The thermocouple on your gas fireplace is a heat sensitive device that keeps the pilot gas tube open while the pilot is lit.
Gas fireplace thermocouple vs thermopile.
It does this by generating a small electric current on the order of.
Cleaning the thermocouple is a pretty simple process but should only be done when the fireplace is turned off and is completely cool.
In heating systems a thermocouple is one junction of metals that when heated by a pilot flame generates approximately 25 mv and holds open an electromagnetic valve to allow gas to pass as long as there is a pilot.
The thermocouple on a gas fireplace may eventually become clogged with dirt and soot which can reduce the effectiveness of the thermocouple and may eventually prevent the fireplace from lighting as expected.
This article explains what a thermocouple or thermopile is how these devices work where they are installed and what goes wrong with thermocouples.
Thermocouple fireplace by will gish.
Thermocouples on heating appliances.
A second valve in the valve train.
As the heat reaches the second junction of the thermocouple it generates electrical voltage.
When turned on the pilot in a gas stove generates heat which travels through a thermocouple.
Thermocouples are also used in homes offices and businesses as the temperature sensors in thermostats and also as flame sensors in safety devices for gas powered appliances.
We describe how to find the thermocouple if one is used on your heater and how the thermocouple is replaced.
750 temperature resistance millivolt replacement thermopile generators used on gas fireplace water heater gas fryer cluster thermocouple for 24 fireplace 4 2 out of 5 stars 53 8 29 8.
Gas fireplaces and fireplace inserts use thermocouples and thermopiles primarily to generate electricity.