How to Replace an Oven Thermocouple?

Oven thermocouples work by detecting the change in temperature. They consist of two separate wires connected by a tube, and the hot one is positioned close to the oven's pilot flame. When the pilot flame is lit, a current flows through the thermocouple circuit and holds the safety valve open, so that the oven can operate normally. When the pilot flame goes out, the current stops, and the safety valve closes, cutting off the gas flow to the oven.

A faulty oven thermocouple can cause erratic temperature changes. It may not light the pilot flame or not operate at all. In such a case, a professional should be consulted. A professional can test the oven and narrow down the problem to the thermocouple. Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to find a replacement oven thermocouple.

Using a flashlight, trace the copper tube inside the oven. You should be able to locate the thermocouple head at the end. There is either a gravity clip or a screw that holds the thermocouple in place. Unthreading the bracket will free the thermocouple head.

A thermocouple is a piece of equipment that sends a signal to the control valve when the temperature rises or drops. A broken thermocouple will make the oven unsafe to use and can lead to further problems.