May 12, 2014

Fuse Install: When Ignitor Burns-out, Allow Manual Stove Start & Prevent Control Board Failure



When the igniter burns out, it often shorts out and blows the circuit board fuse or the house fuse. In either case, if the ignitor burns out it may damage the entire control board. The stove then loses power and cannot be started manually. If an ignitor burns out on a stove with a separate ignitor fuse, the control panel does not lose power and the stove can be started manually.

A high energy absorbing surge protector is also needed to protect the circuit board too and can be purchase here. > > http://www.eastcoasthearth.com/blogs/pellet-stove-parts-101/13522689-protect-your-pellet-stove-with-a-surge-protector-updated-wiring

Even if the stove comes with a circuit board fuse, a second fuse can be added to protect the control board. Losing power when the ignitor burns out will no longer be an issue! To illustrate this I'm using a Harman stove that I worked on, but what I'm about to show you will work in almost any stove. Look for the ignitor wire connected to the control board in your stove. It should be in the back. In the picture below, it is a yellow wire. This is where you will install an in-line fuse holder containing the new fuse. Please see the detailed step-by-step instructions below.

                    
An in-line fuse holder and quick disconnect spade lugs can be found and purchased seperately at your local hardware store such as Home Depot or Lowes. Some in-line fuse holders you purchase at a hardware store come with a 20 amp fuse. These are not effective. The fuse you install must be 5 amp if the circuit board fuse is 6 or 7 amp, or 4 amp if the circuit board fuse is 5 amp. You may order the correct fuse and holder in its entirety online here: click here. A crimping tool is necessary for a tight connection. A crimp kit with connectors may be purchased at a hardware store, but make sure the spade lugs are insulated. If not, they will easily short out against the stove body.

                      
Directions (Also see pics below)
1. Shut stove off and unplug from the wall. Assure no power going into the stove.
2. Crimp a male quick disconnect on one end of the fuse holder.
3. Crimp a female end on the other end of the fuse holder.
4. Insert the 4 or 5 Amp (Fast Blow) fuse in the fuse holder. Part # is AGC 4 or AGC 5
5. Disconnect one of the ignitor wires and clip in the new fuse holder.
Note:
On some stoves like Harman where the ignitor is connected with clips inside the air tube, it may be necessary to cut the ignitor wire closer to the control board to insert the fuse holder. Cut the ignitor wire where the fuse needs to be installed. Strip 1/4" off each end and crimp on 1 male and 1 female insulated quick disconnect.

              

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