HSI (Glowbar) Ops

The HSI ignition system uses an igniter (glowbar) that is wired in series with the gas valve. When 120 VAC is supplied to the igniter circuit, the igniter glows red hot and starts to pull more current as it heats up. Once it pulls enough amps, the gas valve allows gas into the burner tube.

Requirements

1. 120 VAC, and a closed circuit.
2. Pulling 3.2-3.6 amps.

When the current reaches about 3.2 amps, there is a bi-metal strip in the gas valve that opens. The 3.2 amps is what causes that bi-metal to bend. When that bends, gas then flows into the oven burner tube.

Testing

Glowbar glows red, but no gas

• Likely a failing igniter not pulling enough amps. The resistance on the igniter changes as it heats up, so a basic Ω test will not prove if the igniter is good or not. Should be pulling about 3.2 to 3.6 amps.

Glowbar does not glow red

• If the glowbar does not glow red at all, you will want to ensure the control system is sending 120 VAC to the igniter, and that 120 VAC is present at the igniter. If it is, then the igniter is faulty.

The below is a screenshot from the training video in the Training Course on checking amps.

Training Video on Testing Amps