Proper Electrode Placement in Oil Furnace

Electrode Activity

• Electrode activity is create when the furnace senses that the components are in correct operating condition and that oil is entering the burner or fire chamber. This allows the electrodes to turn out and ignite the oil. Sometimes electrodes need to spark several times in quick succession to work correctly, this is not unusual and is not a problem if the oil does ignite. However, electrode efficiency is always improved by optimal placement.

Range of Placement

• If you open up the front plate of your oil furnace, you should be able to find the electrodes easily. They are two prongs that are positioned on either side of your oil nozzle, often directly above, framing the tip of the nozzle. These two prongs should only be one-eighth of an inch apart at the most. If they are awry or wider than that, straighten the prongs and adjust them so they can be closer.

Measurement

• The proper placement of your electrodes will depend on your furnace and what type of nozzle you have. Check your furnace user manual, which should have a chart that shows the degrees of the nozzle, the flow of oil that the furnace supports, and how the electrodes should be arranged accordingly. Distance might vary between one-eighth and 3/16 of an inch, while distance from the nozzle itself varies vertically by considerably more room, between 9/16 and 5/8 of an inch. There might also be instruction for how far the electrodes extend over the nozzle.

Electrode Corrosion

• While you are positioning your electrodes correctly, remember to check them for any damage. Sometimes electrodes can become corroded or damaged. Insulation can fail or the electrodes can become covered with oil residue. You might need to clean or replace the electrodes in order to make them work properly.