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burner Issue

Burner Not Igniting

No spark, no flame, no heat. Here's how to troubleshoot ignition system failures.

Emergency: (877) 489-3727Start Diagnosis

What You're Experiencing

The paint booth burner is attempting to ignite but main flame is not establishing, resulting in lockout.

Visual Signs:

  • Spark visible but no flame
  • Pilot lights but main flame doesn't
  • No spark visible during ignition attempt
  • Burner status shows ignition failure
  • Lockout indicator illuminated
  • Trial for ignition timing out

Sound Signs:

  • Clicking sound of igniter but no "whoosh" of ignition
  • Silence when ignition should occur
  • Gas flow sound but no combustion

Safety Risks — Read Before Proceeding

critical(NFPA 86 Section 8.6)

Gas accumulation from repeated ignition attempts

Action: After 2-3 failed attempts, STOP. Ventilate the system. Do not keep trying.

critical(NFPA 86)

Delayed ignition explosion

Action: Accumulated gas can cause explosive ignition. Never bypass purge or timing sequences.

Immediate Steps to Take

  1. 1

    Stop after 2-3 failed ignition attempts

  2. 2

    Allow full purge before any more attempts

  3. 3

    Check if igniter is sparking (look at sight glass)

  4. 4

    Verify gas supply is on and has pressure

  5. 5

    Check for pilot flame if equipped

  6. 6

    Look for fault codes on burner controller

  7. 7

    Do NOT repeatedly reset without diagnosis

Common Causes

Here are the most likely reasons you're experiencing this problem, ranked by how often we see them.

Igniter Failure

common

Spark igniter or hot surface igniter has failed or is too weak.

Pilot Problem

common

Pilot flame not establishing or too weak to ignite main burner.

Gas Supply Issue

common

Insufficient gas pressure or flow at burner head.

Air/Gas Ratio

occasional

Combustion air or gas mixture incorrect for ignition.

Ignition Timing

occasional

Gas valve opening before igniter energized or timing issues.

Burner Head Issues

rare

Burner orifices blocked, damaged, or misaligned.

Interactive Diagnostic Tool

Ignition Failure Diagnostic

Step 1 of 5

Is spark visible during ignition attempt?

If unsafe at any point: If gas smell detected or repeated failures, STOP and call WERCS at (877) 489-3727.

When to Call WERCS

While some issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, these situations require professional service:

  • Multiple ignition failures
  • Gas smell detected
  • Igniter needs replacement
  • Gas valve problems
  • Burner tuning needed
  • Flame sensor issues

Priority Service Available

(877) 489-3727

Expert technicians nationwide

Burner Not Igniting FAQ

Common questions about this issue

Spark present but no ignition means: 1) No gas reaching burner (valve, regulator, supply), 2) Gas/air mixture wrong, 3) Spark not positioned correctly, or 4) Gas pressure too low or high. Check gas supply first.
Direct spark ignition: 4-10 seconds after purge. Pilot ignition: pilot lights in 4-10 seconds, main in 10-30 seconds after pilot proven. If longer, something is wrong.
Trial for ignition is the period when the controller allows gas and ignition source while waiting for flame to establish. If flame not proven by end of trial, system locks out for safety. Typical: 4-10 seconds.
Minor adjustments (igniter gap, pilot adjustment) may be possible if you're trained. Gas valve timing, controller settings, and safety device adjustments require qualified burner technician with combustion analyzer.

Have a question not answered here?

Call us at (877) 489-3727

Related Problems

Burner Not IgnitingFlame FailureGas Valve ProblemsPaint Booth Not Heating

Can't Fix It? We Can.

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