Nate Electrical Practice Exam

At what voltage do hot surface igniters typically operate?

1. 24 volts

2. 120 volts

3. 240 volts

4. About 8 to 10 Kv

The correct answer is: 120 volts

Hot surface igniters typically operate at 120 volts. This voltage level is common in residential heating systems that use gas furnaces, where the hot surface igniter plays a critical role in igniting the gas to produce flame. The igniter heats up to a high temperature, allowing gas to ignite efficiently and safely. The choice of 120 volts for hot surface igniters ensures that they can generate adequate heat while remaining compatible with standard household electrical systems. It also allows for easy integration into existing electrical infrastructure without the need for specialized equipment or modification. Higher voltages, such as 240 volts or 8 to 10 kV, are not practical for this application as they would pose safety risks and require more complex control systems. Similarly, lower voltages like 24 volts may not provide enough energy for reliable ignition in gas heating applications. Therefore, 120 volts is ideal for the operation of hot surface igniters in typical settings.