Kitchen Gas Appliances - Igniters operate continuously at random

The igniters on my GE gas cooktop spark at any time, at random, even with the control knob in the off position. They share a circuit with the countertop GFCI outlets,and are downstream of the GFCI so I am disabling them (when not in use) by shutting the breaker at the GFCI (test button). Maybe they need to be wired before the GFCI?

Hi can you post the model #? We need to see how your cooktop is made. I doubt the GFCI is the problem but the circuit is grounded, right? Is this a new problem? How often does it happen? Daily, weekly, etc. ? Any correlation between using a particular burner and the randomness? Any correlation between cleaning the switch area and the randomness? If you have conventional on/off switches at the gas valves, you probably have a bad switch. They are often available is sets [one for each valve] and that's the best way to go. Nothing worse than to replace one switch and have another start acting up. BTW- per NEC, the cooktop power supply can be fed from the countertop receptacle circuit.

Hello kaimana808. Welcome to the Gas Appliances topic and the Do-It-Yourself Web Site.

I highly doubt the GFCI is the cause of the problem. Kitchen gas or electric appliances do not need to be nor should they be connected through any GFCI.

One of three possibilities may be the cause:

#1
Shorted switch on one of the top burner valve knobs. Unplug appliance from electrical power and do a continuity test using an OHM meter.

#2
Moisture or water on one or more of the switches caused while cleaning stove top. Dry the switches using a common hair dryer.

#3
Defective spark igniter module. Unable to hold a charge. Replacement is the only option.

All the possible causes and all the solutions can be found HERE: Range-Stove-Oven-Broiler Basic Help Information, Fault Codes & Mfg's Web Site Links Range/Stove/Oven/Broiler Info, Leak Detection, Fault Codes, Fuel Conversion & Links - DoItYourself.com Community Forums (http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159808)

Retail parts dealers and appliances parts stores can also help determine what the possible problem may be based upon that specific brand and model. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. Dealers and appliances parts stores are listed in the phone book.

Additional Suggestions:
Read the manufacturers on line web site for product information, problem possibilities, causes, solving methods, part locations, disassembly, reassembly methods, repair procedures, pictorials, schematics, repair and or owners manuals which may be available on line.

Cautionary Reminder Note:
Before attempting any repairs, be sure to unplug the appliance from the wall receptacle power source first.

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Regards and Good Luck. Web Site Host, Moderator Hiring Agent, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator, Multiple Forums Moderator & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.

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Thanks for your quick response, This is a JPG328, 4 yrs old, it did this for a short while 6 mos ago, stopped and has started again now continuously sparking regardless of the position of the knob. I suspected moisture and tried a fan and hot oven(no hair dryer) but no luck. I suppose I need to cut the caulking and lift the top off for any diagnostics or service

Hi: kaimana808

Remove (lift off) the grates. Remove (pull up wards gently)the top burner knobs. Then lift the top lid. Under it you'll see the burner gas valves.

On them should be round clear plastic covers. Remove them. Then use hair dryer to dry out any moisture that might be on the switches.

All the instructions are in the sticky note. Read it. Doing so will save you the time reading the forum topic, and replying here. Would be done by now....:thumbup:.......:)

Good Luck.