What is a TCO electrical?
Known as a thermal fuse, thermal link, or TCO, the MICROTEMP® thermal cutoff provides protection against overheating by interrupting an electrical circuit when operating temperatures exceed the rated temperature of the cutoff.
What does TCO stand for on a hot water tank?
Thermal Cut Off Switch (TCO): The water heater is also equipped with a resettable thermal switch, designed to shut off the gas supply in the event the water heater has been exposed to high combustion chamber temperatures caused by flammable vapors (e.g. spilled gasoline), poor combustion caused by a blocked vent or ...
What does the thermal switch do on a water heater?
A thermal switch is installed in newer gas water heaters as a safety device. Blocked vents at the top and bottom of the water heater can cause excessive heat buildup inside the chamber and trip the thermal switch, shutting off the gas supply to the burner assembly.
How do you reset a TCO switch?
Step 1: Reset the Thermal SwitchThe thermal switch can trip if the water heater is not getting enough air.Press the small reset button in the center of the thermal switch. ... Even if you do not hear the thermal switch click, try lighting the pilot using the instructions on the water heater's label.More items...
How do you test a TCO switch?
To check if a TCO has failed, an electrician can test for continuity across the TCO terminals with a multimeter (with the shower isolated and made safe). The circuit will be open through the TCO if it has failed. If the TCO is 'good' the circuit will be closed and the multimeter will emit an audible tone.
How does a TCO work?
Key Takeaways. The total cost of ownership (TCO) includes the purchase price of a particular asset, plus operating costs, over the asset's lifespan. Looking at the total cost of ownership is a way of assessing the long-term value of a purchase to a company or individual.
Can I bypass the thermal switch?
The thermal fuse will look like a thin strip of white plastic with a wire coming out of each end. In order to bypass the thermal fuse, use electrical tape to tape the two ends together. The thermal fuse will then be bypassed. Turn the dryer on to a heat cycle for no more than 90 seconds.
Why do I have to keep hitting the reset button on my hot water heater?
In some cases, the water heater reset button will repeatedly trip. This is a warning sign of a larger issue such as a faulty thermostat, loose wiring, corroded parts, a grounding problem, or a malfunctioning high limit switch.
How do you reset a high limit switch on a water heater?
Somewhere on your electric water heater, you'll find a reset button. It's usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it.
How do you reset the TCO switch on a GE dishwasher?
1:049:39GE Dishwasher TCO reset - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight turn that off okay go back to your dishwasher see if the lights go off press a few buttons seeMoreRight turn that off okay go back to your dishwasher see if the lights go off press a few buttons see what happens that should turn the power off and just to double.
Why can't I reset my water heater?
What do you do if the water heater reset button doesn't reset? You might have a faulty thermostat. If the hot water heater keeps tripping the reset button, the cause may be the high limit switch. What's happening is that the thermostat is not properly managing the heat.
How long do you hold the reset button on a hot water heater?
If you don't hear the click even after pressing on the button for about five seconds, reassemble the heater anyway. It will probably still restore hot water.
What is a thermocouple TCO?
The TCO is an automatic reset thermal switch. When activated it will open the. thermocouple circuit and shut off the main and pilot burner gas flow. The pilot would have to be relit. after the TCO has had sufficient time to cool down (sensor is below 120 degrees F).
How do you check a pressure switch on a water heater?
1:083:42Water Heater Pressure Switch - How it Works & Installation Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPressure switches are usually unique to each gas water heater you should enter the full model numberMorePressure switches are usually unique to each gas water heater you should enter the full model number of your water heater in our websites search bar to find the specific pressure switch you need.