Spark Generator Help

[JuLeZ]

Hi, I have some questions about the spark generator / igniter on a Potterton Performa 28, the part is 248097.

It has 3 base terminal pins and a single spark output to the electrode. One of the 3 base terminal pins is a ground the other 2 terminals are marked 1 & 2. It's labelled as 230v AC.

What voltage and procedure is required to induce the spark. What are the component parts to these devices?

I can only guess is it's capacitor, triac and step-up coil but I'd just be guessing.

My goal is to understand how it works and how to test one of these devices.

Kind Regards

Jules

 

[superstardeejay]

It depends on the design.

Some types are meant for direct-240V ac connection, they issue a train of sparks and make a loud-ish buzzing noise.

The other type are for pulsed DC operation. The primary coil is fed from a capacitor that charges up via a diode and resistor off the mains. When the voltage across the capacitor exceeds a certain voltage, a thyristor fires and dumps the capacitor's charge into the transformer, inducing a single strong spark on the secondary. Then the cycle begins again. Those type go tick-tick-tick quietly and seem more common on combi's these days. I suspect they are required to meet strict european laws on interference.

The secondary produces several thousand volts to jump the gap.