Industrial Maintenance Technician Practice Test 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Question: 1 / 400

What does a thermocouple on a gas heater primarily operate?

The pilot light

The main burner

The fan motor

The gas valve

A thermocouple on a gas heater primarily operates the gas valve. This device is a critical safety feature that monitors the presence of the pilot light. When the pilot light is lit, the thermocouple generates a small voltage due to the heat it receives from the flame, which in turn keeps the gas valve open. If the pilot light goes out, the temperature drops, causing the thermocouple to lose its voltage. This shutdown signals the gas valve to close, thus preventing gas from leaking into the area and creating a hazardous situation.

Understanding this function is essential for safe gas heater operations and maintenance, as it ensures that the system only supplies gas when it is safe to do so, based on the pilot light being operational. This knowledge is foundational for any technician working with gas heating systems.

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