A trouble-free lighter for a gas stove with your own hands

Modern models of gas stoves are equipped with an automatic ignition device. Depending on the design features, it is turned on by pressing the corresponding button on the control panel or triggered when gas is supplied. This feature eliminates the need for the user to keep matches or a lighter at hand and reduces the risk of getting burned from direct contact with fire. If the ignition on your gas stove does not work, you should take steps to restore it. After reading this article, you will get an idea of ​​the operating principle of such units and will be able to take the correct actions in the event of a breakdown.

What is electric ignition

What is mechanical electric ignition? To ignite the gas-air mixture at the outlet of the burner, a local source of high temperature is required that exceeds the auto-ignition point of the hydrocarbon gas. In this capacity, it is convenient to use an electric arc that occurs during a high-voltage breakdown. After the gas jet ignites, the temperature regime stabilizes, and the need for an additional source of energy disappears. Therefore, the high-voltage discharge occurs within a few moments.

Simplified, the principle of operation of such a device can be described as follows:

• when the circuit is closed, voltage is applied to the capacitor, which begins to charge to a certain level;
• after the necessary energy has been accumulated, a control signal is sent to the thyristor, which directs the current to the discharge device;
• it initiates a sharp voltage surge on a special electrode, accompanied by an arc discharge in the immediate vicinity of the burner, after which the gas ignites.

  
  Operating principle of electric ignition

Need to know! A short spark breakthrough time is enough to start the combustion process, while energy consumption remains minimal.

Types of electric ignition

It is customary to distinguish between two types of electric ignition for a household gas stove:

• mechanical;
• auto.

  
  Burner with electric ignition

Their difference lies in the degree of human participation in choosing the timing of the circuit closure. In the first case, there is a separate button that must be pressed at the appropriate moment. In the second option, a signal is given when the gas flow control knob is turned. It is convenient, completely safe and does not require special attention from the user, since all the work is done by the ignition unit.

Which electric ignition is better, mechanical or automatic?

Electric ignition is a convenient thing; it helps those who like to cook on a gas stove, but do not want to use matches. The device allows you to turn on the gas supply without effort. Many modern stoves are equipped with this function.

Automatic electric ignition

Automatic electric ignition helps light the gas simply by turning the handle. There is no need to press additional buttons. The principle of operation is simple: first of all, you need to press the switch slightly and then turn it. What happens at the moment of switching on: the circuit closes, then a spark is created between the electrodes. She is the one who lights the burner. The mechanism can be examined carefully if you remove the flame cutter cover from the burner. The location of the electric ignition is in a small recess on the side.

The main advantage is the ability to work with one hand. In addition, the function allows you to light the flame in the burner quickly and safely. You just need to turn the lever. It is he who will supply the gas.

Similarities between devices

The similarities are given below:

1. In order for any type of electric ignition to work, it is necessary to connect the stove to an electrical network.
2. The need to install a grounded outlet.
3. A stable voltage is required . If there are problems with voltage in the house, then it is better to purchase models that are most resistant to various surges. Domestic options are most adapted to such working conditions.
4. The need to install separate wiring if there is no grounded outlet. In this case, a three-core wire is required, with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm (in diameter). In addition, the electrical panel must be equipped with a 16A .
5. Possibility of operating a gas stove without electricity . You just have to use matches or a lighter. Therefore, a power outage will not lead to starvation of the entire family.
6. The need to replace the transformer in case of ignition failure.
7. Composite electronic elements are sold in specialized stores.
8. The most vulnerable parts are brass contacts ; they fail after a while.
9. Possibility of independent connection of the stove.

Device differences

The differences are presented in the table.

For what purposes are they best suited?

When buying a hob, you should give preference to a model with automatic electric ignition. This will avoid having an extra button and maintain a beautiful appearance. Gas stoves can be selected with any type of electric ignition. The additional button is not visible and does not take up space.

For safe operation of the stove, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are specified in the instructions.

Source: https://vchemraznica.ru/kakoj-elektropodzhig-luchshe-mexanicheskij-ili-avtomaticheskij/

Main features of electric ignition stoves

Electrically ignited stoves have minimal external differences from other units. These include:

• electric ignition button for a household gas stove on the front panel;
• white ceramic candles built into each burner;
• a power cable 1.5-2 meters long with a plug at the end, coming out of the back wall of the device.

  
  Ignition button

The main elements of the electrical circuit are located in the internal cavities of the stove body and remain invisible to an outside observer.

Requirements for a stove with electric ignition

Unlike a conventional gas stove, a device with electric ignition must be connected to an AC electrical network of 220 volts. To do this, it has a three-core cable with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm, ending with a grounding plug. An outlet with a grounding circuit is equipped near the installation site. A regular automatic machine must be mounted on the entrance panel. As an additional safety feature, you can install an RCD that blocks the network in the event of a leakage current.

High voltage unit design

Important! The installation of the electrical network should only be carried out by a specialist.

Similarities between devices

The similarities are given below:

1. In order for any type of electric ignition to work, it is necessary to connect the stove to an electrical network.
2. The need to install a grounded outlet.
3. A stable voltage is required . If there are problems with voltage in the house, then it is better to purchase models that are most resistant to various surges. Domestic options are most adapted to such working conditions.
4. The need to install separate wiring if there is no grounded outlet. In this case, a three-core wire is required, with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm (in diameter). In addition, the electrical panel must be equipped with a 16A .
5. Possibility of operating a gas stove without electricity . You just have to use matches or a lighter. Therefore, a power outage will not lead to starvation of the entire family.
6. The need to replace the transformer in case of ignition failure.
7. Composite electronic elements are sold in specialized stores.
8. The most vulnerable parts are brass contacts ; they fail after a while.
9. Possibility of independent connection of the stove.

Ignition on gas stove does not work

Like any other technical device, electric ignition can fail after some time. In order to independently determine the malfunction and correctly present the problem to a specialist, you should learn a very small amount of useful information. But after a simple diagnosis, you will know for sure that it is the mechanical electric ignition of the gas stove that has broken down, and in simple cases, you can fix the defect yourself.

Symptoms of a problem

The main symptoms of breakdown of elements of the electric ignition system:

• the gas does not ignite when the corresponding button is pressed;
• electrical discharges continue continuously even when the button or handle is released;
• clicks are heard without sparking;
• The circuit breaker in the panel is triggered.

  
  Main signs of ignition failure

Causes of failure

Common reasons for refusal are:

• grease and other liquids getting on buttons and other parts of the system, which causes a short circuit;
• contamination of the candle, causing its uneven heating or sudden cooling with subsequent cracking of the ceramic shell;
• due to mechanical defects or as a result of long-term operation, the transformer of the ignition unit burned out;
• oxidation of the contacts has occurred, preventing the normal closure of the circuit.

  
  Damage may occur during wet cleaning

How to fix electric ignition yourself: tips

If the electric ignition on your gas stove is not working properly, there is no need to immediately call a repair service. Try to figure out the problem yourself. First, you should make sure that the burners themselves are working properly by lighting the gas in them one by one with a regular match. Then it is necessary to determine whether the entire system is faulty or only its local part, responsible for a specific burner. Be sure to carefully inspect all ignition elements.

Sometimes you can restore functionality yourself if you have accurately determined the cause of the failure and are able to eliminate it. To carry out repairs safely, the device must be disconnected from the network by unplugging the plug from the socket.

Checking the spark generation unit

If dirt is found on the candles, they are thoroughly cleaned. If water gets on the ignition buttons, it is recommended to wipe the damp area with a cloth and dry it with a household hairdryer. When the contacts are oxidized or burnt, they are cleaned to a homogeneous metal.

Advice! Cleaning any metal parts is easy using fine-grained sandpaper.

When to contact a specialist

Not every user has the skills of a mechanic or electrician. If you could not even determine the cause of the breakdown and do not have special knowledge, entrust the process of diagnosis and subsequent repair to a professional technician. An experienced specialist will not only quickly find the source of the malfunction and perform all mechanical work, but will also select the correct spare part if replacement is necessary.

A professional will definitely find the cause of the breakdown and fix it

Checked! Reputable repair organizations are responsible for the results of repairs and do not lead to repeated calls with the same problem.

The most common faults are spark plugs operating in high temperature zones and ignition units. Knowing the brand of the stove, the repairman called to your home will most likely take the necessary spare parts with him.

The services of a repairman for a gas stove with automatic ignition will not be cheap, but to guarantee quality, safety and eliminate the risk of additional costs associated with unqualified intervention by an amateur, you will have to use them. This is especially true when working with the internal structure of the device.

Mechanical electric ignition

The mechanism of action is as follows:

1. The regulator turns (it turns on the gas supply).
2. The start button is pressed.
3. The gas-air mixture is ignited.

The inconvenience is that you need to work with both hands.

Advantages of mechanical electric ignition:

• There is no need to purchase matches in reserve.
• Ease of use.
• Protection from possible burns (if gas flares up).
• Quickly get used to controlling a gas stove.

Negative point - if the electrical power is turned off, the stove can only be lit with matches or a lighter . It is also important to be careful if there are small children. They can easily turn on a household appliance. Therefore, you need to use the stove in such a way that the baby does not understand the switching mechanism.

Reasons for ignition failure include:

• The button becomes dirty from drops of grease (this can lead to a short circuit)
• If dirt gets on the candle , this leads to its rapid heating or cooling, then the integrity of the ceramic shell is damaged;
• Unit transformer burnout (occurs due to operation for a long period of time)
• Broken contacts (this is the main reason for the circuit to malfunction)
• Carrying out wet cleaning.

How to understand that the ignition is broken:

• Pressing the button does not ignite the gas.
• Electrical discharges do not stop even after the button is released.
• The presence of clicks without the appearance of a spark.
• Triggering of the circuit breaker in the panel.

How to fix electric ignition yourself:

1. You need to make sure that the burners themselves are working. To do this, the gas is ignited in them one by one (using an ordinary match).
2. Carrying out a careful inspection of all elements responsible for ignition.
3. Disconnecting the device from the electrical network.
4. Cleaning candles from dirt. If water gets on the buttons during the process, you should wipe them with a cloth and then dry them with a hairdryer.
5. If the contacts are burnt, they must be cleaned to a homogeneous metal (the procedure is carried out using fine-grained sandpaper.

It cannot be said that electric ignition is an essential function. But today all new models are produced with this function. It’s quite difficult to find a regular stove, and besides, its price is not that low.