The Gas Range Continues to Spark After Lighting

Symptoms

• You can identify a gas range ignition system that continues to spark even after it's lit by sound or sight. The spark comes from a high-voltage pulse, which is audible as a faint crack. A sparking ignitor makes several such cracks each second at a regular rhythm. If the kitchen is dark or you stand at a particular angle, you may be able to observe individual sparks near each of the burners not in use.

Causes

• A gas range may produce sparks after being lit for several reasons. Spark ignitors from different manufacturers have different requirements for ignition. In some cases, you must push the knob for a burner in until a spark ignites the gas, then release the knob and turn it to the appropriate setting. You can get a continual or intermittent spark if the knob becomes stuck in the lighting position or if loose wiring makes contact and fails to disengage when you release the knob. Modern gas ranges may use digital arrays and push buttons for ignition. These systems rely on computer chips and sensors to determine when to stop producing sparks. Electronic failure or a faulty chip can cause a continual spark, though it is more common that this type of failure results in no sparks.

Solutions

• Each cause for a sparking gas range has its own solution. Removing and cleaning or replacing burner knobs and wiring can prevent unwanted connections and sparks. Flame sensors that stop sparking once they detect flames may fail if they are wet or dirty. Cleaning them or allowing them to dry may solve the problem. In extreme cases, you may need to replace the computer control unit or the entire range.

Dangers

• An electronic ignition system for a gas range is generally a safe way to light the range. Gas only flows when you engage one of the burner knobs, which means that stray sparks don't have anything to ignite. Likewise, when the gas begins to flow and a single spark ignites it, additional sparks do nothing. A range that continues to spark while lit doesn't present a danger to you or your family, but it may place unnecessary strain on your range's ignition system, causing it to wear out prematurely.