GE JGP989 Technical Service Manual page 13

Ignition System
The surface burners are lit by electric ignition,
eliminating the need for standing pilot lights with
constantly burning flames.
The ignition system consists of 4 spark
switches (1 on each valve), 4 spark electrodes
(1 on each burner), and a spark module.
WARNING: All 4 electrodes will spark when any
burner control knob is in the LITE position.
The burner control knob must be turned to the
LITE position to light the burner and out of the
LITE position to stop the sparking after the
burner has been lit.
Lighting a Burner
Push the control knob down and turn it
counterclockwise to the LITE position.
Push the control knob down and
Push the control knob in and turn it
turn it to the LITE position.
to the LITE position.
After the burner lights, turn the knob to adjust
the flame to the desired size. To turn a burner
off, turn the knob clockwise as far as it will go,
to the OFF position.
In case of a power failure, you can light the
burners with a match. Hold a lit match to the
burner, then push in and turn the control knob to
the LITE position. Use extreme caution when
lighting burners this way. Burners in use when
an electrical power failure occurs will continue
to operate normally.
Caution: Do not operate a burner for an
extended period of time without cookware on
the grate. The finish on the grate may chip
without cookware to absorb the heat.
Sealed Gas Burners
The right rear burner will give the best simmer
results. The other burners are best for general
cooking and fast boiling.
Selecting Flame Size
WARNING: For safe handling of cookware, never
let the flame extend up the sides of the cookware.
Watch the flame, not the knob, as you reduce the
heat. The flame size on a gas burner should
match the cookware you are using. Any flame
larger than the bottom of the cookware is wasted
and only serves to heat the handle.
Selecting Cookware
Aluminum: Medium-weight cookware is
recommended because it heats quickly and
evenly. Most foods brown evenly in an aluminum
skillet. Use saucepans with tight-fitting lids for
cooking with minimum amounts of water.
Cast Iron: If heated slowly, most skillets will give
satisfactory results.
Enamelware: Under some conditions, the enamel
of some cookware may melt. Follow cookware
manufacturer's recommendations for cooking
methods.
Glass: There are two types of glass cookware:
those for oven use only and those for surface
cooking (saucepans, coffee pots, and teapots).
Glass conducts heat very slowly.
Heat-Proof Glass Ceramic: This can be used for
either surface or oven cooking. It conducts heat
very slowly and cools very slowly. Check the
cookware manufacturer's directions to be sure it
can be used on gas cooktops.
Stainless Steel: This metal alone has poor
heating properties and is usually combined with
copper, aluminum, or other metals for improved
heat distribution. Combination metal skillets
generally work satisfactorily if they are used at
medium heat as the manufacturer recommends.
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GEA00262