Electric Ignition gas hob

[ajsdoc]

Likely a simple question. My gas hob has an electrical switch you press which creates a spark to light the hobs. (Whirlpool hob)

Today on pressing we get a plastic/electrical burning smell and a puff of smoke when we press the button. I've unplugged it all looks OK with a switch attached to the wiring by a spade. Was going to buy a replacement switch, just wondering if there's anything else it could be??

All help appreciated.

 

[kevindgas]

put simply it is most likely you have spilt something on the button causing it to short out.

 

[ajsdoc]

So (and sorry to be a simpleton) - the hob was cleaned today so I'm sure you're right. Does shorted out mean the switch is kaput or should I take it out and leave on a radiator or something?

 

[Johnmelad502]

So (and sorry to be a simpleton) - the hob was cleaned today so I'm sure you're right. Does shorted out mean the switch is kaput or should I take it out and leave on a radiator or something?

If it was just water it will dry itself, if grease you will need to clean it.

 

[flameport]

Melting plastic and smoke would not be created by a faulty switch - they are either on or off, so if shorted out, the sparks would be created continuously.

More likely the circuit board for the spark generator has been damaged or destroyed.

 

[ajsdoc]

Interesting. Where does this usually live? The hob is fixed into the worksurface with the oven built in underneath. Who would fix this if I can't? Gas fitter? Electrician? (New hob? They don't seem very expensive looking online)

 

[skenk]

I've never tried to fix one, have seen a lot of people using these though -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1-x-Black-Fli...vr_id=&cguid=dcb3ee0b1250a0aad3812b81f9d91b75

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

Untitled

• mikhailfaradayski
• 2 Mar 2010
• 1

ray mears would approve

 

[ban-all-sheds]

(I have never seen a bigger bunch of idiots )

 

[chris765]

(I have never seen a bigger bunch of idiots )

haha!

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

lol, never seen that one before.

bas, where did that come from?

 

[flameport]

The spark generator is usually a small plastic box, here are some:
http://www.espares.co.uk/parts?k=Spark+Generator

You will need to remove the hob from the worktop and remove the back cover to replace it. If this has melted/burnt, it will be obvious as soon as you look inside the hob.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

bas, where did that come from?

I just googled for images of flame-throwers.

I loved the text at the end.