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 bother together with your water heater, one of many first issues you must test is the thermocouple. This is the way to take a look at a water heater thermocouple:
First, you may want to assemble a number of instruments. You will 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 injury the thermocouple once 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 isn’t working correctly, the multimeter will learn 0 millivolts. If the thermocouple isn’t working correctly, you have to to exchange it.
Tips on how to Check 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 turn into defective and have to be changed. Listed here are the steps on the way 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 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 commonest symptom of a defective thermocouple is that the pilot gentle is not going to keep lit. Different signs embody:
- The water heater is not going to 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 forestall my thermocouple from failing?
There are some things you are able to do to forestall 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 once you set up it. Overtightening can injury the thermocouple.
- Examine the thermocouple repeatedly 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 comfy working with gasoline home equipment, it’s best to name a certified technician.
