Electric bbq grill igniter trouble

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artillerycreations
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Tue Jan 12, 2010 12:09 pm

I have used this type igniter with much success before. Once with two sparks just like it is meant to be. Another time i was feeling i could use a little more spark so i wired three sparks into the chamber using a common ground off the igniter. Now i am having serious trouble. I tried to divide up both sparks and i cant get it to spark in the chamber. Im not talking bad connections or too big of a spark gap. My gap total is maybe 2 mm. All wires have been replaced. If i make one spark run in series through both sets of screws and then make it run back to the igniter it wont spark, however, all i have to do is touch my finger to the last screws head and then the sparks will jump the gaps. Im mega lost and any help would be appreciated.
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jimmy101
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Tue Jan 12, 2010 3:19 pm

-All the gaps must be in series (none parallel).
-The total gap shouldn't exceed about 3mm (1/8").
-All electrical contacts must be at least OK.
-The gauge of the wire doesn't matter.
-All wire must be kept well separated from each other otherwise the spark may jump from wire to wire through the insulation.
-All wires need to be kept well separated from anything conductive. ("Well separated is perhaps 2x the total gap.)
-Electrodes with sharp points will work much better than ones with dull points, especially with multiple spark gaps.

If you short the last gap with your finger and that makes the other gaps work then you have too much total gap or not enough voltage.
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artillerycreations
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Tue Jan 12, 2010 4:47 pm

Thanks ill give it more attention.
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