Glow bar igniter

"Stumpy"

Carborundum = Silicon Carbide = a semiconductor !!!

Like most semiconductors, it has a NEGATIVE temperature co-efficient.

So, when AC power is applied the igniter heats and draws more and more current as it reaches a yellow glow - the current is then high enough to operate a solenoid valve to turn on the gas.

Whoooop !!

The gas flame also heats the igniter and it stays at a low resistance value till you turn the oven off.

However, the gas flame eats away at the material and after maybe hundreds of hours it becomes damaged and so the resistance goes up - whether it is hot or cold.

When enough damage has occurred, it will no longer pass sufficient AC current to operate the gas valve.

It still gets hot, maybe even yellow hot at some spots - but no whooop cos there is no gas.

.... Phil

I've got a flat, Norton type igniter which may not be carborundum. I thought SiC had a positive temperature co-efficient of resistance. Wasn't on the list I looked up Well I'm not worried, Amazon has an OEM replacement for less than $20. Looks like an easy fix even if I don't understand it. Maybe the packaging will give a description.

An invisible crack will render it useless. Before installing, flex your new one to reveal any hairline cracks. They are extremely brittle. So do not do what I just told you to do.

"Stumpy"

The resistance of the igniter shown drops by a factor of 2 when heated to red glow.

The advice in the link is all correct.

OTOH - you are an ass.

... Phil

Right - I'll definitely do that.

Uh no, they use silicon nitride now for some ignitors.

New one went in fast. Tried flexing the old, heat discolored one. It is very stiff, tough material. Unlikely to break it unless you're trying to.