Riello Flame sensor F3 F5

BDR529

Noticed the new black flame sensors have little to no change in resistance when checked with a meter. I have 3 of them on the bench can they all be bad? all sensing light at start up.

The old white sensors show a good change in resistance.

What am i missing?

Robert O'Brien

The black one is a photodiode; it generates current in the presence of light. Eliminates the use of cadmium.

EdTheHeaterMan

New Flame Sensors

Riello has launched new flame sensors for use with all of its domestic oil-fired burners that are covered by EU Directive 2011/65/EU (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electronic and Electrical Equipment), which comes into force in July 2019.

As a result, Riello RDB, 40 and Gulliver models now require new cadmium-free photocells within the flame sensors if replacement is required. For RDB models the correct replacement depends on whether an analogue or digital control box is in use.

EU Directive 2011/65/EU is designed to prevent certain hazardous substances from entering the production process, resulting in the introduction of these new cadmium-free technologies within the flame sensor

Where are you located? You may not need the Black one. there is a chart that you need to look at to determine if the new black is compatible with your burner's control

BDR529

Since it generates then the 530se should be a different control to accept the change in photo cell?

BDR529

I'm in Mass.

Riello 40 with 20132573 eye is what matches and I have. Dose not like it.

Well, that answers the odd readings.

Robert O'Brien

BDR529 said:

Since it generates then the 530se should be a different control to accept the change in photo cell?

It takes the current generated and electronically converts to resistance so it's backward compatible. The black cover is hinged, you can pop it open and take a look

BDR529

So it is a diode, thought it was a fancy new window.
Hope the directive stays in the EU.

Robert O'Brien

"Cadmium and its compounds are highly toxic and exposure is known to cause cancer. It is primarily associated with human lung, prostate, and kidney cancers, and recently pancreatic cancer. It has also been associated with cancers of the breast and urinary bladder."

I would expect cad cells to go away here as well eventually

BDR529

Never had the urge to crack open a cad-cell eye and give it a good snort or fire it up my back door. I'm a responsible service tech.
Apparently it has been a problem so they took it away from us.
Oh man! What violation did they perform on the T-87 thermostats!!

STEVEusaPA

Do you actually touch anything hazardous on a cad cell or is it all contained?

SuperTech

BDR529 said:

Never had the urge to crack open a cad-cell eye and give it a good snort or fire it up my back door. I'm a responsible service tech. Apparently it has been a problem so they took it away from us. Oh man! What violation did they perform on the T-87 thermostats!!

Thanks for getting me to laugh!