What is gas burner control and what is the principle of its operation

A modern gas stove is a multifunctional and, most importantly, safe device. In most cases, you don't even need matches to light the gas - the stove will do everything by itself. It will set it on fire, and it will itself ... go out if something goes wrong.

At first glance, it seems obvious when the gas control of the burners is triggered that this is good, from any point of view. However, not everything is so simple.

Gas control: why is this option needed?

The main task of the gas supply control system to the burner (burner) is to block the further outflow of the gas mixture in the event of a sudden cessation of the combustion process. For example, when pouring over "escaped" milk or porridge. This ensures the required level of protection and safety when working with a stove or hob.

Today, similar functionality can be found in almost every stove. And this is understandable - it is enough to leave an open burner unlit for a couple of minutes, as the kitchen or the whole apartment will turn into an extremely destructive bomb.

This is especially important if we remember that not all people are equally responsible in the operation of gas stoves, and there are still old people who often suffer from forgetfulness!

Note! This functionality is extremely important for gas ovens, where it is not always convenient to monitor the intensity of the combustion process.

How does gas control work in gas stoves?

The schematic diagram of the control unit consists of:

• Thermocouple: Converts thermal energy into electromotive force (EMF).
• Copper conductor: Provides current to the solenoid valve.
• Cut-off valve: consists of a stem, an induction coil and a retaining spring.
• Rubber gasket: responsible for the tightness of the inlet.

Usually, before lighting the burner, you must press the tap handle, thereby pushing back the stem in the shut-off valve, allowing the gas mixture to move towards the burner. After the gas ignites, the burner ensures an even distribution of the flame around the surface of the diffuser, next to which the thermocouple is installed.

Made from special alloys, it converts thermal energy into electrical energy, causing the induction coil to generate a magnetic field. Its potential is sufficient to keep the stem spring compressed.

As soon as the combustion stops, the thermocouple cools down and the current stops flowing to the coil - it can no longer hold the stem and the spring straightens out, thereby blocking the gas access to the burner. This usually takes about 30 seconds.

Gas cooker with gas control for burners: good or bad?

At first glance, it may seem that the very formulation of the question does not make sense, since it is primarily about security. However, there are several controversial points here.

1. Arguments for":
   • Operational reliability.
   • Improving the safety of the use of gas stoves by the elderly and in families with children.
   • There is no need to constantly be in the kitchen: a short-term absence is allowed.
2. Arguments against":
   • Complication of the ignition procedure.
   • In case of malfunctions in the control unit - the impossibility of further use of the stove (otherwise it is serviceable, from the point of view of the main function - to ensure combustion).
   • Higher production costs and, as a result, higher costs.

Does it make sense to turn off gas control?

The source of such questions lies in the peculiarities of the operation of gas controlled stoves. If a new stove does not cause any particular problems to its owners, except that it can annoy with a long ignition (up to 15 seconds), then those who have such devices have a long service life can become supporters of the proposed idea.

This is due to the fact that most of the breakdowns in the gas supply control unit are due to a thermocouple malfunction. The wear of the gasket or the hold-down spring is much less common. In this regard, it is not always possible to order a new part (often neither the suppliers nor the service have it), despite the fact that it is not cheap.

malfunctions
In this case, there is a situation of downtime, in fact, a working stove, which causes the desire to get rid of the "unnecessary" functionality.

Important! Even having made the decision to turn off the gas control, in no case should you do it yourself. This operation should only be performed by a qualified technician!

Inoperative gas burner control what can it be?

As already mentioned, most of the problems with the operation of the gas mixture control system are due to the operation of the thermocouple.

Most often it manifests itself as follows:

• Significantly increased ignition time.
• Complete impossibility to light a flame.
• Spontaneous damping at steady state combustion.
• Continued flow of gas mixture in the absence of fire.

There may be several reasons for this: a dirty or misaligned thermocouple, a worn valve, or a jammed valve.

In some cases, cleaning the thermoelectric sensor (protruding rod near the diffuser) can help. It also makes sense to check the stroke of the tap handle - sometimes foreign objects fall under it, which is why it cannot open the valve. In any case, malfunctions in the gas equipment should only be corrected by an authorized specialist!

Gas stove with gas control of burners: the best brands

The abundance of offers on the market can confuse anyone. Many similar models, dozens of manufacturers and not always objective ratings - how to choose a really reliable and high-quality stove?

Below is a list of the most popular manufacturers, whose products have proven to be reliable and durable (of course, they all include the "gas control" function in their stoves):

• Gorenje. Slovenian brand with proven quality.
• Pyramida. Despite its Chinese origin, this brand provides the best price-performance ratio.
• Beko. A Turkish manufacturer working in the middle price segment: quality and the widest range.
• Bosch. Premium segment - German quality and reliability.

It makes sense to mention the Belarusian brand GEFEST, whose products, in terms of their design, are close to the mentioned brands, but have a democratic price.

Thus, the availability of such an option has become almost a standard today. Moreover, each manufacturer convincingly proves by adding the function of gas control of burners to their products that this is dictated by the concern for the buyer.

However, the presence of such a system has both clear advantages and certain disadvantages. Therefore, here everyone must decide for himself what is more important - safety or convenience?

Video: gas control device