated furnaces. If this is the case, you will need to contact a trained technician to solve the problem. The likely problem, again, is an obstruction in the pilot tube. Take the two leads from the meter and touch themthe meter should read zero. The main reason for the decalibration is that the wires can become chemically attacked, which effects the wire composition, mechanical properties of the material and ultimately the temperature readings. *Note: If you are inexperienced, wed recommend calling a licensed heating contractor to perform the test! Then lets get your work done! Firstly, turn off the appliance and bring out the thermocouple delicately. Locate the thermocouple near the control board Disconnect it from its wire connections Pull out the faulty thermocouple Install a new thermocouple in its place Put everything back on Now that your heater has a new thermocouple installed, the device should run just fine. It's possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this. You should be done in under 20 minutes. A correctly adjusted pilot flame is steady and blue, and stands between 1/4 and 1/2 inch high. Here's how to check and fix your thermocouple: Measure the resistance from pin to pin on the plug. The actual thermocouple on mine is just a bare metal ball. Note that only adults should perform this task to help reduce the risk of potential injury. Step 1. Dirty Pilot Burner Orifice The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. A yellow or orange flame means the system needs to be cleaned. Don't try to adjust the mechanism or tamper with the gas line. Never work on a gas appliance, especially around the burners, igniters, or pilot lights with the gas turned on. If the resistance measurement shows an open circuit, look closely at the thermocouple itself. You are looking for a few things. Turn On Gas Supply And Check for Leaks On a random impulse, I measured the resistance between the two wires at the thermocouple end. Now that is working again, it shows about 15 ohms. It typically means that your thermocouple is bad if your water heater pilot lights but not the burner. Generally, thermocouples have no wire connections. Now, remove the valve using pliers. Using a small pair of needle-nose pliers is a safe way to adjust the thermocouple clamp. Auto-igniters tend to be more efficient than pilot lights. I took the meter apart, disassembled the jack, tightened the pressure on the spring contacts, and reassembled the whole thing. 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. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Fix-It Club 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. A thermocouple costs about $20, so you can save quite a bit of money if you do the work yourself. Newer gas appliances have igniters that start the pilot light as needed. 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. If there is a safety or reset button, push the button, and keep it depressed. Anyways, connect the red string to the thermocouple. 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. Shut Off The Gas Supply 02. Note: Only clean an orifice with compressed air as drill bits and other abrasive items can enlarge the opening. Once youve removed the thermocouple, inspect the connections for any signs of corrosion or loose wires. To replace a thermocouple: Step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut inside the threaded connection to the gas line. In our final section, we will conclude our discussion of repairing major appliances with a detailed examination of -- of course -- motors. Mostly, they are connected through a thin copper tube. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. 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. Following a few steps and applying a bit of knowledge can have the fire back on in your gas appliance in no time. Ive seen quite a few appliances require turning and holding the valve to control. Before starting the job you must turn off the appliance. Most of the gears set the thermocouple with a spring lamp. Inspect the gas valve and look for damage or rust that can cause it to become unresponsive. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Step 5: Screw the nut tightly into place, but do not overtighten it. Wait until your thermocouple properly generates heat. Carefully complete a thorough inspection of the thermocouple probe looking for any pin holes, cracks, and areas with discoloration indicating internal contamination issues. No wonder that it is also used in the water heater. Yet, there are multiple causes behind the workflow being hampered. *** For Informational Purposes Only. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Call for details. Most appliances hold the thermocouples in place with a spring clamp. You may have more pressing problems than a thermocouple in your gas-fired heater. These can be easily dislodged during cleaning or other maintenance, especially if the covers are left off the appliance. Answer: Definitely, you can! I know its really hard to tell if it has started to malfunction or not. 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. When it stops working, the furnaces pilot light also turns off. Any material that is added to the connection points will influence the readings as they are being cooled by the surrounding ambient air. If the appliance should suddenly light the burner, you may suffer burns or worse injuries. 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. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours. Your email address will not be published. If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced. Hence, you have to locate the thermocouple first to identify the problem in it. Although thermocouples are reliable, temperature measurement errors can occur for various reasons. Set your voltage meter to read voltage (V) in millivolts. To know if you have a bad thermocouple, set a multimeter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple. If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. A functioning thermocouple should also show a few millivolts DC when hot. Place the thermocouple probe in the flame of a gas stove and adjust the flame until the voltmeter reads the correct voltage. Here I repair a thermocouple for my DT304 digital temperature logger using a home made small wire welder.The small wire welder is a work in progress. 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. Meanwhile, dont forget to maintain safety measures. Then, when the pilot is burning brightly, release the reset button. You might also get a splatter or crumb of solder or other metal between them. There may be a broken wire in the plug if you find an open circuit from pin to pin. Answer: Unscrew the tilts switch wire. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. This goes for all calibrations. If the control is accurate and slowly drifting to inaccuracy, it could mean the thermocouple is of bad quality. A dirty thermocouple may affect the ability of the gas fireplace to ignite. The thermocouple needs the full heat of the pilot light to create enough electrical current. Start the test by unscrewing the thermocouple from the gas valve. You can test this yourself using a multimeter, but you may need a helper to keep the pilot flame burning while you do it. Repairing a thermocouple is a relatively simple process that can be done with minimal tools and a bit of patience. Only professionals have the parts and legal licensing to replace a gas valve. Be cautious when reinstalling the thermocouple. 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. 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. After three minutes, turn the valve to the PILOT position. The tube connects to the gas valve below the pilot light. 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. THERMOCOUPLE FUNDAMENTALS Service Life How To Clean a Thermocouple. Theres about three ohms of resistance across the thermocouple at that end. 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. When cheap crap breaks and ordering a replacement will take too long. Use any type of steel wool or emery cloth to wipe off any dirt. In that case, you have to replace a new thermocouple. Once this check is done, turn the meter back to volts. A burned out or broken thermocouple should be replaced. Once youve purchased the replacement thermocouple, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place. If your voltage meter doesnt have clamps to hold the probes in place, get a friend. Or you might catch an electrical fire on your appliance. For advice on determining if your gas-fired heater is due for replacement, visit this article. While checking the tip temperature of the fine tip while soldering an SOIC-8 part, the meter just up and quit measuring temperatures. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Change a Thermocouple on a Fireplace, How to Troubleshoot an Electronic Ignition for a Superior Gas Fireplace, Adjusting the Gas-to-Air Ratio on a Heat-N-Glow Fireplace. It can result in overrunning your central heating pump. The impact may be minimal, or it can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost product or delayed production. With any gas-fired appliance, if a strong smell of gas is present, do not try to relight the pilot or turn the appliance on, or turn any lights on or off. A few simple maintenance steps could have your igniter up and running again quickly. 0 seconds of 3 minutes, 6 secondsVolume 0%. After that, generate heat on the thermocouple. I understand this seems quite confusing for you. In this task, youll need to heat the thermocouple. Step 2: Locate your thermocouple. How To Replace Thermocouple On Gas Water Heater? An aged heater can create issues with gas valves, control panels, or even burners. Once this check is done, turn the meter back to volts. To test the thermocouple, it must be hot. If a thermocouple tests at 25 millivolts or lower, it doesnt have the power to keep a pilot lit and it should be replaced. Learn about the Maintenance and Handling of Thermocouples, Email: Step 2: Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple tube, unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place. Shut down all power sources connected to your heating system while wearing safety gear such as goggles and gloves. The cheap ones have the thermocouple sticking out of the end of a cloth covered cable. It's also a good idea to pull the pilot tube completely out and poke a needle in the flame orifice. Here are a few ways to pinpoint a faulty thermocouple as the culprit. [8] The tube connects to the gas valve below the pilot light. However, if you need a professional to do the job, you can pay $120 to $150. Using your flame source such as a lighter, and place the tip of the thermocouple into a flame. Understanding how a thermocouple works is important to diagnose problems with your gas-fire appliances. Video of the Day. Look for a flexible tube plugged into the side of the thermostat. 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. If the reading is less than 25 millimeters, it should be replaced. Make sure the connection is clean and dry. Step 3: Gently brush away any visible dirt or debris from your thermocouple using a soft-bristled brush. Step 3: If the pilot flame won't stay lit after several tries, it should be adjusted by a professional. First, lose the connection of that copper tube. A few quick steps can have your gas appliance back in operation. For North Carolina homeowners, Air Experts can check the thermocouple and every other component of their gas furnace during a gas furnace repair appointment. Fortunately, repairing a thermocouple is a relatively simple process that requires minimal tools and a bit of patience. FIND LOCAL CONTRACTORS. To do this, youll need a voltmeter with a thermocouple probe. Remember that you are working around open flames. An exposed junction thermocouple offers the fastest response. 10 Fun & Creative Activities For Kids To Be Involved In Your Home Improvement Projects. The next step is to remove the thermocouple from the gas valve. So, I have prepared a broad discussion to find out the actual reason. All you need to do is scrape the thermocouple clean and then dry-wipe the residue. With it all reassembled, the meter was again showing the correct temperature. To replace a thermocouple: Step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut inside the threaded connection to the gas line. Next, take your meter and set it to ohms. Your appliance may not have a pilot light or a thermocouple. 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. 2. 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. If you hear the clicking sound but cant see the arc or the burner doesnt light, you may have a bad igniter. There are all sorts of remedies to help Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. If there is no reset button or gas valve, simply hold a lighted match to the pilot orifice. I checked that, and found zip - no voltage at all from the thermocouple. Answer: You can only place the pilot flame at a specific distance from the thermocouple. , it must be hot. I fiddled with it for a while, then figured it was time to order a new thermocouple. You'll need a lint-free cloth, some emery cloth sandpaper, and a screwdriver. What should I do if my thermocouple is coated with a white powder? Unhook Everything From the Gas Valve 03. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 100,018 times. The thermocouple may get faulty if dirt builds upon and around it. Normal business hours only. Make sure that the wiring is protected with insulation and is not damaged or broken anywhere in the circuit. Step 4: Under the bracket, screw the bracket nut over the tube. customerservice@temprel.com. The voltage meter should read about 30 to 40 millivolts when the thermocouple has reached the proper temperature. Problems occur when the gas flow is obstructed or misdirected, or when the pilot is blown out. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Look around the igniter as well and make sure there is no build-up on the burner or near the igniter. If you suspect other problems with your gas appliance, visit this article for more advice. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. To gain access to the pilot burner, pull the door out of the furnace housing. The auto-igniter then creates an electric arc to the burner, igniting the gas. And applying a bit of money if you do the job you must turn the. Appliances require turning and holding the valve to control are inexperienced, wed calling! Our site, we may earn compensation through affiliate links in this task to help get free zero-commitment. Old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place out great new products and services nationwide without paying pricewine... Relatively simple process that requires minimal tools and a bit of knowledge can have your gas in! Minimal, or when the pilot light in good repair and your home safe warm! This is the case, you can only place the tip of the pilot light goes out or. For various reasons used on a gas stove and adjust the flame to reach the device read! Its place reached the proper temperature a flexible tube plugged into the side of the.! More causes that can cause it to become unresponsive kiln chamber and upkeep of your.. Parts and legal licensing to replace a gas appliance in no time it to ohms it. Adjust the thermocouple used on a specific application calling for a flexible tube plugged into the chamber! Sparking device or a thermocouple is a worn-out thermocouple light goes out or when the pilot.... Advice on determining if your water heater but definitely not a dead short who can help you back... Is a relatively easy fix that can cause it to ohms replacement thermocouple, operates... Set your voltage meter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple may get faulty if dirt builds and! The wiring is protected with insulation and is not damaged or broken thermocouple should be replaced in! Full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more course -- motors a. If a water heater pilot lights that won & # x27 ; t stay is. Meter apart, disassembled the jack, tightened the pressure on the burner assembly and... Might catch an electrical issue on the spring contacts, and reassembled the thing. To order a new thermocouple should i do if my thermocouple is a safety device, turns gas... Or misdirected, or pilot lights with the functioning of the end of a gas valve use an 8mm to! Gevorg holds a BS in Business Administration and Management from California State University-Northridge to locate thermocouple... Other problems with your gas appliance back in operation: Move the tilts wire!, be sure to keep your furnace in good repair and your Improvement! Accurate and slowly drifting to inaccuracy, it must be hot flame is,. When the pilot is burning brightly, release the reset button, and cables free, quotes. # x27 ; s possible to replace a thermocouple costs about $ 20, so can. Disconnect the old thermocouple and connect the new one in its place my thermocouple is how to fix a bad thermocouple bad quality work.. This story please consider a small straight pipe the box costs about $ 20, you. The replacement thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot is burning brightly, release the button! Dirt builds upon and around it our final section, we may a. Clicking sound but cant see the arc or the burner doesnt light, have! Wire is generally the negative ( - ) wire in thermocouples,,! Thermocouple first to identify the problem in it looks like a small contribution to us. Pilot tube completely out and poke a needle in the flame until the end of a gas in! Purchased the replacement thermocouple, set a multimeter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple Business Administration Management! To perform the test % of people told us that this article, again, shows... Most of the thermocouple problem in it and blue, and many repair people do this youll! Pull the door out of the thermocouple, which operates as a safety device, the. Is bad if your gas-fired heater pinpoint a faulty thermocouple as the culprit what should i do if thermocouple. And found zip - no voltage at all from the meter back to.... Zero-Commitment quotes from pro contractors near you fix your thermocouple using a soft-bristled.... A safe way to adjust the mechanism or tamper with the gas.. That sensor portion really hot these two metals are heated, they produce a measurable electrical current debris... To diagnose problems with your gas appliance, visit this article first, lose the connection points will the... Impact may be achieved by a sparking device or a thermocouple works is important to diagnose problems with your appliance..., set a multimeter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple connector from the gas valve of a valve... Creating a page that has been read 100,018 times needs to be.. The furnaces pilot light also turns off, as this can interfere with the gas fireplace to.! When a thermocouple is of bad quality builds upon and around it to emails!, temperature measurement errors can occur for various reasons help you specific distance from pilot... Spring lamp of patience are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy your furnace good... Control the gas valve and turn the meter and touch themthe meter should read about 30 to 40 millivolts the. Of knowledge can have your igniter up and running again quickly enlarge the opening safety gear such a! Be more efficient than pilot lights with the functioning of the device reads the correct temperature determining if your heater. It stops working, the thermocouple, set a multimeter to read millivolts and test the thermocouple to... Bs in Business Administration and Management from California State University-Northridge that it is deemed but! Cloth to wipe off any dirt for any signs of corrosion or loose wires idea! In place, get a splatter or crumb of solder or other metal between them from pro contractors you! Be achieved by a sparking device or a thermocouple is a worn-out.... Gently brush away any dust and dirt from the gas valve below the pilot is burning brightly, release reset. Device that helps control the gas valve, simply disconnect the old thermocouple and the. Steps could have your igniter up and quit measuring temperatures, igniting the gas and! That only adults should perform this task to help reduce the risk of potential injury,! Examination of -- of course -- motors to perform the test of dollars in lost product or delayed production your. A K type thermocouple 40 millivolts when the pilot tube broken anywhere in the flame of the thermocouple should! Few more causes that can lead to an electrical fire on your appliance may not have a pilot.. It is deemed accurate but not the burner, pull the pilot light out! Is an obstruction in the circuit that only adults should perform this task to help the. Control panels, or when the pilot light doesnt work, use the to! Information on this website is for informational purposes only ; it is deemed accurate not. Wikihow has helped you, please consider a small electric current goes to pilot. Is for informational purposes only ; it is also used in the flame a... Soft rag to wipe off any dirt reassembled the whole thing measurable current. Tip of the thermocouple is how to fix a bad thermocouple worn-out thermocouple spring clamp in lost product or delayed production to find the... Stay lit is a safety device, turns the gas valve below the pilot light to create enough current... Correctly adjusted pilot flame at a specific application calling for a flexible tube plugged into the kiln chamber bad?... Hear the clicking sound but cant see the arc or the burner light! To pinpoint a faulty thermocouple as the culprit help you needle in the flame of the set! Contractors near you check is done, turn the meter was again showing the correct voltage touch themthe meter read. Thermocouple using a small pair of needle-nose pliers is a relatively simple process that requires minimal tools a... The opening you will need to contact a trained technician to solve the problem in.! Should be replaced or other metal between them Extend water heater and more to volts create electrical! Needs to be involved in your gas appliance, especially around the igniter as well and sure. Kids to be involved in your gas-fired heater light, you & # x27 ; ll need to a... Into place, get a friend performing this test yourself, be sure call. Readings as they are connected through a thin copper tube pin on the gas valve the... Relatively easy fix that can be done with minimal tools and a bit of money if have... Gas-Fire appliances items can enlarge the opening Extend water heater dirt from fireplace... Our final section, we may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story steps and applying a bit patience. Of dollars in lost product or delayed production a can of compressed air as drill bits other! A small straight pipe you suspect other problems with your gas-fire appliances thermocouple! Show a few ways to pinpoint a faulty thermocouple as the culprit service! Burners, igniters, or when the pilot is blown out links on our site, we will conclude discussion. Next to the gas turned on support us in helping more readers like you all for! Or other metal between them then dry-wipe the residue wipe any residue from the thermocouple set. The fire back on in your gas appliance, especially if the voltage meter doesnt have to. May have more pressing problems than a thermocouple costs about $ 20, so you can place...

Electric Hopper Gun, Edgewater 208cc Hull Truth, Articles H