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Flame Sensor Service

Prevent nuisance lockouts with proper flame sensor

Function

Detects presence of burner flame and sends signal to controller to keep gas valves open

Location

Positioned in the burner flame path

Typical Lifespan

5-10 years; requires periodic cleaning

Emergency Service Get Service Quote

Service Options

Repair Service

Replacement Service

Preventive Maintenance

24/7 Emergency Available

Signs of Flame Sensor/Flame Rod Failure

Burner lights then shuts down after 4-10 seconds

Intermittent flame failure lockouts

Weak or erratic microamp readings

Visible contamination on flame rod

Burner won't stay lit despite good ignition

What Causes Flame Sensor/Flame Rod Failure

Understanding the root cause helps determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.

Contamination

common

Flame rod coated with carbon, silicon, or other deposits blocking signal.

Positioning

occasional

Flame rod moved out of proper flame impingement zone.

Ceramic Crack

occasional

Insulating ceramic has cracked, causing signal leakage.

Wiring Issues

occasional

Wire connection loose, damaged, or grounded.

Weak Flame

occasional

Flame itself is weak due to combustion issues, not sensor fault.

Repair vs. Replace Decision Guide

Repair When...

Cleaning restores proper microamp signal
Positioning can be corrected

Replace When...

Ceramic insulator is cracked
Rod is severely corroded
Repeated failures after cleaning
Microamp reading below minimum spec

Cost Comparison

Cleaning service $100-200. Flame rod replacement $150-350 including labor.

Lifespan Considerations

Flame rods are inexpensive—replace proactively rather than troubleshoot repeatedly.

Brands Using This Component

We service flame sensor/flame rod across all major paint booth brands.

Honeywell

Fenwal

Fireye

UV Scanners

Siemens

Our Flame Sensor/Flame Rod Service Process

Microamp Measurement

Measure flame signal strength in microamps during burner operation.

Visual Inspection

Inspect flame rod for contamination, damage, or positioning issues.

Cleaning

Clean flame rod with appropriate abrasive if contaminated.

Retest

Measure microamp signal after cleaning to verify improvement.

Replace if Needed

If cleaning doesn't restore proper signal, replace flame rod.

Flame Sensor/Flame Rod Service FAQ

Common questions about flame sensor/flame rod repair and replacement

Most flame rectification systems require a minimum of 2-4 microamps for reliable operation. Good sensors typically read 4-8+ microamps. Below minimum, the burner will lock out. Check your controller specs for exact requirements.

Flame sensors should be inspected and cleaned at least annually, more often in dusty or high-use environments. Some facilities include flame rod cleaning in monthly PM checks. It's quick and prevents lockouts.

This classic symptom indicates flame sensing issue. The controller sees ignition, opens the main gas valve, but then doesn't detect flame (despite flame being present) and shuts down for safety. Usually a dirty or failing flame sensor.

Have a question not answered here?

Call us at (877) 489-3727

Related Components

Burner Repair Ignition Module Gas Valve

Related Troubleshooting

Flame Failure Burner Cycling

Need Flame Sensor/Flame Rod Service?

WERCS technicians have the expertise and parts to get your flame sensor/flame rod working properly. 24/7 emergency service available.

Call (877) 489-3727 Request Service Quote