Oil boiler igntion transformer.

[spot-wobble]

Anyone know what the likely secondary voltage is of a spark ignition transformer fitted in a domestic oil boiler burner unit?

Current wise I guess it ranks alongside mains EHT transformers for instant death if touched!

How would they compare to neon transformers for making a Jacob's ladder?

I may end up with two of these transformers as a result of changing to gas heating.


Andy

[Murphyv310]

Nasty belt off them. Had one on a diesel hot water pressure washer a few years back. There are different types, mains transformer and inverter. Some for single and others for two electrode spark electrodes. Volts between 6 to 12kv

Here's one. http://www.abb-furnace.com/furnace-acces...t11-m.html

https://www.anglonordic.co.uk/burner-spa...rahma.html

[Nick]

OBITs can be used for Jacob's Ladders but are not as good as NSTs - some OBITs are electronic and are no use at all for HV experiments and some are constant-voltage types, so without a series primary choke will burn out when used in a Tesla Coil, though a Jacob's Ladder would maybe be OK.

They are also not designed for a 100% duty cycle.

[Murphyv310]

Are you sure of the duty cycle on transformer OBIT's Nick. These are fitted to diesel pressure washers and other applications and when running the spark is continuous, put me right if I'm wrong. The circuitry in some machines have the ignition running irrespective of whether the boiler is engaged or not.

[Nick]

Are you sure of the duty cycle on transformer OBIT's Nick. These are fitted to diesel pressure washers and other applications and when running the spark is continuous, put me right if I'm wrong. The circuitry in some machines have the ignition running irrespective of whether the boiler is engaged or not.

Nope. Not 100% - it's some years (probably 10) since I messed with OBITs - I did a lot with MOTs around then too - still got a stack of those, and they are most certainly lethal if abused.

[Murphyv310]

I agree Nick. They are horrible things and the problem is most folk fixing the machines they are used in don't have a clue as to the risks.