Every calibration has a different environment and temperature range, though the maximum temperature is contingent upon the diameter of the thermocouple wire used. Therefore, a very thin thermocouple may not reach the full-temperature range.
Because of its low cost and temperature range, the K type thermocouple is known as a general-purpose thermocouple. Due to thermocouples measuring in wide temperature ranges and being comparatively rugged, they are often used in industry.
When choosing a thermocouple, the following factors must be considered for the best result:. Thermocouples are usually selected based on their high-temperature limits, wide temperature ranges, low cost, and durable nature. They are also used in everyday Kansas appliances like furnaces, toasters, and stoves. Request service online today. Visit our service area page for the list of communities we serve.
We service residents in areas surrounding these towns as well. It is installed so that its ends are in the pilot light of the furnace. The thermocouple detects the heat from the pilot light, and should the pilot light go out accidentally, the thermocouple will automatically shut off the gas valve. This prevents unburned gas from flooding into the combustion chamber, where a small spark might cause an explosion.
Seebeck found that two separate types of metal in proximity to each other will generate electrical voltage in proportion to the heat they sense. The higher the heat around the two metal pieces, the higher the voltage. The thermocouple in a gas furnace is designed to keep the gas valve open through its electric voltage. If the pilot light goes out, the loss in heat causes the voltage between the two pieces of metal to drop, and this shuts the valve and reduces the combustion risk.
However, a thermocouple can break, rust, or fall out of place, and this can lead to a potential hazard if the pilot light fails.
This is one of the reasons you need to schedule regular preventive maintenance for your gas furnace: technicians will catch failing thermocouples and replace them with the correct unit. Some current gas furnaces use a mercury sensor instead of a thermocouple. Your technician will know how to handle potential problems with mercury sensors as well. Earlier this week, we posted a blog about the differences between electronic ignitions and conventional pilot lights.
Even though electronic ignitions are becoming more and more common, many St. Louis area homeowners still have furnaces that use conventional pilot lights. When your pilot light is lit, the heat from the flame sends a voltage through the thermocouple that keeps the gas line open.
If the pilot light goes out , the thermocouple will lose its voltage and the gas line to your furnace will be closed. Without it, gas would simply build up in your furnace without actually lighting. This would be very dangerous for two reasons. First, if the pilot light were to turn back on after gas had built up in and around the furnace, it could cause an explosion.
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