Usually, a problem with the thermocouple causes the pilot light to go out. The thermocouple is the small copper rod that the pilot light hits. The thermocouple’s job is to shut a gas safety valve if the pilot light goes out. That’s important because gas is always being supplied to the pilot to keep the flame lit.
The heater won’t operate properly if the pilot flickers, is too weak or goes out, and the cause could also be blockages in the pilot tube. Another cause of a weak pilot is a faulty thermocouple. It’s a heat sensor placed next to the pilot flame that signals the gas valve to stay open when the flame is burning.
Thereof, Why does my thermocouple keep going bad?
Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction.
Also to know is, How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple? 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.
Subsequently, question is, Can you clean a thermocouple? To clean the tip of the thermocouple, use steel wool or emery cloth and lightly wash it. To clean the threads of the nut that connects the thermocouple to the control valve, use an eraser from a pencil.
Also, How long should a thermocouple last?
one year
Is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out?
Can a Pilot Light Outage Be Dangerous? The worry here is that when a pilot goes out, the gas valve that supplies the fuel for the pilot flame could still be pumping gas. This can mean a buildup of gas, and when the pilot is relit or relights itself it could result in a very serious explosion.
Do thermocouples wear out?
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.
What does the thermocouple look like?
The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. … The other end of the thermocouple sits in the flame of the pilot light.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermocouple?
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.
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 get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light?
Carbon monoxide is only produced when fuel of any type; oil, gas, wood or coal is burned. … And a pilot light out of adjustment can produce carbon monoxide gas. The amount produced by even a badly maladjusted pilot is small because the flame size is also small.
Why do thermocouples go bad?
It’s Dirty. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction.
Do thermocouples go bad?
Like the other component parts in your furnace, the thermocouple can wear down over time, producing lower voltage than it should when heated. And the worst part is that you can have a bad thermocouple without even knowing. Therefore, inspecting and testing your thermocouple should be part of your furnace maintenance.
Why does my pilot light keep blowing out?
Pilot light blows out. The most common and well-known problem with pilot lights is that the flame can blow out. Sometimes this can happen simply due to a strong draft nearby. Other times, the thermocouple in your furnace might manually shut off the pilot light for safety reasons.
How much carbon monoxide does a pilot light produce?
Also, a typical pilot light can generate 450 pounds of carbon dioxide – a greenhouse gas — over a six-month period.
Why does the thermocouple go bad?
It’s Dirty. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction.
What does a thermocouple do?
The thermocouple responds to changes in temperature by producing an electrical current that causes the gas valve that supplies the pilot light to open when the temperature is high or to close when there is no direct heat source.
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