Ao Smith 100281571 Thermopile Assembly

Product Description

The AO SMITH 100281571 is a thermopile assembly designed for use in gas-fired water heaters. A thermopile generates a small DC voltage by converting heat from a standing pilot flame into electrical current. That voltage powers the gas valve and control circuit without requiring external electrical supply. Licensed plumbers and HVAC technicians install this component during pilot system service or gas valve troubleshooting. The 100281571 serves as a direct OEM-replacement part, restoring proper pilot circuit voltage output and gas valve operation in compatible AO SMITH water heater systems.

Thermopile assemblies are common service items in residential and light-commercial gas water heaters equipped with standing pilot ignition systems. When a water heater fails to stay lit, produces insufficient hot water, or the gas valve does not respond, a degraded thermopile is a primary diagnostic target. This assembly is installed in the pilot burner area of the water heater and connects directly to the gas valve terminal block. The 100281571 is intended for use in AO SMITH gas water heater models that call for this specific thermopile configuration.

Key Features

• Generates DC millivoltage from standing pilot heat to power the gas valve control circuit
• OEM replacement part engineered to AO SMITH factory specifications
• Designed for standing pilot ignition systems without external power requirements
• Direct drop-in fitment for compatible AO SMITH gas water heater models

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style replacement thermopile assembly for AO SMITH gas water heaters equipped with standing pilot ignition systems.

Installation Notes

Installation should be performed by a licensed plumber or qualified HVAC technician. Shut off the gas supply and allow the pilot assembly to cool completely before beginning any service work. Disconnect the thermopile lead wires from the gas valve terminals before removing the assembly, and reverse the process when installing the replacement. After installation, restore gas supply, relight the pilot per the water heater label instructions, and verify millivolt output at the gas valve terminals using a multimeter to confirm proper thermopile function.

Technical Specifications

• Component Type: Thermopile Assembly

Standard Information

• Brand: AO SMITH
• Manufacturer Part Number: 100281571