Kitchen Gas Appliances - Oven Gas Valves and Glow Coils
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Sharp Advice
01-30-01, 08:18 PM
Glow Coils & Gas Valves:
Used In Ovens.
Many questions have been posted regarding problems concerning these two items. Knowing how they work may help understand how to correct those problems.
Carbonic lighters, commonly called glow coils, are made of highly compressed carbon material. This material has a measured value of resistance to the flow of electricity. It's this measured value of resistance that operates the ignition componets.
There are two styles of oven glow coils. One design is flat while the other is corkscrew shaped. Both are housed in a semi protective metal preforated case. Each type uses a quick disconnect electrical wire assembly.
The glow coil must perform two functions. One is to open the gas valve and the second is to provide a positive source of ignition to ignite the burner gas.
When the thermostat contact points close, electric current is allowed to flow to the glow coil. Once the coil is fully energized it will glow an intense bright yellow orange in color. In order to provide positive ignition, the glow coil must obtain a temperature of approximately 3000 degrees.
When it reaches that temperature it will be using all but 5 volts of the house current suppled to it. The remainder of the supplied current is allowed to pass through to the gas valve. That current then activates the gas valve and allows the gas to flow to the oven burner.
Should either of these parts or functions fail to perform, the oven will not operate. In the event you need to have either of these items checked, your local retail appliance parts store can test them for you. Often times it is best to replace both the glow coil and the gas valve when either one fails to operate properly.
Points to remember about glow coils:
If the coil doesn't glow:
Check the control panel settings FIRST.
Check for electric power at the clock, buzzer, or the wall plug.
If power is present, unplug the stove and check the fuse next.
The fuse may look fine but continuity through it must be verified. The fuse is a special type used only in glow coil ignition ovens.
Glow Coil Removing & InstallingTips:
Turn off the electric or unplug the appliance before replacing.
Handle the coil gently, they break easily and are non refundable.
Reinstall the new one EXACTLY as you found the orginal.
Gas Valve Operation:
When the glow coil allows the remainding 5 volts of the house current to flow to the valve, the gas will open and gas will flow to the burner.
With time, useage and age, the glow coil becomes weak, <it will appear to be mostly orange in color> it will not allow current to flow to the gas valve. When the coil is working correctly <it will appear an intense, bright yellow orange color> and the gas valve fails to open, the valve will need to be replaced.
Gas Valve Removal Tips:
Before removing an oven gas valve, turn off the GAS.
Unplug the appliance.
Remove the oven burner assembly off the gas valves orifice.
Remove the two electrical wires found on the valve.
Loosen the gas valve tubing nut before removing the gas valves anchoring device. <Use a backup wrench to hold the valve in place while turning the gas tubing nut.>
Gas Valve Reinstalling Tips:
Apply a light OIL on the threads of the inlet gas line tubing nut.
HAND start the threads before tightening with a wrench.
Secure the gas valve, then finish snuggly tightening the inlet nut.
Turn the gas supply back on. Check for leaks by SOAP testing the tubing nut.
Disclaimer:
This posting is for general componet knowledge and understanding. It is not meant to be all inclusive nor an instructional guide for diagnosing, testing, removing or installing these or any gas componets.
General Words Of Caution:
Appliances using either natural or propane gas, serviced, fixed or repaired incorrectly, can become a fire, explosion or carbon monoxide hazard. Therefore, if your not sure you can safely and correctly make repairs to a gas appliance, then consider leaving the repairs to a licensed and qualified appliance service technician.
Good Luck,
TomBartco
Natural Gas Energy Technician and Consultant.
Used In Ovens.
Many questions have been posted regarding problems concerning these two items. Knowing how they work may help understand how to correct those problems.
Carbonic lighters, commonly called glow coils, are made of highly compressed carbon material. This material has a measured value of resistance to the flow of electricity. It's this measured value of resistance that operates the ignition componets.
There are two styles of oven glow coils. One design is flat while the other is corkscrew shaped. Both are housed in a semi protective metal preforated case. Each type uses a quick disconnect electrical wire assembly.
The glow coil must perform two functions. One is to open the gas valve and the second is to provide a positive source of ignition to ignite the burner gas.
When the thermostat contact points close, electric current is allowed to flow to the glow coil. Once the coil is fully energized it will glow an intense bright yellow orange in color. In order to provide positive ignition, the glow coil must obtain a temperature of approximately 3000 degrees.
When it reaches that temperature it will be using all but 5 volts of the house current suppled to it. The remainder of the supplied current is allowed to pass through to the gas valve. That current then activates the gas valve and allows the gas to flow to the oven burner.
Should either of these parts or functions fail to perform, the oven will not operate. In the event you need to have either of these items checked, your local retail appliance parts store can test them for you. Often times it is best to replace both the glow coil and the gas valve when either one fails to operate properly.
Points to remember about glow coils:
If the coil doesn't glow:
Check the control panel settings FIRST.
Check for electric power at the clock, buzzer, or the wall plug.
If power is present, unplug the stove and check the fuse next.
The fuse may look fine but continuity through it must be verified. The fuse is a special type used only in glow coil ignition ovens.
Glow Coil Removing & InstallingTips:
Turn off the electric or unplug the appliance before replacing.
Handle the coil gently, they break easily and are non refundable.
Reinstall the new one EXACTLY as you found the orginal.
Gas Valve Operation:
When the glow coil allows the remainding 5 volts of the house current to flow to the valve, the gas will open and gas will flow to the burner.
With time, useage and age, the glow coil becomes weak, <it will appear to be mostly orange in color> it will not allow current to flow to the gas valve. When the coil is working correctly <it will appear an intense, bright yellow orange color> and the gas valve fails to open, the valve will need to be replaced.
Gas Valve Removal Tips:
Before removing an oven gas valve, turn off the GAS.
Unplug the appliance.
Remove the oven burner assembly off the gas valves orifice.
Remove the two electrical wires found on the valve.
Loosen the gas valve tubing nut before removing the gas valves anchoring device. <Use a backup wrench to hold the valve in place while turning the gas tubing nut.>
Gas Valve Reinstalling Tips:
Apply a light OIL on the threads of the inlet gas line tubing nut.
HAND start the threads before tightening with a wrench.
Secure the gas valve, then finish snuggly tightening the inlet nut.
Turn the gas supply back on. Check for leaks by SOAP testing the tubing nut.
Disclaimer:
This posting is for general componet knowledge and understanding. It is not meant to be all inclusive nor an instructional guide for diagnosing, testing, removing or installing these or any gas componets.
General Words Of Caution:
Appliances using either natural or propane gas, serviced, fixed or repaired incorrectly, can become a fire, explosion or carbon monoxide hazard. Therefore, if your not sure you can safely and correctly make repairs to a gas appliance, then consider leaving the repairs to a licensed and qualified appliance service technician.
Good Luck,
TomBartco
Natural Gas Energy Technician and Consultant.