What indicates a fault in the ignition system of an oil burner?

The indication of a fault in the ignition system of an oil burner is primarily shown by delayed flame commencement. When an oil burner is functioning correctly, the ignition system should produce a flame almost immediately after the fuel is introduced. If there is a delay, it may point to issues such as insufficient spark, problems with the electrode position, or perhaps fuel delivery issues that prevent the burner from igniting as it should. This delayed response can lead to a range of operational problems, including incomplete combustion or the accumulation of unburned fuel, which can cause additional safety hazards.

In contrast, while increased fuel smell, consistent smoke output, and odorless burning can suggest issues with combustion efficiency or burner adjustments, they do not specifically indicate that there is a fault in the ignition system itself. For example, an increased fuel smell may relate more to leaks or excessive fuel delivery rather than ignition failure, while smoke output usually points to incomplete combustion rather than ignition problems. Odorless burning could indicate that combustion is occurring cleanly but does not inherently link to ignition faults. Thus, the delayed flame commencement is the most accurate indicator of ignition system issues in an oil burner.