Understanding-Electronic-Ignition

    * What are electronic ignition gas lights?


Electronic ignition is fast becoming the preferred option for powering gas lights, largely because lanterns with this feature can be turned on and off with a wall switch, timer, or photo cell.  Controlling the timespan of your light's operation by use of a timer not only saves you money, it eliminates the inconvenience of manually lighting your gas lights by hand (using a match).  And as an added bonus, if your gas light happens to blow out as a result of a strong wind, the electronic ignition feature can actually sense that the flame has been extinguished and re-light itself.

    * How does electronic ignition work?


When a low voltage power source is supplied to a gas lantern, the electricity activates a control module, creating a spark.  Once the sparking occurs, the gas solenoid valve opens and fuel flows to the burner.  Then, when the flame is evident, the module will stop sparking and you will be left with the ambiance of a beautiful, consistent flame.

    * What type of electricity is required?


Supplying your lantern with a power source is a very important step when considering electronic ignition for your gas light.  Your electrician will need to install a transformer, since the light requires 24v 20va to operate.   Here are some examples of your installation options:

Option 1:  A qualified electrician supplies a line voltage of 110V to the gas light mounting location.  The transformer can be installed in a gang box or -depending on the type of gas light- inside the wall bracket.  The advantage of this option is ease of installation.  The disadvantage is that if the transformer stops working, the gas light must be removed.

Option 2:  A qualified electrician installs a supply of 110V to a wall switch or timer.  The 110V is run to a mechanical room or access area and is connected to transformers (each light must have its own transformer).  Two low voltage wires are run to the light location.  We recommend using a black and white colored 14 gauge wire for the required low voltage wire.  The advantages of this option are that the transformer(s) are accessible and the installation of the gas light itself is easier due to less components and wires.  The disadvantage is the additional cost of running the extra wires.
 

    * Can gas lights be used indoors?


Yes!  Many natural gas and propane gas lanterns equipped with either electronic ignition or an automatic shutoff valve are C.S.A. Certified to comply with ANSI Standard Z21.42 for indoor or outdoor use.

    * How many BTU's per hour will natural gas and propane lanterns use?


Single flame natural gas lanterns use 3451 BTU's per hour of natural gas fuel.  Extra large lanterns (those equipped with two burner flames) use 4854 BTU's per hour.  Propane gas lanterns use 2800 BTU's per hour, while propane gas lanterns with two burner flames use 4854 BTU's per hour.

    * What size gas piping should my plumber use?


All of our lanterns are plumbed to accept ¼” OD copper tubing with flare fitting.  Gas Products Company sells 12” stainless steel flexible gas connectors, which has ¼” flare fitting for ease of installation.

    * How many lights can be operated on one switch?


As many lights as you'd like to have burning!  For example, if you had two lights illuminating the entrance to your driveway, two lights at your front door, and another light above the garage door, all five of these gas lights could be operated by a single wall switch.  Simply take the extra time upon installation to ensure your connections are completed correctly and you'll be enjoying your gas lighting with the ease of a single switch.