Gas Stove igniters protect against damage to gas appliances.
They’re simple to install and turn on automatically as soon as your gas burner starts firing. Some models feature a removable mechanism drabbled with a plug – you can store it This album-type mechanism inside the ignition compartment.
So, why does gas stove igniter keep sparking when off?
Gas stove igniters contain a small battery powered sparker that triggers and ignites the gas burner when the stove is turned on.
This tiny sparker works by using electricity from the battery to spark a small ceramic disc that ignites the gas and makes it burn.
Normally, the sparker turns off as soon as it’s no longer needed, but the ceramic disc continues to burn after the sparker is turned off, continuously sparking the burner.
This can cause the igniter to continuously spark the burner even when it’s off, keeping the burner lit even when it’s not operating, and eventually overheating the igniter or breaking it entirely.
Why Does Gas Stove Igniter Keep Sparking When Off?
Contents
The Spark Electrode is Defective
The spark electrode is the device that ignites the gas when the gas ignition system is turned on or ignited, but needs to be maintained and properly cleaned so that it doesn’t become defective.
It is the component that generates the sparks that initiate combustion in the gas burner.
If you’ve ever had a clicking issue and not been able to light your gas stove or oven, then chances are the igniter is defective or improperly installed.
The more often your gas oven or range is turned on and off, the more wear and tear it is exposed to which could result in the malfunctioning of the igniter.
While this is the least probable reason for the continuous sparking of your gas stove, it’s also the most likely reason as to why your range keeps sparking when off.
The Spark Module is Defective
The spark module, which sends the voltage to the igniter when it’s turned on, could malfunction or cease to work entirely.
Unfortunately, this component may need to be replaced in order to rectify the problem consistent sparking.
If you checked your switches with a multimeter and your voltage is within the acceptable range then you should check your spark module.
Unlike switches, there is only one spark module for all burners on your stove so it’s fairly easy to check.
The Spark Ignition Switch Has Broken
A switch that regulates the flow of electricity to the spark module may have gone bad.
If this switch fails, it is equally possible that the igniter itself has gone bad and needs to be replaced.
If it clicks, the spark module is faulty.
Unfortunately, although each burner has its own switch, the spark modules must remain in the stove.
The Stove Is Filthy or Wet
This is the most frequent source of continuous sparking of gas stoves, and one that is easily remedied.
Food particles might find their way into the burner of the stove and melt into a sticky mess that blocks the air circulation in the stove and igniter assembly.
The same may be stated if a stove has continuously been left on when it has cooled down, which could result in water condensation also clogging the system.
If food or moisture gets into the system, the igniter will be unable to function properly and prevents the gas from igniting and heating the stove.
Many times, the food and liquid will stick so firmly to the stove and igniter that it may appear to blacken and burn.
This was the reason of the problems that many people face when the gas stove is on and cannot ignite the gas for heating and cooking.
If the clicking does not go away by itself, or if it is accompanied by a burning smell or smell like rotten eggs, the igniter may need to be replaced.
You’ll want to dry the stove’s interior and remove any food debris or liquid from the system to avoid similar problems in the future.
How to Repair a Gas Stove Igniter That Keeps Sparking When Turned Off
Using a Cloth, Clean the Surface
The surface will still be able to ignite a flame, but will only do so when turned On.
The most crucial thing a person can consider when having a gas stove is the maintenance of the igniter.
This may be accomplished with as few of steps as opening the solar system, removing any debris or food particles from the system, and lighting the system until the flame goes out on its own.
Food debris may get stuck on the burner below the igniter and cause the system to not function correctly.
It is also critical that the gas system is properly tuned and cleaned regularly.
This is a genuine worry for many users of gas stoves, especially during the winter months, or the rainy season when stoves will be relied on primarily to heat the home.
Otherwise, the situation may indicate that the system is dirty or clogged.
Examine the Ignition System
The ignition system may have gone faulty and stopped sparking when turned off and there may be no spark whatsoever when the switch is turned to the methane gas valve.
Keeping this in mind, you’ll need to first make sure the gas stove igniter is working and sparking straight when the switch is turned on.
There might be an issue with the circuitry in the stove itself.
Food debris that falls in to the burner beneath the igniter can cause the spark to be interrupted and prevent it from functioning correctly.
As a result, the stove may stop sparking when the switch is turned in any way.
You’ll be OK after removing any food from the burner and removing any heavy food debris that may have been deposited there.
On the other side, there might an issue with the electronic system in the stove itself.
Examine it carefully and look out for any problems with the wiring and circuitry.
Unplug the Device
You will now need to unplug the gas stove from the outlet and remove the cover to the circuitry inside the stove itself.
This may be accomplished by cutting off the gas line using a knife or a pair of wire cutters.
One of the most typical errors that people make is to allow the gas line to remain attached while they remove the cover of the electronic system inside the stove.
Turning off the gas supply to the gas line will ensure that there is no risk of any gas leaks while you remove the cover to the electronic circuitry inside of the gas stove.
Otherwise, you may run the risk of relighting the stove when you turn the gas back on and that will cause an explosion inside the stove itself.
Moisture Near Range Igniters
Liquid spills, like food particles, may cause the igniter to malfunction.
This is common inside of ranges and ovens where liquids have a chance to fall on the igniter.
If this occurs, turn off the power to the range disconnect the electrical circuit from the range if you don’t know how to disconnect the circuit.
The stove igniters, on the other hand, have a built-in safety feature so that in case of malfunction, the igniter does not continue to spark and pose a safety hazard.
Moisture is often the cause for when the igniters fail to work normally.
Examine the Spark’s Location
If a gas stove ignites when turned off and remains lit even when the burner knob is off, you should examine the spark location on the burner unit.
This is not an unusual problem for gas range stoves.
The idea is to begin with the simplest solution first by determining if the problem is in the gas line itself or at the igniter.
While checking the stove, avoid getting too near the open burner rack since it may be hot.
This will help reduce the risk of burns if you accidentally touch a hot stove burner or metal parts.
This might involve a troubleshooting procedure that requires you to remove the stove from the wall to determine the source of the problem.
Also See: Do Hardwood Floors Make Your House Colder?
Conclusion
To prevent this, you can unplug the stove’s igniter or replace the gas igniter with a newer model that uses a thermal sensor to sense when the burner is on and shuts off automatically when the burner is off.
These newer models are generally cheaper than the older models and still provide the protection that igniters do by automatically turning off the burner when the stove is off to prevent gas buildup and leaks.
These methods will go a long way toward eliminating the chances of a gas leak and should serve to keep your home and family safe.
If a gas stove igniter continues to light when turned of, you may need to turn off the main gas supply at the meter and turn the gas back on only after it has cooled down.
Disconnect the gas source, examine the igniter, and replace it if necessary.
This will guarantee your safety when you are cooking in your home.
When you are certain that it has gone off, place a towel over the stovetop and turn off the circuit breaker to the stove.
Go through the steps we listed earlier in this article to try turning off the igniter.
You should never hurry the procedure and try to get it back up right away.
Whether it’s food debris, dust accumulation, or heat damage, it can be aggravating to have that spark keep lighting on the gas stove’s burner.
