A thermocouple is a security system that shuts off the gasoline provide to a water heater if the pilot gentle goes out. When you’re having hassle together with your water heater, one of many first issues it is best to test is the thermocouple. Here is take a look at a water heater thermocouple:
First, you may want to assemble a couple of instruments. You may want a multimeter, a pair of pliers, and a small screwdriver. After getting your instruments, you can begin the testing course of. First, flip off the gasoline provide to the water heater. Then, take away the thermocouple from the water heater. Watch out to not harm the thermocouple whenever you take away it. After getting the thermocouple eliminated, you can begin testing it.
To check the thermocouple, you may want to make use of the multimeter. Set the multimeter to the millivolt setting. Then, contact the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the thermocouple. If the thermocouple is working correctly, the multimeter will learn between 20 and 30 millivolts. If the thermocouple shouldn’t be working correctly, the multimeter will learn 0 millivolts. If the thermocouple shouldn’t be working correctly, you will have to interchange it.
The right way to Take a look at a Water Heater Thermocouple
A thermocouple is a security system that shuts off the gasoline provide to a water heater if the pilot gentle goes out. Over time, thermocouples can change into defective and have to be changed. Listed here are the steps on take a look at a water heater thermocouple:
- Flip off the gasoline provide to the water heater.
- Take away the thermocouple from the water heater. The thermocouple is normally positioned close to the pilot gentle.
- Join a voltmeter to the thermocouple. The voltmeter ought to be set to the millivolt scale.
- Maintain the thermocouple within the flame of a lighter or match. The voltmeter ought to learn between 20 and 30 millivolts.
- If the voltmeter doesn’t learn between 20 and 30 millivolts, the thermocouple is defective and must be changed.
Individuals Additionally Ask
What are the signs of a defective thermocouple?
The most typical symptom of a defective thermocouple is that the pilot gentle won’t keep lit. Different signs embrace:
- The water heater won’t warmth up.
- The water heater will cycle on and off often.
- The water heater will produce a yellow or orange flame as a substitute of a blue flame.
How can I stop my thermocouple from failing?
There are some things you are able to do to forestall your thermocouple from failing:
- Preserve the pilot gentle clear. A unclean pilot gentle may cause the thermocouple to overheat and fail.
- Don’t overtighten the thermocouple whenever you set up it. Overtightening can harm the thermocouple.
- Examine the thermocouple frequently for indicators of harm. When you see any cracks or breaks within the thermocouple, it ought to be changed.
Can I substitute the thermocouple myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to substitute the thermocouple your self. Nonetheless, in case you are not snug working with gasoline home equipment, it’s best to name a certified technician.
