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Stack relay issue

Preston1
Preston1 Member Posts: 2
I have an old oil fired steam boiler with a Honeywell Type RA117A stack relay unit... Getting power to the ignitor but no power to the burner motor... Guessing I have to replace the stack relay unit... As a temporary fix, can I attach the burner motor wire to the ignitor contact? Thanks for any advice...

Comments

  • CTOilHeat
    CTOilHeat Member Posts: 56
    In a RA117A stack relay the ignition terminal de-energizes after the flame has been proven. So, no, this may cause the burner to light but wouldn't keep it running.

    Are you measuring the voltage at the burner or on the "3" terminal of the relay?

    Here is a manual for the relay, for reference.

    http://inspectapedia.com/heat/Honeywell_RA_116A-RA117A-RA817A_Manual.pdf
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    If you're not going to replace the boiler, I'd upgrade to a modern control if the burner has a mounting for a cad cell. The RA117 has an excessively long trial for ignition (70 seconds to shut off the burner if it doesn't light) as opposed to a modern control's 15 seconds.

    What burner is on that boiler?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    CTOilHeatBornForDyingSTEVEusaPAGrallert
  • CTOilHeat
    CTOilHeat Member Posts: 56
    Agree with @Steamhead.

    Honestly anytime a stack relay is removed from service, the world is a slightly better, safer place.
    BornForDyingGrallert
  • Paul S_3
    Paul S_3 Member Posts: 1,261
    i agree to with @Steamhead i think stack relay is very dangerous ....ive seen the take minutes to lock out..... and ive seen them blow flue pipe off the boiler
    ASM Mechanical Company
    Located in Staten Island NY
    Servicing all 5 boroughs of NYC.
    347-692-4777
    ASMMECHANICALCORP@GMAIL.COM
    ASMHVACNYC.COM
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  • Preston1
    Preston1 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for all the input / advice... I had a friend come over and he found the bad circuit board connection on the stack relay... Back up and running... Replacing the boiler this summer making the world a safer place.... I just need to get 2 more months out of it....
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 5,804
    Replacing this summer. That's what they all say.