Abstract: A system and method for connecting a plurality of components in a furnace incorporate a thermal strain relief device made of graphite or other material designed for high temperature environments in which operating temperatures of the furnace are between about 1000° C. and about 1700° C. The thermal strain relief device includes a body, a raised area provided on a first side of the body, and an elevation structure provided on a second side of the body. The thermal strain relief device is assembled with at least first and second components, and a connector for connecting the first and second components in the furnace, where the first and second components may have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and the thermal strain relief device is configured to flex in response to tightening of the connector, and in response to thermal expansion of the first and second components when operated at high temperatures.