A thermocouple is a security system that shuts off the gasoline provide to a water heater if the pilot gentle goes out. For those who’re having hassle along with your water heater, one of many first issues it is best to examine is the thermocouple. Here is learn how to take a look at a water heater thermocouple:
First, you will want to collect a couple of instruments. You may want a multimeter, a pair of pliers, and a small screwdriver. Upon 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 injury the thermocouple whenever you take away it. Upon getting the thermocouple eliminated, you can begin testing it.
To check the thermocouple, you will 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 want to exchange it.
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 should be changed. Listed here are the steps on learn how to 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 often 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.
Folks Additionally Ask
What are the signs of a defective thermocouple?
The commonest symptom of a defective thermocouple is that the pilot gentle is not going to keep lit. Different signs embrace:
- The water heater is not going to warmth up.
- The water heater will cycle on and off ceaselessly.
- 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 stop your thermocouple from failing:
- Maintain the pilot gentle clear. A grimy pilot gentle could cause the thermocouple to overheat and fail.
- Don’t overtighten the thermocouple whenever you set up it. Overtightening can injury the thermocouple.
- Examine the thermocouple usually for indicators of harm. For those who see any cracks or breaks within the thermocouple, it ought to be changed.
Can I change the thermocouple myself?
Sure, you may change the thermocouple your self. Nevertheless, in case you are not snug working with gasoline home equipment, it’s best to name a certified technician.
