Not All Hot Surface Igniters are The Same

In this HPC Fire Inspired Tech Talk, we will discuss the igniter replacement unit for the electronic ignition ON/OFF and HI/LO units.  HPC Fire Inspired changed the igniter style and material in 2019 and that has caused some confusion for the dealers and their customers. Today we clear this confusion up.

Let’s start with the older “blade” type igniter. When HPC Fire Inspired first released the new EI system late in 2016, it began life with the blade-style silicon carbide igniter. Many may know it because of the perforated barrel that was installed to protect the delicate nature of the igniter. This worked very well for pilot ignition, but there were many problems with the shipping damage and field damage that was reported.

Old HPC Spark Ignitor for Fire Pits

old style silicon carbide igniter

HPC Fire Inspired then released the newer type igniter after months of testing. The new Silicon Nitride Igniter gave the igniter the strength and reliability needed for the harsh outdoor use the appliance will see. There was no longer the need for the perforated barrel to protect the igniter as nitride silicone is a much more robust material than the silicone carbide.

New HPC Spark Ignitor for Fire Pits

new style silicon nitride igniter

While the new igniter provides the durability needed for the HPC Fire Inspired, it caused some confusion among dealers and end-users. They don’t look the same, and many customers confused it for a wrong replacement part per their request. As you can see there is no longer a barrel around the igniter and it is round, not a flat blade style. So to clear things up here today, please note that all new EI appliances and replacement pilots assemblies and igniters will be the newer and more robust silicone nitride igniter, as seen to the right. The new igniters are installed and replaced in the same manner as the older silicon carbide igniters, to make a seamless transition for the dealers and end-users.

If you have any questions please give a call and ask for the tech department to answer any questions you may have at 877-433-7001