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.
What happens if a thermopile goes 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. Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple wears out, the pilot won't stay lit and your appliance won't work.Jun 22, 2020
How long should 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.Jun 1, 2014
How do you clean a thermopile?
How to Clean the Thermocouple in a Gas FireplaceTurn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. ... Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe.Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple.More items...
Is thermopile and thermocouple the same?
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.Jan 6, 2021
How much does a thermopile cost?
24" ThermopileWas:$16.99 DetailsPrice:$15.48You Save:$1.51 (9%)
How do you fix a thermopile?
Replacing a ThermopileTurn off the Gas Supply. ... Disconnect the Wires. ... Remove the Manifold Door. ... Remove the Pilot Assembly and Thermopile Wire. ... Place the New Thermopile Wire. ... Feed the Wires Through the Manifold Door. ... Install the Manifold Component Block. ... Reconnect the Thermal Switch Wiring.More items...•Feb 24, 2022
What is the purpose of a thermopile?
Thermopiles are used for contactless temperature sensing. The function of a thermopile is to transfer the heat radiation emitted from the object to a voltage output. The output is in the range of tens or hundreds of millivolts. Thermopiles work as sensors or generators.
Why does pilot keep going out on water heater?
Thermocouple Issues If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light's flame.May 13, 2021
Why does my gas fireplace keep going out?
A common problem with gas fireplaces lies in the components called the ignition assembly. When a fireplace refuses to remain lit, there's probably an issue in one of the several pieces that make up the ignition assembly, which are: the pilot light assembly, pilot tubing, thermocouple, and thermopile.
What does thermopile look like?
0:163:27Fireplace How To: Testing A Thermopile - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt has a copper wire that screws into the gas valve that's the way to spot the difference between aMoreIt has a copper wire that screws into the gas valve that's the way to spot the difference between a thermocouple. And a thermo-pile not all fireplaces have both some just have the thermo-pile.
Can you replace a thermopile with a thermocouple?
Watch out: thermopiles and thermocouples are not interchangeable. When replacing a temperature sensing device like a thermocouple or thermopile, you should be sure to purchase the proper part.
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.