Can I use a thermocouple instead of a thermopile?

Thermopiles can be constructed with a single thermocouple pair, composed of two thermocouple junctions, or multiple thermocouple pairs. Thermopiles do not respond to absolute temperature , but generate an output voltage proportional to a local temperature difference or temperature gradient.

Why have a thermocouple and a thermopile?

Gas fireplaces and fireplace inserts use thermocouples and thermopiles primarily to generate electricity. Because thermopiles generate more electricity than thermocouples, fireplaces with thermopiles can connect to thermostats for temperature control.

What is the purpose of thermopile?

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.

Is a thermopile a flame sensor?

A thermocouple is a temperature sensor; it could be used as a flame sensor. But flames can also be detected by optical sensors. So, they are not the same thing.

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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.

How much electricity does a thermopile produce?

A thermopile is simply dozens of thermocouples connected in series. A typical thermopile output is 500-750 mv.

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What is the purpose of a thermopile in a gas fireplace?

Thermopile is a an important device that converts thermal energy into electric energy. The purpose of a thermopile in a gas fireplace is to detect thermal radiation, for gas burner safety control.

Why does a thermopile 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.

What are thermopile sensors?

Thermopile sensors are designed to measure temperature from a distance by detecting an object’s infrared (IR) energy. The higher the temperature, the more IR energy is emitted. The thermopile sensing element, composed of small thermocouples on a silicon chip, absorb the energy and produce an output signal.

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.

Is the thermocouple the same as the flame sensor?

People tend to use the terms “flame sensor” and “thermocouple” interchangeably. In truth, while they basically perform the same job, they’re not the same thing. If your furnace uses an electronic controller, it’s got a flame sensor. Thermocouples are used on standing pilot furnaces that have pilot lights.

What voltage does a thermopile produce?

A thermopile is used for a standing pilot system and generally produces around 600-750 millivolts. This voltage is used by the gas valve to keep the pilot valve solenoid internal to the main gas open and also provides the voltage needed to run the gas valve and safeties.

Why does my thermocouple keep failing?

Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.