What is a thermopile generator?
A thermopile generator generates electrical energy from heat. A typical application is flame failure. In a gas water heater, gas fireplace or gas stove a thermopile generator produces voltage while a pilot light is lit.
What causes a thermopile to fail?
As this occurs, they produce a small voltage of electricity that passes over to the gas control valve. A pilot light can go out. When this happens, there is no electricity, so it shuts down the gas control valve until the light is relit. High winds can cause the pilot to be extinguished, which stops thermopile voltage.
How much is thermopile cost?
The No. 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10.
What does a millivolt generator do?
Thermopile generator used on many gas fireplace and gas insert pilot assemblies. It is the smaller thin control on the pilot assembly and its purpose is to keep the pilot lit, while the thermopile is what actually opens the valve to allow gas flow to the burner. …
Is thermopile the same as thermocouple?
The main difference between Thermocouple and Thermopile is their method of measurement. The thermocouple is a thermoelectric instrument, while the thermopile is an instrument that modifies thermal energy into electrical output.
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 do I reset my thermopile?
Find the thermal switch on the manifold door. Push the small button in the middle of the thermal switch to reset it. Restart the gas water heater by following the lighting directions printed on the side of the water tank.
How do I know which thermopile to buy?
You want to get one that is about the same length as the one you have. They are sold in in 6″ increments for the shorter lengths, 18″, 24″, 30″ and so on. For a water heater, 18″ and 24″ are common, although longer ones are possible. Remove the old thermocouple and measure it to see what length you need.
How much voltage does a thermopile generate?
A thermopile is used for a standing pilot system and generally produces around 600-750 millivolts.
How many millivolts does a thermopile generate?
Is a millivolt generator the same as a thermopile?
It is a 750 millivolt output gas pilot safety control, 35″ long. It is the smaller thin control on the pilot assembly and its purpose is to keep the pilot lit, while the thermopile is what actually opens the valve to allow gas flow to the burner.
Can I replace a thermocouple with a thermopile?
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.