anyone here familiar with modern, domestic gas ovens ?
Seems many of them have gone high tech and use AC powered igniters and gas valves.
The igniters in question run from 125 VAC ( via an auto-tranny ) and draw about 3 amps when hot - while the *really odd* thing is they have a negative tempco, starting off at about 1.5 amps and rising to 3 amps after about 60 seconds.
Google tells me the technology is called " flat surface igniter " and the conductor used is Silicon Carbide, a semiconductor - hence the negative tempco. SiC igniters are all the rage for gas ovens, driers and furnaces in the USA - explaining the 125VAC rating.
Thing is, they run continuously and sit right in the gas flame which naturally causes the SiC to deteriorate and rise in resistance, lose power and then run at a lower surface temp creating a hazard in that the gas may not ignite.
To solve this, makers have linked the current draw of the igniter to the gas valve operating current making the combination fail safe but rather critical on the igniter being in good shape.
Replacement ignites are about $100 each and real pain to fit.
You can guess how I came to know this ...
Any similar experiences ?
.... Phil