HIGH-VOLTAGE MINIATURE IGNITER DEVELOPMENT

In 1988, Norton introduced its line of low-voltage 12- and 24-V miniat ure igniters made from a patented ceramic/intermetallic material. Thes e igniters demonstrated superior strength and speed in a compact low-w attage assembly for gas-fired ignition. High-voltage igniters are bein g developed to complete the family of igniters for gas-fired ignition. These igniters have extremely low power requirements in the range of 50-100 W, are designed to operate at line voltages of 120 V, and are l eading to designs for operation up to 230 V. These were developed usin g compositional and dimensional changes to the low voltage igniters. T he 120 V igniter has exceeded 200 000 cycles in life testing and has b een submitted for agency approval. These igniters are also undergoing field testing in various demanding gas-fired appliances. The evolution of the low-voltage igniter into the high-voltage model, as web as per formance and material development issues are discussed.