Tech Tip: Spark is King

Spark is King: The three main components needed for combustion are spark, fuel, and air. You can have plenty of fuel and air, but without an ignition source (the spark) there will be no combustion. This is why spark has been deemed king of the ignition sequence. All of our high efficiency products have a sight glass that allows technicians to take a look inside the heat exchanger. Technicians are able to see combustion take place through this sight glass. If the spark fails to ignite a boiler, then there is a good chance that it is shorting itself to ground. Electricity will always take the shortest path to ground.

The Solution: If a spark fails to ignite a unit there are several steps that should be followed to correct the issue. First, turn off the gas supply and remove the spark igniter from the mounting location. Then make sure that the spark igniter has a clear path into the exchanger. To verify this, you take a small flat head screw driver and ream out the igniter mounting hole by pushing the refractory material aside. You must make sure the path is clean. Next, reinstall the spark igniter while leaving the gas supply off. Finally, reset the system and check for a spark. Once a clean spark is established, turn the gas supply on and the ignition process will come alive! Remember – spark is king.