Daily Maintenance Checklist for Thermocouple Lance Tips

Many inaccurate readings trace not to the head but to the lance tip — the metal part contacting the head socket. Poor contact means the millivolt signal never reaches the meter.

Why Tips Fail

Harsh environment: radiant heat near steel, friction from insert/withdraw cycles, fume and slag deposits. Over time: oxidation films (higher resistance), deformed spring clips, loose wiring, fouling.

Daily Checklist

Pre-shift (5 min): inspect contact face — sand off oxide/fouling to bare metal; test spring clip with an old head; check lance insulation with a multimeter; tighten cable connections.

During shift: insert heads straight, never force at an angle; withdraw with proper tool; confirm head is seated before dipping.

Post-shift (3 min): clean contact and tube; check for cracks/deformation; verify signal continuity with multimeter.

When to Replace

No fixed cycle — depends on usage. Replace when: unstable readings after cleaning, lost clip spring, unfixable looseness, deformed/cracked tube. Keep 2~3 spares ready.

Summary

Small part, big impact. A few minutes daily saves hidden losses from inaccurate readings. Remember: clean pre-shift, insert gently, clean post-shift, replace on anomaly.