Life expectancy on a thermocouple?

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jjmatte

Member
Dec 2, 2008
16
Merrimack, NH
I keep getting a TC Firepot error on my Mt. Vernon AE insert. I replaced the thermocouple a couple of years ago. While replacing it i snapped the lead on the circuit board. I was able to solder a new one on with the help of my dad. Saved a few hundred bucks there. Is about 2 years average for a thermocouple? We typically burn about 5 tons of pellets per season.
I just hate to try to replace it again. I'm afraid I'll snap another lead off.
 
My Quad has been running the same thermocouple since I bought the house in '07. Been averaging 4-5 tons/yr since and the TC still works fine (knock on wood).

Are you sure it's the TC... did you re-check that solder?
 
You could cut the wires a distance from the board, and make your connections there, avoiding going near the board at all.

+1 on checking the soldering job. Resolder just to be sure, a cold solder joint can look okay, but not work properly.
 
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