How to Hook Up a Robertshaw Furnace Igniter

Robertshaw furnace igniters light the appliance in tandem with a gas valve. The flat metal igniter tip heats rapidly through an electrical connection. At a preset temperature, the gas valve opens next to the igniter tip, lighting the furnace. The igniter is a modular part that plugs into a power socket. Replace the igniter yourself in less than an hour to save money on an HVAC service call.

Nut driver
Needle-nose pliers
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the furnace at the wall thermostat and wait for the unit to reach room temperature. Switch off electrical power to the furnace at the circuit breaker or remove the fuse from the fuse box.
- 2
  Take out the bolts in the access panel, usually on the side of the furnace at the bottom, using the nut driver. Set the panel to one side.
- 3
  Grab the plug behind the igniter with needle-nose pliers to unplug it from the electrical socket. The plug is attached by two wires to the back of the igniter.
- 4
  Loosen the screw in the metal clip that holds the igniter in position next to the gas valve, using a screwdriver. Pull off the old igniter.
- 5
  Hold the new igniter in position against the metal clip, taking care not to touch the fragile glow tip. Secure the new part with the screw.
- 6
  Connect the power plug on the wired end of the new igniter to the socket inside the furnace.
- 7
  Hold the access panel in place against the furnace. Secure it with the bolts and nut driver.
- 8
  Replace the fuse in the fuse box or switch on the breaker. Turn on the furnace at the wall control.

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