Gas Ignition Systems

Gas Ignition Systems

Gas ignition systems for cooktops generally come in three different types. Matches or lighter (self explanatory), piezo and electronic. I'll skip the matches and lighter and describe the other two types.
Piezo ignition

Most peoples introduction to piezos come from the good old singing birthday or christmas card. The speaker inside the card is a piezo transducer made to operate as a speaker. A small voltage across the piezo crystal makes the piezo move, therefore converting the voltage to (annoying) sound waves.

A piezo ignition system works in the opposite way. A mechanical plunger acts upon the crystal (striking it) and an electrical spark is given off by the piezo. This voltage is extremely high and the spark is easily produced. The advantage here is that no electrical power is required to run the device. The disadvantage is that it makes a loud 'clunk' and you only get spark per activation.

Electronic ignition

Electronic ignition is by far the best solution to gas ignition. Electronic ignition works when the electronic device gets a signal (from a switch or gas knob). The device then outputs a series of sparks igniting the gas burner. Usually, the sparks are emitted at more than one point around the burner. When the switch (or gas knob) is released, the ignition stops.