This Rheem Thermocouple is a 36-inch long device designed to detect and measure temperature. It operates by generating a voltage proportional to the temperature difference between its two junctions, known as the Seebeck effect. The thermocouple is composed of two different types of metal, typically copper and constantan, joined together at one end. When the junction of the two metals is heated or cooled, it produces a voltage that can be correlated back to the temperature. This product is primarily used in heating systems such as water heaters and furnaces where accurate temperature measurement is critical for system performance and safety.