Where is the thermocouple on a gas wall heater?
The thermocouple is a gas furnace component located near the pilot light burner. It is a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out or the electric igniter fails.
What does a wall heater thermocouple do?
The thermocouple is the heat-sensitive safety device that prevents the release of unburned gas. The initial flame of the pilot heats the thermocouple, which will signal the valve to stay open and keep the pilot lit and the propane heater functioning.
Is there a way to bypass a thermocouple?
So if you want to bypass the thermocouple you have to get rid of the spring mechanism. You can bypass the spring mechanism by simply using a screwdriver to pop out the little e-clip and take the valve off and problem solved.
How do you test a wall heater thermocouple?
Place one test lead on the side of the thermocouple and the other to the end that screws into the gas valve. If the thermocouple has proper continuity, a small resistance reading should be visible on the multimeter. Many multimeters also indicate continuity with an audio alert.
How can you tell if a thermopile is bad?
Diagnosing a Thermopile Problem Just like the thermocouple, the thermopile can be read with a multimeter to check if it’s the cause of the problem. Three hundred millivolts or higher voltage is a sign of a good thermopile. A reading below 300 millivolts would require you to replace the thermopile.
Is it safe to bypass thermocouple?
Bypassing the thermocouple would make it no more dangerous than any propane grill. It’s not going to make it explode. The only thing it would prevent is losing a tank of propane into the atmosphere if the flame happened to go out because the valve wouldnt close.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?
If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.
Can you fix a thermocouple?
If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. It’s possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this.
What is the most common thermocouple failure mode?
The most common failure mode for thermocouples is for them to fail open, this is known as thermocouple burnout. Burnout can result from a variety of reasons including the thermocouple experiencing a temperature in excess of that for which it was designed, metal fatigue, and oxidation.
Which is the best thermocouple for water heaters?
THERMOCOUPLE 18 INCH HONEYWELL REPLACEMENT FOR BOILERS, FURNACES, WATER HEATERS. . . . . .
How big is a desa thermocouple vent free heater?
098514-01 Thermocouple is approximately 39 inches long and will replace most of the millivolt thermocouples used by DESA International on their line of vent-free natural gas and propane wall heaters.
What kind of thermocouple do I need for my gas fireplace?
The 098514-01 Thermocouple is the OEM replacement thermocouple for many of the heaters, fireplaces and gas log produced by DESA International and sold throughout the United States and Canada. The 098514-04 Thermocouple provides a Millivolt Signal to the Gas Valve allowing the appliance to stay running.
Can a weak thermocouple cause a heater to shut down?
If this thermocouple has become weak it will not allow the Pilot Light to stay running and your heater will completely shut down.