No Spark on Your Gas Cooker? How to Fix a Piezo Igniter

How does a piezo igniter work?

It generates its own electricity from a mechanical strike — no batteries, no mains.

Inside is a piezoelectric crystal. Press the button and a spring-loaded hammer strikes it hard. That impact produces a very brief, very high-voltage pulse, which travels down the ignition lead to the electrode and jumps the gap as a spark. That spark lights the gas.

That is why a piezo works in a power cut, and why it makes an audible click — the click is the hammer hitting the crystal. The click is your first diagnostic tool.

No spark — how do I find the fault?

Listen first. It splits the problem in half immediately.

Work in that order and you will rarely buy the wrong part.

How do I test the spark?

With the gas isolated and the appliance cold, press the igniter and watch the electrode tip in a darkened kitchen. You should see a crisp blue-white spark jumping a small, consistent gap to earth.

• No spark — work back along the chain: electrode, lead, igniter.
• Spark jumping to the wrong place — the ceramic insulator is cracked, so the pulse is finding an easier path to earth. Replace the electrode.
• Fat, yellow, lazy spark — usually a poor earth or a tired lead.

Check the earth too. The spark has to jump to something. If the electrode's earth path is corroded or the bracket is loose, you get no spark even with perfect components.

Which piezo igniter do I need?

Three things to match:

All our piezo igniters are £9.99, in 18mm and 22mm, single and dual outlet, with round bullet, flat spade and dual-connection options — including push-button types.

The dual-connection igniters are the safe choice if you are unsure, because they accept both the 2.4mm bullet and the flat spade.

Browse piezo igniters — 8 types in UK stock.

How do I fit one?

1. Isolate the gas and let the appliance cool.
2. Remove the control panel to reach the back of the igniter.
3. Pull the ignition lead off the igniter terminal — note which way round if it is a dual-outlet.
4. Undo the retaining nut and withdraw the old igniter from the front.
5. Fit the new one, check the button sits proud and moves freely, and tighten the nut — firm, not crushing. Overtightening cracks the body.
6. Push the lead back on fully. A half-seated connection gives an intermittent spark that will drive you mad later.
7. Restore gas and test.

Gas work in the UK must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for commercial catering.

Frequently asked questions

Do piezo igniters need batteries?

No. They generate their own high-voltage pulse from a mechanical strike on a crystal. That is why they still work when the power is off — and why there is nothing to "go flat".

My igniter clicks but nothing sparks. Do I need a new igniter?

Probably not. The click means the igniter is generating its pulse. The pulse is not reaching the gap — so look at the ignition lead and the electrode first. Both are cheap.

Can I light the burner with a lighter instead?

You may get away with it, but a failed igniter is a £9.99 part. Relying on a lighter around commercial gas equipment is how burns and gas build-ups happen. Fix it.

Why does my spark only work sometimes?

Intermittent spark is almost always a connection or a cracked ceramic — not the igniter. Push the lead fully home, check the electrode ceramic for hairline cracks, and check the earth.

How fast can I get one?

UK stock, £9.99. Order before 10am for next-day delivery, free over £25. Call 073 8051 5838 if you want the fit confirmed.

Not sure which one fits?

Measure the mounting hole (18mm or 22mm), count the outlets, and send us a photo of the connection. We will match it.

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