Specification

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Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Gas Water Heaters
Original
Pilot/Thermocouple Orientation
Hotter
Cooler
Pilot Hood
Pilot Flame
Thermocouple Tip
Pilot Bracket
Assembly
Modified
Pilot/Thermocouple Orientation
Thermocouple tip
bent into hotter
section of pilot flame
CAUTION: If for any reason the system has shut down
during operation, the cause of the system failure should
be investigated and corrected before restarting the
system!
1. Check GSK spill switches to see if one
or both have tripped:
• Using an ohmmeter/multimeter or continuity
tester: check continuity through the safety switches by
removing the two wires from the TCA thermocouple
adapter, and connecting the leads to the ends of
the wires. Discontinuity will indicate that either or
both switches have tripped, or faulty wiring.
• Without ohmmeter or continuity tester: Remove
the metal covers from the switches and attempt
to reset the switches by pushing the reset button
in the center of the switch. If either switch has
tripped, an audible click will usually be produced
when the reset button is pushed inward.
Corrective Action:
CAUTION:
If either or both switches have tripped, the
venting system must be thoroughly inspected for proper
venting operation.
• Check for exhaust gas spillage around the
draft hood when the venting/combustion air
equipment and water heater are operating, and
at the time the venter shuts off. If spillage occurs
during operation, adjust the air flow damper on
the venter (or air flow adjustment plate on the
draft inducer) to increase the draft provided.
• If spillage occurs when the venter shuts off,
negative pressure exists in the building.
Negative pressure problems can be corrected by
providing make-up air and/or combustion air.
• Check for exhaust gas spillage around the draft
hood when the main burner ignites: the gas
pressure switch may be responding too slowly
due to damage or blockage of the ports. If the
venting/combustion air equipment motor is not
activated by the gas pressure switch within 15-30
seconds (or as otherwise specified in the CK-kit
installation instructions), temporary spillage may
be sufficient to trip the GSK spill switches. Inspect
the gas pressure switch, and check the main
burner manifold pressure and verify that it is
within manufacturer’s specification. Replace the
pressure switch or gas valve as necessary.
Figure 2: Thermocouple Tip Location