Now you can stock one model and cover nearly any thermopile application you encounter. Disconnect the thermocouple from the control unit. If your pilot light stays lit for a few moments, but continues to go out after relighting, it may very well need the thermocouple replaced. Just to let you know if you are mechanically inclined or at best a little handy you can replace the part yourself for way cheaper than a repair man will charge you. How to Replace a Thermocouple. Q313. Step 2 Open the maintenance hatch below or to the side of your fireplace. We describe how to find the thermocouple if one is used on your heater, and how the thermocouple is replaced. I have the manual, but there are no instructions on replacing parts. Replacing the thermocouple is quick, and something you can easily do yourself. There are many different kinds of gas valves. Thermocouples are universal, so the new one should fit into your gas heater without any trouble. A thermopile is an electronic device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy.It is composed of several thermocouples connected usually in series or, less commonly, in parallel.Such a device works on the principle of the thermoelectric effect, i.e., generating a voltage when its dissimilar metals (thermocouples) are exposed to a temperature difference. RichJ, Dec 8, 2010. Q309 . Be aware, you may need to detach the thermocouple from the burner assembly to clean it thoroughly. Another option is to call a heating repair person near you. Thermocouples on heating appliances: this article describes thermocouples, safety devices used on gas fired heating equipment. Replacement thermocouples are in stock at most hardware and home improvement stores. Before you Replace the Thermocouple. The thermocouples that make up a thermopile consist of two strips of different metals welded at one end. To replace a thermocouple: Step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut inside the threaded connection to the gas line. If a replacement is necessary, take the old one to the store to ensure you purchase a new one that is the same length and has the same size connections. Find a replacement by ordering online or stopping by a home improvement center. The end of the thermocouple is inserted into the pilot assembly and can simply be pulled out. The thermocouple cuts the gas supply to the burner tubes when the pilot goes out and no longer heats the thermocouple. We know that a thermopile is a bunch of thermocouples connected together. Thermocouples can also generate heat from electricity, and even cold from electricity, acting as a refrigerator. Take the detached thermocouple with you to the home center or hardware store and buy a new one. Some most common problems and solutions: 1. This article explains what a thermocouple (or thermopile) is, how these devices work, where they are installed, and what goes wrong with thermocouples. Turn off the gas and make sure the pilot light goes out. If present, you should also clean off any corrosion where the power wire connects to the thermocouple terminal. My unit has both a thermocouple and a thermopile. Since there is both a thermocouple and thermopile in this valve type, it is important to find where the potential problem may be. If the pilot can be lit and stays on after the knob is released, then the problem is probably with the thermopile side of the valve. Some times you can just relight the pilot and it will hold for a few days then go out again. Begin by straightening out your paper clips and your copper wire as well if need be. The thermocouple is usually attached to the pilot gas supply tube with one or more clips that snap into place. Step 2: Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple tube, unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place. A thermocouple that tests below 25 millivolts won’t be able to keep the pilot flame lit. Replace the thermocouple to get your fireplace working again. Detach the thermocouple from the whole. Thermocouples can last several years, but they don't typically last as long as the furnace itself. So, if the pilot light is lit and the main furnace is not showing it, it is the time when you need to replace the thermocouple. They produce enough current to power up a small circuit board, used in conjunction with a more modern electronic gas valve. This is called a thermopile. Each thermocouple produces a voltage that is proportional to the temperature difference between the "hot" and "cold" ends, which is known as the Seebeck effect. The thermocouple usually lasts for several years but they do not last longer than the furnace itself. Location: Northern NJ - USA. In this step, you will be locating the main thermocouple. I want to keep this tank because it was built to outlast anything that is on the market now. RichJ, Dec 8, 2010. The total output voltage of one of these devices is considerably higher than that of a thermocouple, however. thermocouple, in some boilers and gravity furnaces a thermopile (pilot generator) will generate electricity to operate the gas control valve. … I replaced the Thermocouple with this product and it has been working fine now for several weeks with no issues. How to Replace the Thermocouple. Understanding the differences between a thermopile and a thermocouple fireplace requires an understanding of the differences between these two devices. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Usually, you can loosen the retainer nut on the thermopile with a 7/16" open end wrench. Dec 8, 2010 #2 . The No. A thermocouple is typically used on a gas furnace with a standing pilot, recognizable by its small, continuously burning flame that you can see if you remove the access cover on the furnace's burner chamber. I have isolated the problem to the thermopile (thru testing) but can not see how to remove it from the bottom in order to replace it. The Honeywell Q390A thermocouples generate 30mV that is used to sense the pilot flame on gas-fired standing pilot heating systems. The Honeywell Q313 Thermopile generates 750 mV, which is sufficient to operate an automatic millivolt gas control system, independent of any outside power … Luckily, despite the scientific complexity of thermopiles and thermocouples, you can understand their basic purpose through a brief description. Warning. Sometimes you need to remove a grommet or RTV from around the wires to get them out. Posts: … If you’re sure the thermocouple is bad, the following steps will help you replace it and have hot water running in your home again. The thermopile is a … This can usually be done by unscrewing a hold-down nut. 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. Not much room to work with underneath. Thermopiles are used to provide something like an output in response to temperature. The tip of the thermocouple is positioned in the flame, keeping the tip heated at all times. If you can't get the pilot to stay lit, the chances are good that the thermocouple is faulty, but it's best to check before you replace it. You have to know that the pilot lights will heat the thermopile and thermocouple which produce the small millivolt of electricity that moves to the gas control valve. Step 3: Insert a new thermocouple into the hole in the bracket, steel tube facing up and copper lead down. Loosen the screws that hold the thermocouple in place. A gas fireplace thermocouple is a safety device that measures heat and recognizes if a pilot light has gone out, shutting down the fuel supply (such as gas or propane). The thermopile is the compilation of several thermocouples together. It is situated at the end of a copper tube which is fastened to the oven’s gas regulator by a small nut. Since the pilot stays lit, I can assume the problem is not the thermocouple. Join Date: Oct 2012. How can I get it out? Removing the thermocouple in a Heat & Glo fireplace is much like with any other gas appliance. If there is no air flow when you blow through the tube, it is probably clogged. Thanks. The Gas valve is the main control of the gas going to your appliance. Loosen the screws at the TP & TH-TP terminals on the valve & pull the wires thru the bottom of the firebox. In most cases it will be held on with a gravity clip, but some are held on with a screw that must be removed with a small screwdriver. Group Moderator. It is not difficult to replace a thermopile; simple remove the Wait about one-half hour for things to cool down. How do you replace a thermopile on A Napoleon Fireplace GDS 60 - Answered by a verified HVAC Technician We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. You cannot just replace a Thermocouple on newer tanks now, you must replace the whole gas control valve which is very expensive. This is important in a hot water heater where you want the water to come out at a certain temperature standard. Step 5 Pull the thermocouple out fully and replace the access door. Then, the access cover should be removed so that the burners are both easy to see and easy to work with. Take an adjustable wrench, loosen the nut, and remove the copper tubing from the gas regulator. You can perform a simple test with a voltmeter. If the pilot remains lit, but the main furnace doesn't stay lit, it's time to replace the thermocouple. If you still can't remove the thermopile, there are two zip screws By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. Thermocouples wear out and are replaceable, but you should conduct a few simple tests before doing that, because your gas pilot may be going out for another reason. Before the installation of a new thermocouple, check the line for obstructions. This tube runs into the oven’s body. Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple. How to Test a Thermocouple with a MultiMeter. You can distinguish this device from the metal tube of a thermocouple by the two wires in sheathing that lead to it. Realistically, you have just disabled the thermocouple, but you can also reach in and unclip it from its holding bracket where it meets the pilot light. If you are interested in other examples of troubleshooting standing pilot systems including thermocouples here are few resources for you: Gas Valve Troubleshooting | How To Light a Pilot Light | Why Does My Pilot Light Keep Going Out. You can use Emery cloth sandpaper to gently clean any debris or build-up from the end of the thermocouple. By making it into a star shape we will be able to heat only one side of each thermocouple by using a candle in the center of the star. They can troubleshoot the problems and replace the thermocouple if necessary. Replace the thermocouple if it is broken. Do I have to remove it from the pilot assembly? You can take your non-working thermocouple to the hardware stores. Having to replace an old worn out self-generating pilot can drive you to the brink of insanity especially when you contact heating repair man. Wait twenty minutes for the thermocouple to cool down. To replace a thermocouple, the gas inlet valve should first be shut off. If your gas fire isn’t working properly and goes out too often you probably need to change the thermocouple – a small device that shuts down the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. Step 1 Turn off the gas to your Heatilator fireplace. You should know that the currents from the thermocouple will control the pillow tube in the hollow copper with the wires inside. If two different wires are connected at both ends, and some voltage source makes current flow through the loop, one junction will get hot and the other junction will become cold. Most of the time this is a week thermocouple. A blockage in the thermocouple or pilot tubes can cause the same symptoms as a failed thermocouple. Thanks Sponsored Links #2 01-16-16, 11:04 AM PJmax. Detach the thermocouple from the burner. After years of use, the thermocouple on a Heatilator fireplace can go bad, not allowing gas to flow to your fireplace, even if the pilot is on. 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