Questions about a Piezo igniter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the durability and electrical characteristics of piezo igniters, specifically focusing on their lifespan in terms of strikes and the nature of the electrical output they produce.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how many times a piezo igniter can be struck before it wears out or its electrical output diminishes.
  • Another participant suggests that as long as the quartz crystal does not physically crack or shatter from constant deformation, it should continue to produce a spark indefinitely. They reference a test where a piezo igniter was struck 111,000 times, indicating that mechanical failure, not crystal failure, was the limiting factor.
  • A participant inquires whether a piezo igniter has distinct positive and negative terminals or if it generates a rapid alternating current with strong negative and positive voltages.
  • The same participant expresses uncertainty about the electrical characteristics of the igniter and invites input from more knowledgeable individuals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the electrical characteristics of piezo igniters, and while one participant believes the quartz crystal can last indefinitely under certain conditions, the question of its electrical output remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that piezo igniters may become unreliable at high altitudes, particularly above 8000 feet, which could affect their performance.

Fischer777
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Questions about a Piezo igniter...

About how many times can one strike a piezo igniter before it wears out, or before it's electrical output is severely reduced?
 
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hi there

if the constant deformation of the quartz crystal as its struck doesn't physically damage the crystal ... ie crack/shatter it, then I have no reason to believe that it would ever fail to produce a spark.
it is interesting to note tho (wiki...) that piezo igniters become unreliable at altitude...significantly so at >8000ft.

here's a page where a guy set up a test jig to test a piezo igniter. firing it 25 times a minute, at 111,000 strikes it was the mechanics that gave up, not the quartz crystal!
http://www.gswagner.com/piezo/piezo.html

cheers
Dave
 


Also, does a piezo lighter/igniter have a distinct 'positive' and 'negative' terminals, or does it create and rapid 'alternating current' (a strong negative voltage followed by an equally strong positive voltage)?
 


Fischer777 said:
Also, does a piezo lighter/igniter have a distinct 'positive' and 'negative' terminals, or does it create and rapid 'alternating current' (a strong negative voltage followed by an equally strong positive voltage)?

I can't answer that, maybe one of the guru's can. I haven't personally seen anything in print.

Dave
 

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