How Hot Surface Igniters Work

Hot Surface Igniters were invented in 1969 and arenot due to faults in the igniter itself, it may be exposed
made of advanced ceramic materials. This inventionto excessive voltage, the appliance may be operating
relates generally to electronic oven control circuits and,at too high a temperature, or the igniter may have
more particularly, to an electronic oven control circuitbeen damaged prior to installation. If the hot surface
for a gas oven having a hot surface igniter. Gas ovenigniter is glowing red hot but the appliance does not fire
control systems which utilize hot surface igniters,you should call for professional service.
resistive elements which are heated by the applicationThe two most common problems with hot surface
of electrical current, are widely used because of theirigniters are breakage and premature burnout. They
durability and reliability.can also quit part way through cooking, in other words
While they cannot be bent or reshaped they arethe oven may cycle a couple of times and then it just
known to be fairly fragile and can be damaged duringsits there with the red glow from the igniter.
transit or even installation if the proper precautions areThe hot surface igniter is generally positioned in the
not taken.path of flow of a fuel gas or gas/air mixture, this flow
Hot surface igniters do weaken and will eventuallybeing controlled with an electrically actable valve. As
generate less heat than they normally could and shouldthe gas passes the hot surface igniter, the gas is
be replaced when this occurs. Hot Surface Igniters canignited and heat is produced. The electrically operated
be purchased from your local appliance service centervalve is energized to a level which causes it to open
or HVAC service center however should be installedonly when current passed through the hot surface
by professional service personnel.igniter has heated it to a sufficient gas ignition
If you have an appliance that is failing it is most likelytemperature.