BlueCraft thermocouple for gas stool burner - spare part for the flame failure device, 31 cm

The BlueCraft thermocouple is an original spare part for the BlueCraft gas stool burner. It is the flame sensor of the flame failure device: its tip sits in the burner flame, and the other end is screwed to the burner valve. As long as the flame heats it, the valve stays open. When the flame goes out, the thermocouple cools down and the valve shuts off the gas. A new thermocouple is what you need when the burner lights normally but goes out right after you release the knob, or when the old thermocouple is bent, burnt or damaged. The part is 31 cm long and weighs 30 g.

Key features

• original spare part for the BlueCraft gas stool burner
• flame sensor of the flame failure device
• length 31 cm, cross-section 1.1 x 1.1 cm
• threaded sleeve for mounting next to the burner
• connector nut for the burner valve
• net weight 30 g
• contents: 1 thermocouple

How a thermocouple works

A thermocouple is made of two different metals joined at the tip. When the flame heats this tip, the thermocouple produces a very small voltage. The current flows through the lead to an electromagnet in the burner valve and holds the valve open. This is why you have to keep the knob pressed for several seconds after lighting the burner: the thermocouple has to heat up first. If the flame goes out, for example because of wind or boiling over, the tip cools down, the voltage drops and the valve shuts off the gas to the burner. This way no gas escapes when nobody is watching the flame.

When to replace the thermocouple

• The burner lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, even though you held it long enough.
• The flame goes out by itself after a few minutes, although the cylinder is full and the regulator works.
• The sensor tip is burnt, cracked, heavily corroded or bent so that it no longer reaches the flame.
• The thermocouple lead is broken, crushed or chafed.
• The nut at the valve has a damaged thread and no longer holds securely.

What to check before replacing it

• Whether the thermocouple tip is in the flame. If it has been moved, set it back so that the flame plays on it.
• Whether the thermocouple nut at the valve is tight. A loose connection breaks the circuit and the valve closes.
• Whether the tip is covered with soot or food residue. Wipe it gently with a soft cloth or fine sandpaper.
• Whether you keep the knob pressed long enough. In wind and with a cold burner it takes longer.
• Whether the cylinder is almost empty and the regulator gives the right pressure. A weak flame heats the thermocouple less.

Replacement step by step

• Close the cylinder valve, disconnect the regulator and wait until the burner has cooled down completely.
• Take a photo of the old thermocouple so you remember where its tip sits in relation to the burner and how the lead runs.
• Unscrew the thermocouple nut at the burner valve.
• Loosen the nut on the threaded sleeve next to the burner and take the old thermocouple out of its holder.
• Put the new thermocouple into the holder so that the sensor tip is in the same place as before, and tighten the sleeve nut.
• Screw the connector nut into the valve by hand first, then tighten it carefully with a spanner without excessive force.
• Route the lead away from the flame, without sharp bends and without contact with sharp edges.
• Reconnect the regulator, open the cylinder and check the gas connections you undid with leak detection spray.
• Light the burner, hold the knob for about fifteen seconds and release it. The flame should stay on.

Things to watch out for

• Never bridge or block the flame failure device. The burner should not be used without a working thermocouple.
• Do not bend the lead at a sharp angle, as it can break inside while still looking intact from outside.
• Do not overtighten the nuts, the threads in the valve and on the sleeve are delicate.
• If the burner still goes out after you replaced the thermocouple, the cause may be in the valve. In that case have the burner checked by a gas appliance service.
• Replace the thermocouple only with the cylinder closed and the burner cold.

Care

After each use, once the burner has cooled down, remove food residue and boiled-over water from around the burner. Soot and burnt grease on the thermocouple tip make the sensor heat up more slowly. Store the burner in a dry place and take care when carrying it so you do not catch the thermocouple lead. Once a season check that the tip is still in the flame and the nut at the valve is still tight.

Matching products and spare parts

• BlueCraft gas stool burner 10 kW - the burner this thermocouple is made for
• Gas stool burner 4 kW - smaller stool burner, compare the original part before ordering a thermocouple for it
• BlueCraft piezo igniter - replacement piezo igniter for the BlueCraft stool burner
• BlueCraft spark plug with cable - replacement ignition electrode with lead
• BlueCraft control knob - replacement black valve knob

Technical data

Manufacturer

IOE - International Outdoor Experts GmbH, Haustenbecke 1, 44319 Dortmund, Germany.