Hot Surface Igniter Silicon Carbide

Silicon carbide hot surface ignitors have long been the go-to solution for gas furnace ignition. When powered up with 120 volts, they light up red-hot and ignite gas inside their burners – offering quieter and more reliable operation compared to spark ignition systems.

Many HVAC construction technicians approach universal SiNi replacement igniters as if they were silicon carbide igniters; however, this is not ideal as their new position within a system differs significantly than before.

Advantages

Hot surface igniters use an M or fork-shaped ceramic silicon nitride or silicon carbide igniter piece instead of the traditional pilot light to start your furnace. Low voltage electricity passes through it, heating it until it glows before lighting up the gas valve for gas flow into your furnace. Ignitors are designed to be more durable than pilot lights while being less costly if frequent fire extinguishing or blocked orifices arises.

Though durable, hot surface igniters’ initial cost restricts market expansion. Furthermore, their complex installation and maintenance require knowledgeable professionals – further impeding growth. Yet with smart thermostats’ increasing popularity expected to boost growth over the coming years.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an adverse impact on the global hot surface ignitor industry, leading to lockout situations, temporary factory closures, shortage of full-time workers and product disruption. While this trend may persist for some time, it should improve once vaccination campaigns and outbreaks subside.

Heat resistance and longevity are two key advantages of hot surface ignitors made of silicon carbide. These devices can withstand the high temperatures generated by furnace startup/shutdown cycles as well as repeated heating cycles without cracking or losing calibration, while their ceramic material resists expansion, vibration and gas turbulence within the furnace itself.

Ignitors tend to be easier and cheaper to maintain than pilot lights, plus they require less energy for operation. Still, they should be replaced at regular intervals (typically every 10-15 years). Modern ignitors are typically made from ceramic silicon nitride or silicon carbid, with ceramic bases designed to shield electrical currents. Wires run directly from a power cord into each igniter.

Igniters have quickly become the standard option for natural gas furnaces, as they offer superior safety and reliability compared to traditional pilot lights. Ignitors allow homeowners to light a fire without using spark plugs, handling issues such as flameout, ignition delay and pilot light failure more reliably than before. Plus they’re cheaper and much safer; their built-in failsafes protect them against unauthorised access! They come in various shapes and sizes so homeowners can find one best suited to their needs; upgrading older furnaces as replacement ignitors allows homeowners to upgrade systems as needed.