Proper Operation
Learn how your appliance is supposed to operate so you can determine if it is malfunctioning.
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Radiant Sensor
The radiant sensor is located on the side of the burner funnel opposite the end of the burner assembly. A window is cut in the side of the funnel to allow the radiant sensor to detect heat from the ignitor or the gas flame.
The radiant sensor is actually a thermostat. A circuit diagram is shown below. Three coils are used to open two gas valves. When the sensor heats up enough to open the circuit internally, current flows through the secondary coil and the igniter but the current is so low that the igniter starts to cool down. All coils are now energized and gas flows past the still hot igniter and bursts into a blue flame.
The flame will radiate enough heat to keep the radiant sensor open. Power is removed from the burner assembly when the operating thermostat opens up. The gas valves close, the flame goes out and the radiant sensor closes.
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