Whirlpool 4322452 Service Manual page 40

The Ignitor Spark Module is a solid-state device that is used to provide high voltage for the top
burner ignitors (see Figure 3-30). Whenever the ignitor module is energized by one of the ignitor
switches, a solid state circuit and pulse transformer within the module electronically increases the
constant AC line voltage to periodic high voltage pulses, and sends these pulses to all of the ignitor
electrodes at the same time. The pulses will be sent to the ignitors at about 2 pulses (sparks) per
second. There are no adjustments that can be made to the module and it is serviced only as an
assembly. The system operates at very low amperage (4 milliamps) so that the high voltage
pulses, or sparks, present no severe shock hazard.
A Surface Burner Ignitor is a metal rod with a ceramic insulating body that is wired directly to the
ignitor spark module. Pulses from the ignitor module cause the ignitor to arc to the ground strap
(see Figure 3-31). These pulses, or sparks, light the top burners through the flash tube.
The surface burner ignitors are manual ignitors that spark whenever a burner valve is in the "lite"
position. The module will continue to send pulses to the ignitor until the valve is turned to any
position other than "lite."
Since the system operates on high voltage pulses sparking to ground, it is very important that the
range be properly grounded, and that chassis ground through the range is continuous.
TO IGNITOR
SWITCHES
TO SURFACE BURNER IGNITOR
Ceramic
Insulated Body
Figure 3-31
IGNITOR
SPARK
MODULE
Figure 3-30
Ground Strap
(Bracket)
Metal Rod
Electrode Wire
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