Thermocouples

When tearing apart a gas furnace, water heater or stove(the three "main" gas appliances that scrappers get) You should always set aside the thermocouple. It may contain Platinum! There are 11 different types of thermocouples>>>HOLY COW!! AAAAAÀ, WHAT DO I DO! Learn how to identify the type you have you silly goose!!!!!!!
BUUUUUT FIRST! CHECK OUT THIS LINK TO LEARN ABOUT
THERMOCOUPLE T H E O R Y
http://www.sensortecinc.com/docs/technical_resources/Thermocouple_Theory.pdf

The types of thermocouple are:
K: Chromel NOT IMPRESSED! http://www.ladyada.net/learn/sensors/thermocouple.html FOR more info on type K

E: Chromel-constantan WEEEEAKKKK

J:Iron- Constantan BOOOO

N:Nicrosil-Nisil PUSHHSHHHHHAW