Failed Thermocouple Symptoms You're looking for a few things. The first is signs of contamination on the tube, which can include discoloration, cracks, or pinholes. Next, check the wiring for any signs of wear or corrosion like missing insulation or bare wire.
If the pilot flame ignites but goes out after you release the gas control knob, the cause may be a dirty or defective thermocouple. If the gas is on but the flame will not ignite at all, a pilot tube obstruction is the most likely issue. Remove the pilot tube from the gas valve and spray compressed air to clear it.
No. If the thermocouple is bad, the system sees the failure as a pilot light gone out, and shuts off the gas.
Can I clean my thermocouple instead of replacing it? If the thermocouple tip is only lightly corroded or covered in dust/debris, cleaning may restore functionality. But if you find any cracks, bent wires, or significant corrosion pitting on inspection, replacement is the safest option.
Clean the thermocouple - using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that.
Once you've located the thermocouple, do a visual inspection. You're looking for a few things. The first is signs of contamination on the tube, which can include discoloration, cracks, or pinholes.
There's really no set lifespan for a thermocouple. They typically last for the life of the water heater itself, which may be anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. If it extends well above the thermocouple, it's too strong.
Overheating: Each thermocouple is designed to operate within a certain temperature range. Operating beyond this range can damage the thermocouple's materials, causing them to degrade faster than normal. Contamination: Exposure to harmful chemicals or debris can affect the thermocouple's performance.
Furnace Thermocouple Replacement Cost
If you're comfortable handling small furnace repairs, you can purchase a furnace thermocouple for about $10 to $20 from a hardware store or online. Replacing the thermocouple requires some basic tools and familiarity with the furnace's inner components.
Once you have replaced the thermocouple, turn on the furnace and check to see if the pilot light stays lit. If your pilot light doesn't stay lit, it may be due to something blocking the thermocouple. You can try cleaning or replacing it, but if that doesn't work, you may need to call a professional.
The thermocouple is what controls the unit's main gas valve. If the pilot is out or the thermocouple doesn't detect the heat from the pilot flame, the gas valve won't open and the unit won't ever turn on.
When troubleshooting gas appliances, testing the thermocouple should be a priority. Disconnect it from the gas valve and connect a multimeter set to millivolts. Apply heat to the tip and check the reading. A properly functioning thermocouple will generate 15-35 millivolts when heated.
Temperature sensor and thermocouple errors can be caused by various factors, such as mechanical damage due to physical stress, abrasion, or corrosion; electrical interference from nearby sources of electromagnetic radiation; wiring problems like loose, broken, or mismatched connections; calibration issues that cause ...
So you've checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isn't, then there's probably a problem with your thermopile.
While both devices are crucial for temperature measurement and control, their specific applications and capabilities vary. Thermocouples are primarily used for direct temperature measurement and safety controls, whereas thermopiles are preferred for applications requiring higher sensitivity and voltage output.
Filthy Pilot Light Opening Can Make Pilot Light Keep Going Out. If the mouth of the pilot is filled with gunk and dirt, it's nearly impossible for it to hold a flame. The flame it does hold will be weak, and easily extinguishable. A dirty pilot orifice will prevent your pilot light from staying lit.
It's easy to replace, and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater's burning chamber, it's easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.
How often should a thermocouple be calibrated? We recommend that thermocouples are calibrated once every 12 months to ensure they maintain accurate, repeatable and high-quality temperature measurements.
After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. Thermocouples that are regularly exposed to extreme heat stress or extreme conditions are more likely to go through metal fatigue.
Symptoms Pilot won't light. Pilot lights but burner won't. System lights, but goes out after a while.