Solid State Ignition Transformer on a old oil burner.
My oil burner for furnace is really old. Model says DU-15A. Google search doesn't show much but hinted it might be a unit from Wayne Combustion. Anyway, the ignition transformer is giving issue. It doesn't ignite time to time and I often had to reset multiple times which resulted in loud combustion and a lot of smoke where you can shoot a music video. Techs came in multiple time and only suggested I should get a whole new furnace system. The furnace when turned works great so I always doubted their suggestion. One tech told me, transformer is not producing enough spark so it doesn't ignite but sometime it does. The current one has 120v Primary and 10KV secondary volt. It is from Webster and model #313-28AB92. I already found 1:1 replacement but different brand but wondering if I could install a solid state one. Only concerning thing I have is they are rated for 14KV to 20KV secondary voltage which is stopping me from getting one. Please let me know your suggestion.
Get a 1:1 replacement of Brick size transformer or just install a solid state one?
ps: I am using the furnace for last 4 years since I bought the house and first 2 it didn't give any issue. Recently it started having serious ignition problem and I looked into it.
Comments
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Your technician should be able to get you an exact replacement. If not, find a new technician. You could get a solid state one, but you'll need one rated for constant ignition, if your system is set up for constant (intermittent) ignition.
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I don't now what type of "technician" you had but if the transformer is bad he should have replaced it. Transformers are available for any burner regardless of age. They even make adapter plates to make them fit although rarely needed with more modern burners (last 50 years). If you know what you're doing you or your "technician" could do a rough test of the transformer with a screwdriver with a well-insulated handle.
If you try this and don't know how the results can be quite shocking. The electrode settings should be checked and the burner cleaned and combustion tested.
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The burner is a Ducane. Not sure if you'll find an ignition transformer or SS Igniter for it.
I wouldn't go with SS unless the primary has interrupted ignition.
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Thanks for your reply. I will look into that.
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The tech is from the oil company I use to get oil and also yearly service on furnace as well. I am guessing he is under the pressure to up sell his company services so can't really offer me a solution even if he knows how to do it. He did the screwdriver test as well. However he did mention if I find a replacement parts, he will change it for me. Tbh, I ain't ready to drop $1600 for new oil burner when the current one serves me just right and only need a transformer replacement. Also need to find a new technician. Thanks for your reply and wisdom. Appreciate it.
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Wow! I did lot of search and couldn't figure out which burner is that for sure. You worked on them before? As for the controller, I have Carlin 48245 oil primary control and specification says it has intermittent ignition for 45 sec.
Thank you for the comment. If you have anymore suggestion based on the controller I have, please provide. Appreciate it.
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@theBrownDad . If you have a decent oil burner supply house and took the transformer their I am sure they could match it up.
Supply House.com has Ducane transformers listed.
Also you can google Allanson ignition Transformers they have some Ducane stuff listed as well and also click on "products and solutions" on the Allanson site they have adapter plates and other stuff. If you called them with your old transformer Webster # they could tell you what you need.
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Thanks for the info. I did found out those already before coming here except the Ducane part. I yet have to find a local supply house here in Greater Long Island. Local home depot carries only solid state based one. Only concern was to figure out if solid state would be good fit despite of secondary voltage being higher than current bulky transformer.
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Some say the solid state don't last as long. They have a hotter spark but that is not a concern.
I am sure Supply House.com could ship one quickly to your door.
On some of the older burners the transformer was powered with the burner motor and sparked as long as the burner was running. That used to be called "constant" ignition. Solid state does not hold up as well on those burners.
Most burners now use "interrupted ignition" the transformer stops after the burner lights. The old or new style transformer is fine on those.
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Currently using a Carlin 48245 controller so technically the burner is running an intermittent ignition. Also observed the tech to close the transformer to give an ignition and open it again to test spark while the burner kept running.
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I haven't seen one in forever, but I recognize the model number. Its the short term memory that gets me.
Does it have a bar clasp to hold the transformer closed?
Remove the jumper for a 15 second safety. Then remove one Yellow wire from an F terminal. Run the burner. Raise thermostat(s). Once there's flame, the burner should go into safety and shut off at the 15 second mark. When verified, put the Yellow wire back and hit the reset button. Put thermostat setting back
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Internet search says an alanson 2721-605 will replace what you have.
Rick
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"Quite Shocking" the funny tech support guy 😂
But true it it really gets your attention
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Remove the ignitor from the mounting plate, install a universal electronic ignition head on the existing mounting plate, adjust electrodes, replace the nozzle and you are done. Done it 1000 times.
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