Massachusetts Oil Burner License Practice Test

What is a common cause of delayed ignition in an oil burner?

1. Blocked fuel line

2. Weak ignition transformer

3. Excessive fuel pressure

4. Incorrect nozzle alignment

The correct answer is: Weak ignition transformer

A weak ignition transformer is a common cause of delayed ignition in an oil burner because it affects the ability to create a strong enough spark to ignite the oil mist in the combustion chamber. The ignition transformer plays a crucial role in generating the necessary electrical energy to produce a high-voltage spark at the burners' electrodes. When the transformer is weak or failing, it may not deliver sufficient energy, leading to a delay in ignition as the fuel accumulates before it finally ignites. Delayed ignition can be hazardous as it may result in a burst of flame once the accumulated fuel does ignite, potentially damaging the burner or causing other safety issues. In contrast, a blocked fuel line, excessive fuel pressure, or incorrect nozzle alignment, while they can also cause operational issues in oil burners, typically manifest in different ways and are not primarily associated with delayed ignition. These factors often lead to different kinds of combustion irregularities rather than a direct failure to ignite the fuel.