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4.001 Where can I buy ignition transformers?
4.002 The manufacturer of my failed transformer is no longer in business. Can France cross reference my old transformer to something France makes that will fit and work
4.003 My burner can use either a transformer or electronic igniter. Which is better?
4.004 How does an ignition transformer work?
4.005 How does an electronic igniter work?
4.006 Why do some transformers have one output connection, and others have two?
4.007 What does one end grounded mean?
4.008 What does midpoint grounded mean?
4.009 Can I fix my own ignition system?
4.010 What factors shorten the life of an ignition transformer or ignitor?
4.011 Can OEM equipment manufacturers purchase product directly from FRANCE?
4.012 When ordering from France, how can I pay for ignition products?
4.013 Can France offer products for 120Volt/50Hertz, 230Volt/50Hertz, or 240Volt/60Hertz input service?
4.001 Where can I buy ignition transformers?
You can purchase France ignition products through most HVAC service companies or supply houses. If you prefer France products and your local service company is not carrying our products, please ask them to carry them (or look for another source).
4.002 The manufacturer of my failed transformer is no longer in business. Can France cross reference my old transformer to something France makes that will fit and work?
France maintains an ever-expanding databank of cross-referenced products by every major manufacturer. Our technical Sales and Marketing team will attempt to cross-reference your old transformer to the best possible replacement. If multiple units are available, (i.e. either transformers and electronic igniters are available for the application), you will be given both options for your consideration. Please click on "Ignition Products Cross Reference" at left.
4.003 My burner can use either a transformer or electronic igniter. Which is better?
Several factors determine which products are better for your application.
- Transformers have been around for a long time.
- Transformers are larger than an electronic igniter.
- Transformers are heavier than an electronic igniter.
- They typically cost more than an electronic igniter.
- A transformer produces lower peak output power than an electronic igniter.
- An electronic igniter produces a ‘hotter’ spark for improved ignition and may improve burner efficiency.
4.004 How does an ignition transformer work?
Power distribution circuits as found in the home, a commercial establishment, etc. provide an AC voltage to the ignition transformer. "AC" stands for "alternating current," which means the voltage is constantly changing in magnitude and polarity. In this case, the voltage starts at zero, rises to a crest, falls to zero, rises to a negative crest and back up to zero. This completes one "cycle" of a typical "sinewave." This happens 60 times per second in a typical US application. So, we refer to such a voltage as 60 cycles per second (or 60 Hertz) power.
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A "Sinewave" Voltage
This voltage is so high (typically 5,000 to 14,000 volts, depending on rating) that when applied across an air gap (which may consist of metal electrodes or a spark plug), it "breaks down" the air across the gap. After the air breaks down, it becomes a good conductor of electricity, but the electrical current must limited by the transformer (typically 18 to 35 milliamps -- .018 to .035 amp -- depending on the transformer rating). This electrical current is seen as an "arc" between the electrodes and is hot enough to ignite the fuel.
4.005 How does an electronic igniter work?
An electronic igniter performs the exact same functions as an ignition transformer, but it does it in a different way. The open circuit voltage of a conventional ignition transformer can be characterized as a continuous "sinewave". (The voltage appearing at a typical electrical outlet is a sinewave -- see above). A sinewave of voltage is "alternating" in nature, that is, it is constantly changing in magnitude and polarity. In the case of a typical electrical outlet found in the home, the voltage polarity and magnitude changes 60 times per second, varying from 170 volts to zero volts to -170 volts and back to zero (the 170 volts is called the "peak' of the sinewave). However, we say that such an outlet can deliver 120 VAC (volts alternating current) or 120 Vrms (volts root mean squared). The 120 VAC is the "effective" value of the voltage; that is, if the voltage never changed in magnitude or polarity it would need to be at a constant magnitude of 120 volts to have the same effect on a electrical device as the sinewave of voltage described earlier. A typical ignition transformer has an open circuit voltage of 10,000 Vrms but its maximum peak voltage is near 14140 volts.
Electronic igniters light oil more efficiently than conventional transformers because they operate at "high frequency." In the case of a France 10SAY igniter product, this means its output voltage polarity and magnitude changes in excess of 20,000 times per second. Electrical arcs form more quickly and persist longer when operated in this way, even though their RMS output voltage may be much less than the ignition transformer required to light the same burner. Fortunately, the key to starting oil reliably at high frequency is the peak open circuit voltage and current presented to the burner's electrodes, not the RMS value of the open circuit voltage. For example, the France 10SAY igniter series possesses an open circuit voltage of only 6,000 Vrms, but performs as if it were a 14,000 Vrms conventional transformer with a peak voltage output of 20,000 volts.
4.006 Why do some transformers have one output connection, and others have two?
Fuel type usually dictates whether your system was designed with one output connection (also called “one end grounded”) or two output connections (also called “midpoint grounded”). Typically, but not always, one end grounded ignition transformers or igniters are used for light fuels such as natural gas, propane or kerosene. Midpoint grounded transformers and igniters are usually used for fuel oil, waste oil, and other ‘heavier’ fuels.
4.007 What does one end grounded mean?
A one end grounded ignition transformer or igniter possesses a high voltage output bushing or lead and a ground connection. When applied properly, such a device will produce a high voltage on the output bushing or lead with respect to ground. In a typical burner application using this type of product, a spark plug might be used as the ignition source since the threaded portion of the plug is screwed into the grounded frame of the burner while the "hot" center electrode of the plug is connected to the igniter or transformer’s high voltage output terminal or lead. This means that the threaded plug MUST be a grounded connection that has electrical continuity back to the mounting plate of the transformer/igniter. This completes the electrical circuit required for the units to perform as designed.
4.008 What does midpoint grounded mean?
These products have two high voltage output connections; however, the electrical midpoint of the high voltage output is connected to ground. Each high voltage output is connected in various ways to separate sides of a two-piece electrode set. An arc is generated between the two electrode tips, but since the midpoint of the high voltage secondary coil is connected to ground, the voltage between each electrode and ground is half the voltage between electrodes. This reduces electrical stresses on the leads applying the high voltage to the electrodes and on the igniter’s or transformer’s high voltage secondary coils, resulting in a longer-lived product.
4.009 Can I fix my own ignition system?
France recommends that you read and familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual of the your system. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. France recommends that ONLY qualified service personnel perform service to any ignition transformers and power supplies. France supports industry training and service support to the HVAC service industry. Qualified industry professionals should be able to replace transformers, tune up your system and insure all safety precautions are maintained. France does NOT recommend any end user/owner to attempt repairs or adjustments to any system that uses France products, unless you are a certified HVAC industry service person. Contact your local HVAC sales and service supplier for service on your system.
4.010 What factors shorten the life of an ignition transformer or ignitor?
FRANCE ignition transformers and igniters provide long life if properly installed and maintained. The following are just some of the conditions that can affect their useful life:
- Variations in input line voltage. Optimally, this voltage should be the rated value on the nameplate +/- 5%. Voltage surges can cause short term failure. Low voltage can cause delayed or unreliable ignition.
- A damp environment will shorten life dramatically.
- The porcelain insulators in the electrode assembly must be clean and crack or craze free to prevent arcing to the holder, nozzle line or adapters. This is a common cause of ignition problems.
- The burner must be properly installed and calibrated to the manufacturer’s specifications. The electrode gap must not exceed those specifications (normally 1/8" to 3/16"), nor should the electrodes be too close to the nozzle or oil spray which could create a short ultimately causing ignition failure. Failure to properly install and maintain electrodes will cause premature failure.
4.011 Can OEM equipment manufacturers purchase product directly from FRANCE?
Yes. Some OEM manufacturers choose to buy direct to minimize the number of parties in the supply chain, thus often reducing costs. Other OEM manufacturers have agreements with buying groups, or wholesalers who manage the inventory and buying cycles for them on ignition products as well as many other products they might use in their facility. It is your decision which path you wish to take.
4.012 When ordering from France, how can I pay for ignition products?
France does offer credit account consideration for many repeat customers. To set up an account, call the France Customer Service Department for more information. Other payment terms available include C.O.D. or major credit card sales.
4.013 Can France offer products for 120Volt/50Hertz, 230Volt/50Hertz, or 240Volt/60Hertz input service?
France offers many options for both input and output power requirements. Contact France Customer Service for more information.
2009 FRANCE, a Scott Fetzer Company, All rights reserved
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