Common questions about Crown Engineering igniters, flame rods, electrodes, and cross-references. Contact us or call (901) 458-2000 — we've been servicing the combustion industry since 1967.
What is the difference between a Crown CA Series part and the original Auburn or Maxon part?
Crown Engineering manufactures CA Series igniters and flame rods as direct replacements for Auburn, Maxon, Eclipse, and USI OEM parts. They are Crown-built to fit and function identically to the OEM — not generic third-party copies. Crown Engineering has been one of the largest manufacturers of electrodes and flame rods for oil and gas fired equipment since 1950, and many of the OEM cross-references are parts Crown has manufactured for decades. When you order a CA Series part, you are getting a Crown-manufactured part built to replace the specific OEM part number listed.
What is a flame rod and why does my burner need one?
A flame rod (also called a flame sensing electrode or flame sensor) is a metal probe that detects the presence of a flame by conducting a small ionization current through the flame to ground. When a flame is present, the control board reads this current as proof of flame and allows the burner to continue running. If the flame rod fails, is fouled with carbon deposits, is cracked, or is bent out of position, the control board sees no flame signal and goes to lockout — even if the burner is actually firing. Common failure signs: nuisance lockouts, lockout immediately after ignition, or intermittent lockouts during the heating season. Flame rods are wear items and should be inspected and replaced during annual burner service.
What is the difference between an igniter and an electrode?
In most contexts these are used interchangeably for the component that creates a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture. Technically: an electrode is the conductive tip that carries the high-voltage spark. An igniter is the complete assembly — electrode, ceramic insulator, and mounting hardware — that connects to the ignition transformer. A flame rod is different — it does not spark. It only senses the presence of a flame after ignition via ionization current. Some burners use a combination igniter/flame rod that both sparks to ignite and then senses the flame; others use separate igniter and flame rod components.
What burners and equipment use Crown Engineering products?
From Crown Engineering's own documentation: Beckett AFII oil burners, Wayne Blue Angel oil burners, Carlin Elite oil burners, Midco power gas burners, Wayne power gas burners, Fulton boilers, Kewanee boilers, waste oil burners, grain drying equipment, hot water heaters, pressure washers, diesel truck heaters, baking ovens, agricultural equipment, and oil & gas flares. If you are servicing commercial or industrial oil or gas fired equipment, there is a very strong chance Crown Engineering makes the electrode or igniter for it. Call us at (901) 458-2000 with your burner make and model.
What is Crown Engineering 41661 ignition wire used for?
Crown Engineering 41661 is a 7mm diameter red silicone high-voltage ignition cable for electrode-to-transformer wiring in oil and gas burners, sold by the foot at Memphis Control Center. Specs: 7mm OD, 18 AWG stranded conductor, 0.113" insulation thickness, maximum temperature 482°F (250°C). It is used to fabricate or replace the high-voltage lead wire that connects the ignition transformer to the igniter electrode. Silicone insulation is specified for burner applications because it withstands the high temperatures far better than standard PVC wire (which is typically rated only to 266°F). The 7mm OD accommodates standard Rajah-style ignition terminals and fits standard electrode adapter boots. Cut to the length you need — available by the foot.
