Table of Contents
So, this is what the thermopile voltage low error means. The error means the thermocouples in the collection cannot generate enough current to power the control panel that we mentioned. If this happens, the controller system will stop working, and you will see an error message on the water heater.
How do you fix low voltage thermopile?
Replacing a Thermopile Turn off the Gas Supply. Disconnect the Wires. Remove the Manifold Door. Remove the Pilot Assembly and Thermopile Wire. Place the New Thermopile Wire. Feed the Wires Through the Manifold Door. Install the Manifold Component Block. Reconnect the Thermal Switch Wiring.
How do I reset my thermopile?
Press the small reset button in the center of the thermal switch. If it’s tripped, you may be able to hear it click. Even if you do not hear the thermal switch click, try lighting the pilot using the instructions on the water heater’s label. If the Status Light now begins to flash, the thermal switch probably tripped.
How do I know if my thermopile is bad?
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.
How much does it cost to replace a thermopile?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.
What does the thermopile do?
Thermopiles are used for contactless temperature sensing. The function of a thermopile is to transfer the heat radiation emitted from the object to a voltage output. The output is in the range of tens or hundreds of millivolts. Thermopiles work as sensors or generators.
How long should a thermopile last?
Thermopile sensors don’t have a specific life expectancy or degradation rate. As long as they are used correctly and maintained properly, thermopiles can last for years or even decades and remain in good working condition.
What causes low thermopile voltage?
If the thermopile does not generate the correct voltage, the heater may fail to provide you hot water. So, this is what the thermopile voltage low error means. The error means the thermocouples in the collection cannot generate enough current to power the control panel that we mentioned.
How long does a water heater last?
It would be nice to know when the time is right to replace your water before it springs a leak and causes an inconvenience or worse yet, damage to your home. Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years. Beyond 12 years, you are on borrowed time!Apr 19, 2012.
Will cleaning a thermopile help?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
Why does my gas fireplace not stay lit?
The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace won’t stay lit. However, there are other possibilities out there. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be.
Why would a gas fireplace keep going out?
A common problem with gas fireplaces lies in the components called the ignition assembly. When a fireplace refuses to remain lit, there’s probably an issue in one of the several pieces that make up the ignition assembly, which are: the pilot light assembly, pilot tubing, thermocouple, and thermopile.
What would cause pilot light to go out?
Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouple – $20 to $150 The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
How long does it take to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouples are designed to detect a pilot light’s loss of heat and close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours.
What is the purpose of a thermopile in a water heater?
The thermopile produces more current than thermocouple. Thermopile produces enough current to power circuit board inside the electronic gas valves so it can compile status of heater operation, issue error codes via LED status light, and control operation of heater.
How do you use thermopile?
Thermopiles are used to provide an output in response to temperature as part of a temperature measuring device, such as the infrared thermometers widely used by medical professionals to measure body temperature, or in thermal accelerometers to measure the temperature profile inside the sealed cavity of the sensor.
Can you replace a thermopile with a thermocouple?
Watch out: thermopiles and thermocouples are not interchangeable. When replacing a temperature sensing device like a thermocouple or thermopile, you should be sure to purchase the proper part.
Why does my fireplace have a thermopile and thermocouple?
In Fireplaces Gas fireplaces and fireplace inserts use thermocouples and thermopiles primarily to generate electricity. When turned on, the pilot in a gas stove generates heat, which travels through a thermocouple. The fireplace uses this voltage to open the gas valve, allowing gas to flow out and start a fire.
