An oil burner with porcelain electrodes cannot be cleaned white, what should be done?

• A. Clean electrodes
• B. Reface electrodes
• C. Replace electrodes
• D. Inspect burner

Answer: (C)

When porcelain electrodes show a white, degraded surface, the insulation and the electrode tip have deteriorated beyond repair. The porcelain can crack, spall, or lose its insulating properties from heat and arcing, and cleaning will not restore it to a usable condition. Restoring a worn or damaged porcelain electrode by cleaning or reworking can leave the ignition system unreliable and create a risk of misfire or arcing to ground. Replacing the electrodes is the proper corrective action to guarantee a stable spark and correct gap setting. After installation, set the spark gap to the manufacturer’s specification and inspect related burner components to ensure safe, reliable operation.