How to Tell If a Thermocouple Is Bad
- The Pilot Lights But Won't Stay Lit. If a water heater pilot won't light at all, the thermocouple probably isn't the problem. ...
- Try This Before Blaming the Thermocouple. The pilot flame must be big and hot enough to heat the thermocouple to the temperature it needs to generate enough voltage to signal ...
- Test the Thermocouple. ...
How do I know if my thermopile needs to be replaced?
You will notice that it is done when the reading on your multi-meter slows down. A healthy thermopile in an open circuit test will read between 650 to 850 millivolts or somewhere in between. If the open-circuit test reads below 400 millivolts, then the thermopile likely requires service or replacement.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?
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. Click to see full answer. Besides, how long does a thermopile last?
What causes thermopiles to go bad?
Beside above, what causes a thermopile to go bad? 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. This is the result of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck Effect.
How do I know if my water heater has a thermopile?
If you see the result is under 400 millivolts, then it shows you with a poor thermopile. Your water heater may not work, and the gas control valve blinked with the two lights – which means that you have voltage thermopile.
How to tell if thermopile is bad?
Why does a thermopile go bad?
What is a thermopile?
How long do thermocouples last?
How do I know if my water heater thermopile is bad?
What is this? A healthy thermopile in an open circuit test will read between 650 to 850 millivolts or somewhere in between. If the open-circuit test reads below 400 millivolts, then the thermopile likely requires service or replacement.
Why does a thermopile fail?
The error means the thermocouples in the collection cannot generate enough current to power the control panel that we mentioned. If this happens, the controller system will stop working, and you will see an error message on the water heater.
How do you test a fireplace thermopile with a multimeter?
2:113:27Fireplace How To: Testing A Thermopile - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure the unit on/off switch wall switch while thermostat or remote is in the off position toMoreMake sure the unit on/off switch wall switch while thermostat or remote is in the off position to test the thermo-pile voltage. Place the voltmeter probes on the TP.
How do I know if I have a thermopile or thermocouple?
The main difference between Thermocouple and Thermopile is their method of measurement. The thermocouple is a thermoelectric instrument, while the thermopile is an instrument that modifies thermal energy into electrical output.
How long does a thermopile last?
Thermopile sensors don't have a specific life expectancy or degradation rate. As long as they are used correctly and maintained properly, thermopiles can last for years or even decades and remain in good working condition.
How much does a thermopile cost?
24" ThermopileWas:$16.99 DetailsPrice:$15.48You Save:$1.51 (9%)
How long does it take for a thermopile to heat up?
The push button must be depressed through the whole check. (With the thermocouple being disconnected from the gas valve, the pilot valve should not stay open and the flame should go out if the push button is released). The thermocouple typically needs to heat up for 30 to 60 seconds in order to obtain a proper reading.
What is the voltage output of a thermopile?
The output of a thermopile is usually in the range of tens or hundreds of millivolts.
How do you fix a low thermopile voltage?
5:529:53Water Heater Thermopile - Voltage Test & Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf there is low voltage during the thermo-pile test then you can try cleaning it using an EmeryMoreIf there is low voltage during the thermo-pile test then you can try cleaning it using an Emery cloth. If you clean the thermo-pile. You'll have to reassemble.
What is the purpose of a thermopile in a gas fireplace?
Thermopile is a an important device that converts thermal energy into electric energy. The purpose of a thermopile in a gas fireplace is to detect thermal radiation, for gas burner safety control.
Should thermocouple be in pilot flame?
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.
What does thermopile look like?
3:096:00The thermocouple compared to the thermopile. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's not different it's just got more stuff it's bigger around than the thermocouple. AndMoreIt's not different it's just got more stuff it's bigger around than the thermocouple. And essentially what it is is a whole bunch of the thermocouples all wired together in sight. So that's what the
Why won't my thermocouple stay lit?
This is the result of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck Effect. Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple wears out, the pilot won't stay lit and your appliance won't work. The pilot can go out for a number of other reasons, however, so if you're having trouble getting the pilot to stay lit, the thermocouple may not be at fault.
How long does it take for a thermocouple to go out?
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. Before jumping to the conclusion that the thermocouple is at fault, look at the pilot flame.
How to test pilot flame?
You can test this yourself using a multimeter, but you may need a helper to keep the pilot flame burning while you do it. Start the test by unscrewing the thermocouple from the gas valve. Set the multimeter to read millivolts, then start the pilot and have your helper hold in the gas control knob to keep it burning.
What is a thermocouple in a water heater?
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.
How does a thermocouple work?
The job of the thermocouple is to keep the pilot lit. It does this by sending a tiny electric current to a sensor on the gas valve signaling the valve to stay open.
Why is the pilot flame hot?
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. Sometimes the problem is simply that the thermocouple probe is too far from the flame.
What is the job of a thermocouple?
The job of the thermocouple is to keep the pilot lit. It does this by sending a tiny electric current to a sensor on the gas valve signaling the valve to stay open. 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. This is the result of a phenomenon known as ...
What is a thermopile pilot light?
The mechanism required to relight your pilot light depends on how new or old your unit is. The thermopile is the compilation of several thermocouples together. They produce enough current to power up a small circuit board, used in conjunction with a more modern electronic gas valve.
How to feed thermopile wire through manifold door?
Place the New Thermopile Wire. Unravel the new thermopile wire and thread it into place, ensuring that it is fully seated in the manifold door. Once seated, click the retaining clip in place and make sure it is secure in there. Feed the Wires Through the Manifold Door.
How long does it take to test a gas thermostat?
Hold down the gas control’s thermostat knob until the maximum voltage is reached, which may take three minutes or so. You will notice that it is done when the reading on your multi-meter slows down. A healthy thermopile in an open circuit test will read between 650 to 850 millivolts or somewhere in between.
What to do if you see bubbles in gas valves?
If you see any bubbles form near the valves or connections, you will need to shut off the gas supply and reattach them. If you cannot seem to get them to connect without the aroma or output of gas, please do not hesitate to call in a professional. It can be dangerous to play with gas in your own home.
Why does my water heater pilot light go out?
As this occurs, they produce a small voltage of electricity that passes over to the gas control valve. A pilot light can go out. When this happens, there is no electricity, so it shuts down the gas control valve until the light is relit.
What is a thermopile?
Firstly, you have to know what the thermopile is – it is the electronic device that transforms the heat energy into electrical energy. This device also includes some thermocouples in series or parallel arrangements.
Why does my water heater not work?
Your water heater may not work, and the gas control valve blinked with the two lights – which means that you have voltage thermopile. Many sources tell you about thermopile voltage low on the water heater.
How to tell if a thermocouple is failing?
Once you have located the thermocouple, do a visual inspection. You are looking for a few things. The first is signs of contamination on the tube , which can include discoloration, cracks, or pinholes.
How to inspect a furnace thermocouple?
How to Inspect Your Furnace’s Thermocouple. You will need a wrench, multi-meter, and a flame source, like a candle or a lighter, to perform the test.
How to test a thermocouple?
Step 2: Open circuit test of the thermocouple 1 Before the test, turn off the gas supply because you must first remove the thermocouple. 2 Remove the thermocouple by unscrewing the copper lead and connection nut (first) and then the bracket nuts. 3 Next, take your meter and set it to ohms. Take the two leads from the meter and touch them—the meter should read zero. Once this check is done, turn the meter back to volts. 4 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. 5 Next, attach the leads from the multi-meter to the thermocouple: put one on the side of the thermocouple, and attach the other lead at the end of the thermocouple that sits in the pilot light. 6 A working thermocouple will give a reading of between 25 and 30 millimeters. If the reading is less than 25 millimeters, it should be replaced.
What is a thermocouple made of?
The thermocouple is made up of a tube, a bracket, and wires. The tube sits above the bracket, a nut holds the bracket and wires in place, and underneath the bracket, you will see the copper lead wires that connect to the gas valve on the furnace.
How many millimeters does a thermocouple read?
A working thermocouple will give a reading of between 25 and 30 millimeters. If the reading is less than 25 millimeters, it should be replaced.
How does a thermocouple respond to temperature?
The thermocouple responds to changes in temperature by producing an electrical current that causes the gas valve that supplies the pilot light to open when the temperature is high or to close when there is no direct heat source.
Can you inspect before a HVAC test?
Be sure to inspect before you test, however, to ensure that there are no obvious problems that could affect the readings from testing! If you’re uncomfortable performing this test yourself, be sure to call a licensed HVAC contractor who can help you.
How to read infinity on a thermocouple?
First, remove the thermocouple. Secondly, turn on the meter and set it to Ohms. Touch the two leads together from the meter, and you should get a reading close to zero. With the leads apart, you will read infinity. That is simply a test to check the meter for continuity. Finally, NOW TURN THE METER TO VOLTS.
How to test thermocouple with multimeter?
How to Test a Thermocouple with a MultiMeter. If you test the thermocouple with the multimeter and you get a reading above 25, then you have another issue. Importantly, always make sure the tip of the thermocouple is directly in the pilot flame. If the tip is in the flame, you have held the nob on the gas valve down for longer than a minute, ...
What is the tip of a thermocouple called?
That provided a means of proving the main burners would ignite when the main valve opened. The tip of the thermocouple is called the hot junction and is where the two dissimilar metals join. A weld joins the two metals. The other part of the thermocouple tip is called the cold junction.
What is a thermocouple?
A thermocouple is a safety device for a standing pilot gas system. Originally, it had a ratio of copper and nickel and was labeled a Coppel ( Copper/Nickel) element. Thomas Seeback discovered it in 1821. In the early 1900s, Honeywell applied it to the safety gas valve.
How does a thermocouple produce millivolts?
From the cold junction, a stem runs in length from the main body of the thermocouple tip to the gas valve. When the heat hits the hot junction or tip of the thermocouple, it produces millivolts. This fractional voltage energizes a small solenoid designed for millivolts.
How Do I Know If My Thermopile Is Bad?
To figure out if your thermopile is bad, you'll want to get a multimeter to test it with. Connect the TH/TP contact to it to see how much thermopile voltage is flowing through it. Before you go ahead and do the test, you'll want to make sure your pilot light has been on for over two minutes.
How Do You Fix a Thermopile?
The first step to beginning to fix a thermopile is to diagnose the problem in the first place. You'll want to have a multimeter handy to see what the root of the problem is.
What Is the Difference Between Thermocouple And Thermopile?
The main difference between a thermopile and a thermocouple is that a thermocouple is a thermoelectric device, whereas a thermopile is a device that will convert electric energy into thermal energy.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace A Thermopile?
The cost to replace a thermopile isn't that much for the part itself, but if you're calling a plumber to come out and do the replacement, that's where things start adding up. Plumbers usually charge an upfront fee just to make house calls, and the labor is extra on top of that.
How Do You Test A Thermopile?
Testing a thermopile will be like testing out a thermocouple. Thermopiles are designed to produce nearly 750 mVDC, and if you get a reading of 325 mVDC, then that's still within the acceptable range if the switch is located near the appliance.
How Much Is a Thermopile?
A thermopile doesn't cost too much. You'll typically be paying between $5 to $10 for a new one. If you can't install it yourself, labor will be where the costs can accumulate faster.
How Much Voltage Should a Thermopile Put Out?
A fully functional thermopile should be producing electrical energy between 25 to 35 millivolts.
How to tell if thermopile is bad?
How do I know if my thermopile is bad? 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. 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.
Why does a thermopile go bad?
Subsequently, question is, what causes a thermopile to go bad? 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. This is the result of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck Effect.
What is a thermopile?
A thermopile is an electronic device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. It is composed of several thermocouples connected usually in series or, less commonly, in parallel. Adding more thermocouple pairs in series increases the magnitude of the voltage output.
How long do thermocouples last?
Thermocouples can last several years, but they don't typically last as long as the furnace itself. If the pilot remains lit, but the main furnace doesn't stay lit, it's time to replace the thermocouple.
