Electronic starter for Heater

[Archersfin]

OK after pulling my NT-30 and bench testing it along with cleaning out all the old dirt dobber nests I fired it up on the bench and noticed that when the burner lights the igniter continues to spark as long as there is a flame. A flame sensor signal is sent back to the PC board to verify there is a flame, but is this normal for the iginter to continue to spark?
HELP!

[Aage]

I can tell you that I don't hear mine doing that.

[idroba]

I would guess that your ignitor electrode is a bit too far from the surface it strikes to and/or the flame is not where it should be. They flame of the burner generally extinguishes the spark due to some flame plasma action that I don't fully understand but is real. It is common that the actual lighting of the flame keeps the spark from occurring. Try setting the electrode location and gap distance to original specs and see if that helps.

[Archersfin]

The electrode is in the flame. You can look thru the inspection window and see that it is Red HOT. I can't see the spark after the flames light but I can hear the ticking sound like it is sparking still. Just assuming that it is sparking in the flame. I made the adjustments to the igniter before I fired it up. one side is twice the distance then the other. If I turn the gas off and cycle the furnace to light the blower comes on then the gas valve opens , then the igniter fires several times. If no flame is discovered the igniter shuts off and the blower continues to run. Once I disconnect the thermostat wires the blower will run for a few then shut off. Everything seems to be working as it should, just was not sure about the igniter continuing to tick. Hate to buy a new board only to find out nothing is wrong with this one.
Please keep your opinions coming

[Archersfin]

Originally Posted by Aage

I can tell you that I don't hear mine doing that.

AAGE,

Have you got down very close to the heater and listened to see if you can hear the igniter still ticking? It is not very loud.

[Aage]

Originally Posted by Archersfin

AAGE,

Have you got down very close to the heater and listened to see if you can hear the igniter still ticking? It is not very loud.

Al,

I got Real intimate with it when I replaced it with a new one. I find the igniter's click pretty durn loud, BTW.

Are you telling me that yours does click? All the time the furnace is on? Are you sure you're not just confusing it with the crinkles and clunks the furnace makes as it warms up?

[Archersfin]

Aage,

Yes it is clicking all the time when the burner is burning. It is an audiable tick as the spark jumps the gap.
You were right in your first reply, I found the sequence of operation and the igniter is supposed to stop arching when the flame is confirmed. Looks like I have a bad board after all.
If anyone is concerned about taking the furnace out and working on it, don't be. It is a very simple operation.