Direct Spark ignition Installation Tips | 4055 Igniters
DIRECT SPARK IGNITION SYSTEMS
The ignition spark is turned on by supplying electrical power to the ignition transformer. This can be done manually with a push button switch, but it is more common to use a flame supervision system, where the controller automatically energizes and de-energizes the transformer to turn the spark on and off as needed. In most applications the spark must be turned off after the burner is lit. Leaving a spark on continuously could cause a dangerous condition with the flame supervision system and will wear out the igniter electrode faster. OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS It’s good practice to avoid putting ignition and flame detection devices on the bottom of the burner where debris could collect and interfere with ignition or flame detection. — Ground the transformer and burner Transformer cases must be grounded to burner bodies through a metallic connection to complete the electrical circuit. Improper grounding can cause a shock hazard to personnel and weak ignition spark. — If the UV sees the spark On systems that use UV flame supervision, UV radiation generated by the spark igniter can often be “seen” by the UV detector through reflection off the burner internal parts or the burner tile. Many flame relay controls turn off the spark when a flame (UV) is detected. This can be a problem when the controller responds to the spark but there is no actual flame. For this reason, it is often necessary to use additional timers and relays to prevent premature shut down of the spark igniter. Halfwave ignition transformers will prevent UV sensing of the spark during trial for ignition, but they supply lower amperage to the igniter which produces a cooler spark that may not reliably ignite burners over as wide a range of inputs or air/fuel ratios as a conventional ignition transformer. — Spare parts It’s a good idea to stock spare electrodes or complete igniter assemblies. Igniter electrodes eventually wear out. How quickly depends on the amount of time they are energized and the maximum temperature they see. Use the tables in this bulletin to find the spare electrode part number (not the number printed on the igniter insulator).
An igniter can’t light a burner on its own, an ignition system is required.
4085 Ignition Cable
4055 Igniter
4065/4066 Ignition Transformer
110V/ 220V
6000V
Burner
Ground
A common ignition system for an industrial burner includes these components:
— Igniter See this bulletin or an individual burner bulletin to pick the correct igniter for the burner model.
To aid in future replacement, use an anti seize compound on threads before installing. Avoid over tightening which can cause the igniter to bind and seize in the burner body. Some burners are difficult to lit reliably with a direct spark igniter. If the burner bulletin does not list an igniter, it probably requires a pilot for ignition. — Ignition Cable See the 4085 bulletin for application information on ignition cables supplied by Fives North American Combustion. Choose a cable that is the correct length (avoid excessive lengths) and with plugs that match the connections on the transformer and the igniter. Note that ERA style igniters feature a ¾-20 threaded aircraft style sealed electrical connection that requires a matching ERA style cable with a ¾-20 threaded mating connection. See the 4085 bulletin for details. — Ignition Transformer See the 4065/4066 bulletin for application information on ignition transformers supplied by Fives North American Combustion. Choose a transformer whose primary voltage (inlet) is compatible with the locally available power specifications. For example, in the USA, 110V/60 Hz is common. For the secondary voltage (outlet), most igniters work well with 5000V to 6000V. Mount the transformer close to the burner but not in a location where the temperature is over its recommended operating temperature. See Bulletin 4066/4066 for details.
Bulletin 4055 Page 8
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