A thermocouple is a security machine that shuts off the fuel provide to a water heater if the pilot mild goes out. In the event you’re having hassle together with your water heater, one of many first issues it is best to examine is the thermocouple. Here is the best way to check a water heater thermocouple:
First, you may want to assemble just a few 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 fuel provide to the water heater. Then, take away the thermocouple from the water heater. Watch out to not injury the thermocouple if 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 is just not working correctly, the multimeter will learn 0 millivolts. If the thermocouple is just not working correctly, you have to to interchange it.
How one can Check a Water Heater Thermocouple
A thermocouple is a security machine that shuts off the fuel provide to a water heater if the pilot mild goes out. Over time, thermocouples can grow to be defective and should be changed. Listed here are the steps on the best way to check a water heater thermocouple:
- Flip off the fuel provide to the water heater.
- Take away the thermocouple from the water heater. The thermocouple is often positioned close to the pilot mild.
- 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 mild won’t keep lit. Different signs embody:
- The water heater won’t warmth up.
- The water heater will cycle on and off continuously.
- 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:
- Hold the pilot mild clear. A grimy pilot mild could cause the thermocouple to overheat and fail.
- Don’t overtighten the thermocouple if you set up it. Overtightening can injury the thermocouple.
- Examine the thermocouple usually for indicators of injury. In the event you see any cracks or breaks within the thermocouple, it ought to be changed.
Can I exchange the thermocouple myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to exchange the thermocouple your self. Nonetheless, if you’re not snug working with fuel home equipment, it’s best to name a professional technician.
