碳化硅点火器

Most hot surface igniters found on furnaces today are made from silicon carbide and run at 120 volts, but are prone to breaking if exposed to voltages outside their ideal range or handled roughly.

Silicon nitride igniters are significantly tougher and longer-lasting than their silicon carbide predecessors, making them an attractive upsell option for customers looking to improve their system’s longevity and energy efficiency.

They Heat Up Quickly

Hot Surface Igniters (HSI) are used to regulate gas flow in furnaces, water heaters and other forms of heating equipment. Low-voltage high-current electricity passes through an igniter piece heated to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit before opening or sparking the pilot flame on gas valves – this method being much quicker and safer than using a pilot light; additionally it reduces wear-and-tear wear on valves.

HSIs are built for extreme durability, withstanding repeated heating cycles, vibration and other stresses of their equipment’s use. Unfortunately, as with any electronic component, they may break down at some point – when this occurs technicians must quickly identify and address the problem to avoid any potential downtime of equipment operations.

Silicon carbide igniters usually last five to ten years before needing replacing; some can last as long as 20 years. If you suspect your HSI might be failing, check for cracking or white spots on its igniter section and also read its electrical connections’ ohm reading – if it reads zero-out-of-infinity it may be time for replacement of your HSI.

When replacing an HSI, it is wise to also replace all of its wiring. This can help avoid further damage to both components in your system as well as potential risks from old wire nuts not compatible with the new device.

Many manufacturers provide upgrade kits that allow you to convert from a silicon carbide HSI to a silicon nitride igniter, which are far superior. They feature smooth surfaces without pores that make them easy to identify while using less energy compared to their SC counterparts and typically outlasting them two to seven times. Plus, DC power means they don’t require extra modules like their SC predecessors did!

They Are Safer Than Traditional Pilot Lights

Silicon carbide igniters differ from traditional pilot lights by not using flammable gas as its fuel source, but instead use electricity to produce heat which then lights the flame. As such, they are much safer and require significantly less maintenance.

Silicon carbide igniters are ceramic compounds which easily conduct heat when activated, providing a safe and reliable ignition system for gas furnaces and other heating systems. Furthermore, it takes much less time to reach combustion temperatures that reduce energy use. Silicon carbide igniters are more durable than older pilot lights – some manufacturers even claim 3-5 year durability before cracking occurs! They can run off either AC or DC power sources and come equipped with higher voltage capabilities than 120V so as to create hotter combustion temperatures and thus longer burn times.

Initial types of igniters included platinum wire devices that were electrically heated to light the pilot flame. Unfortunately, these were fragile devices subject to wear and tear as well as being vulnerable to dirt accumulation that prevented proper functioning; many furnaces would need restarted if their pilot light failed unexpectedly.

Ceramic resistance igniters were first developed and described in U.S. Patent No. 2,089,394 during 1987. It consists of a wing-shaped element with terminal connecting ends connected by two hairpin-shaped legs 8 and 10, each featuring a slot 12 that travels from end opposite terminal connecting ends towards them, but stops short thereof. Furthermore, each leg includes a slot 12 which travels along its entire length until reaching either terminal connecting end; additionally it also boasts an exposed cross sectional area which exposes at least 50% of its hot zone surface area directly into its environment for direct radiation by direct radiation into its environment.

This igniter is made up of a sintered mixture of coarse-grained silicon carbide grit and finer silicon carbide powder – specifically Durhy Material. This mixture typically comprises 97% to 99.9% polycrystalline silicon carbide with between 0.1 to 0.3% aluminum oxide as aluminum oxide added, and less than 50 parts per million of boron added at low temperatures (l,500C to 2,00C). Nitrogen firing steps at higher temperatures help decrease room temperature resistivity without significantly altering high temperature resistivity or resistivity at higher temperatures (instead lowering resistance both at room temperatures without significantly altering high temperature resistivity).

They Are Durable

Hot surface ignitors provide an effective, long-term alternative to traditional pilot lights. When installed properly, they can last over a decade without needing replacement or repairs; furthermore, their energy-saving characteristics allow for significant decreases in natural gas consumption over the life of each one.

Silicon carbide igniters, unlike carbon igniters which break easily, are designed to withstand high temperatures found within furnaces. As such, these pilot lights offer greater durability in outdoor fire features due to being resistant to elements.

As soon as a furnace thermostat senses a need for heat, it activates an electric current running through its ignitor circuit. This causes its ceramic element to heat to more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit; once reached, its glow red or orange light emits just the right amount of light necessary for ignition of gas inside its burner assembly and starts the combustion process within your home – producing heat for you!

In the past, all ignitors were constructed out of silicon carbide – a gray and sparkly material similar to artificial whetstones used for sharpening knives – which requires careful handling because even one drop could cause it to shatter like glass; touching one could transfer grease onto its surface and lead to premature failure.

Recently, many manufacturers have begun experimenting with silicon nitride igniters as more resilient alternatives, capable of withstanding high temperatures and repeated heating cycles in furnaces. Furthermore, this material offers greater thermal shock resistance – meaning it can handle rapid temperature shifts more effectively within the furnace itself.

Silicon nitride ignitors have proven more reliable and longer-lived than older silicon carbide models, providing homeowners with greater reliability and value for their money than these older systems. Many newer fire features utilize this more durable ignitor technology – however even older fireplaces with older-style igniters can easily be upgraded by simply swapping out for one that uses universal nitride technology.

They Are Energy Efficient

Silicon carbide igniters are durable and reliable while using minimal energy, making them an excellent option for those seeking to keep energy bills down while still using furnaces. For example, the Q4100C9054/U Hot Surface Igniter features a ceramic base which insulates an igniter connected with wires up to 240V; then heated wires heat it, producing an illuminated tip which lights gas furnaces, stoves, boilers, or ovens.

Hot surface igniters are driving global market growth due to growing awareness about energy conservation. Furthermore, increased building construction activity in China and India should further fuel demand for these products in coming years.

Silicon carbide is an inorganic material created synthetically. Its uses range from manufacturing sandpaper and cutting tools, to high temperature performance, corrosion resistance and durability; some of which make it such an appealing material in industrial settings.

Silicon carbide igniters can be fragile and require gentle handling; dropping an igniter may result in cracking. As an HVAC technician, this problem should be all too familiar – it is one of the primary reasons for no heat calls!

An excessively oiled HSI can quickly wear it down before its time. Even without any oil present, contaminants like sheetrock dust, condensation and dirt can wreak havoc with its igniter, shortening its lifespan significantly. You can prevent this by cleaning and protecting your igniter regularly from pollutants.

Overvoltaging can also damage an HSI. Applying more voltage than recommended will likely hasten its destruction; for instance, applying 120V on an HSI that should receive only 80V will likely result in its immediate failure.