Silicon carbide igniters are an example of which ignition type?

• A. Hot surface
• B. Spark plug
• C. Pilot burner
• D. Flame rectification

Answer: (A)

Silicon carbide igniters are a hot surface ignition. The ceramic element is heated to a very high temperature by electrical current, so when the gas valve opens, the gas comes into contact with this hot surface and ignites without a spark or a standing flame. This method replaces a pilot light and avoids continuous combustion while the appliance is off. It’s different from spark plug ignition, which relies on an electric spark to start combustion; and it’s different from a pilot burner, which uses a small flame that stays lit. It’s also not a flame rectification system, which is used to sense and confirm a flame rather than create ignition. If the hot surface gets fouled or oxidized, its ability to ignite can diminish, leading to no ignition until the surface is cleaned or replaced.