The Intermittent Pilot uses a Spark Ignitor to ignite a pilot flame, that then in turn ignites the main burners. The Intermittent Pilot, unlike Direct Spark Ignition, uses gas.
What are the three types of gas ignition systems?
A Guide to the Different Types of Gas Ignition Systems
- Standing Pilot. A standing pilot must remain lit throughout the day so that heat can be made available at any time.
- Intermittent Pilot. An intermittent pilot solves a couple of problems common to older units.
- Hot Surface Ignition.
How do I know if my furnace has electronic ignition?
If you have a newer furnace (or one with an AFUE rating above 80), it most likely has an electronic ignition system. One type of electronic ignition is an intermittent pilot. This system uses a pilot flame, but the flame lights only when there’s a call for heat from the thermostat.
What is meant by the term direct ignition?
In ignition system. …a distributor-less ignition system, or direct-ignition system, in which a high-voltage pulse is directly applied to coils that sit on top of the spark plugs (known as coil-on-plug).
What is a spark pilot?
The spark first lights a pilot or a small burner, which when proven to be lit, lights the main burner. This two-step system is called “spark-to-pilot” or “intermittent pilot” (IP) ignition, and is widely used to eliminate the gas required to continuously operate a standing pilot.
How does a furnace spark igniter work?
They are made from silicon nitride or silicon carbide and operate similar to light bulbs: current passes through them and causes their surface to turn hot. A sensor detects this heat, and then opens the gas valve to send natural gas to the burners. The heat from the igniter activates the gas jets.
What causes ignition failure on a furnace?
The Pilot Light (Faulty Ignition Sensor) The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite. This is typically the problem if you can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up. If the sensor or ignitor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned.
How does an electric furnace ignition system work?
Electronic Ignition Systems Electronic ignition only utilizes energy when the furnace, boiler, or water heater calls for heat. Most modern electronic ignition systems use direct ignition to the main burner. Once that pilot flame proves, the electronic ignition system turns the gas on to the main burners.
How does a direct spark ignition system work?
What is a direct spark ignition system? The Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) System is flame sensing and has an automatic valve. The system is controlled by a module that sends a spark signal to the electrode (igniter), opens the gas valve and then the gas ignites.
What was the most common furnace ignition system?
The intermittent pilot was the most common furnace ignition system in the second half of the 1900s. It used an automatic spark ignitor to light the main burners via a gas pilot light that was always on. One of the original furnace ignition systems, the standing pilot first appeared in the 1920s and was used all the way through the 1980s.
Why do direct spark ignition furnaces need redundant gas valves?
180°F to 200°F. Why do direct spark ignition furnaces and hot surface ignition furnaces require redundant gas valves? For safety since there is no pilot safety solenoid. What does a roll-out switch do?
