I have a thermo coupling on a caravan gas fire. How can I tell if the thermo coupling is working. How can I check it to see if it needs a new one. Dont want to go and buy one if the existing thermo is ok.

Gordon, May 2009

when lighting the gas fire you will push in and hold a button and wait for 10 seconds it can be longer and when you release the pilot should stay lit. if not have a look and see if the flame is just touching the thermo couple end . if it is i suspect its broke . what happens is you push the gas valve open so the pilot lights through a weep hole. the pilot light flame passes over the thermo couple which in turn makes an electrical current of between 15-30 milli amps this charges a magnet which hold the main gas valve open when you release it. thats why when your pilot goes out after a minute the gas valve closes and shuts off the gas as a safety device until you relight it or get a new part.

chris from york, May 2009

If a thermocouple isn't working, the flame on the gas fire will go out. When you turn the fire on, and try for ignition, the thermocouple needs to be heated for a few seconds and if its working ok, the fire stays lit.

John, May 2009