Can a cad cell become covered with soot, simulating a malfunction?

A cadmium cell, often referred to as a cad cell, plays a crucial role in the operation of an oil burner by detecting the presence of a flame. If the cad cell becomes covered with soot or other obstructions, it can indeed simulate a malfunction by failing to detect the flame properly. This situation can lead to the burner shutting off or failing to ignite, as it interprets the lack of flame as a safety measure.

The possibility of soot buildup is significant, especially in environments where oil combustion is not optimal or where regular maintenance has not been performed. Regular maintenance helps ensure that both the burner and the cad cell are functioning correctly. Factors such as dirty fuel, lack of air supply, or malfunctioning components can exacerbate soot production, increasing the likelihood of the cad cell becoming soiled.

Understanding the function and vulnerability of the cad cell is essential for troubleshooting issues with oil burners and ensuring that maintenance procedures are carried out.