The piezo quartz lighter is one of the most practical inventions that changed the way we light fires. However, when my piezo quartz lighter does not ignite, I often ask myself why is it so. It can be quite annoying when you are all set to light a candle or start the grill and your lighter does not respond as expected. It may seem like a riddle, but there are actually quite a few reasons as to why this may happen and it’s not as complicated as it seems.
Understanding the Mechanism
Most piezo quartz lighters contain a very straightforward mechanism that is based on the piezoelectric effect which was discovered by two brothers Jacques and Pierre Curie in late 19th century. Because of their contribution, it is now known that some materials can develop electric charge when subjected to mechanical force. So, every time you depress that lighter, you are actually compressing a piezoelectric crystal of quartz and this results to generation of voltage that leads to creation of a spark.
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
You might be shocked to learn what can go wrong with your piezo quartz lighter. First off, check the fuel. The lack of fuel is one of the most common yet overlooked reasons of lighter failure. I want you to double check and make sure that your lighter is full of butane or whatever kind of fuel that it needs.
Next, look at the igniter head. If it is dirty a simple clean up will do the trick. This could be because the spark is not getting to the fuel due to the build up of dirt. Also, check the distance between the igniter head and the metal element through which the spark jumps. It has to be close enough for the purpose of igniting the fuel.
Learn More About Fuel Types
Most of the piezo quartz lighters use butane as their source of fuel. This type of fuel is perfect for producing a steady flame but butane has a tendency to disappear or drip if not used or stored appropriately. To troubleshoot, please check the butane level and/or whether there is a leakage. Butane tip: It is recommended that butane should be kept at room temperature to avoid evaporation and loss of strength.
Examine the Spark Mechanism
In essence, if there is no spark, then there is no fire either. In order to check whether your spark is actually being created you can look at the igniter. Try to push the button in a dark room and see whether you are able to see a spark. A faint spark or a spark that is not constant could point to a nearly exhausted piezoelectric crystal.
Historical Insights
Did you know? The development of piezo quartz lighters could be traced after the Second World War. The German and the Japanese engineers, because of the military needs for more reliable ignition systems, contributed to the development of this technology for the consumer market.
Troubleshooting Tips and Maintenance
This is the advantage of a piezo quartz lighter as they are easy to maintain and can be brought back to functioning condition with ease. From time to time one should unblock the igniter head and check the level of the fuel. If you are a hands-on kind of person, it will be useful to disassemble the lighter to check connections and springs to detect any mechanical failures. Also, it is possible for the piezo crystal to become depleted and sometimes all one needs to do is to change it in order to bring back the lighter to its normal functioning.
- It is recommended to clean the device on a regular basis: erasing dust and other small particles.
- Check connections: Make sure that all the components are properly connected to each other.
- Replace worn components: In some cases, even the most long lived piezo crystals will wear out and require changing.
What if I fail to ignite
If you have followed the steps above and your piezo quartz lighter still does not ignite then maybe it is time to look for other options. There are other types of lighters which could be worthy of consideration, for instance, the electric lighters that work with a battery.
FAQ
Why does my lighter spark but not light? This means either the lighter is out of fuel or the spark is not landing on the fuel due to dirt.
Is it possible to repair a piezo quartz lighter on your own? Using a piezo quartz lighter, one can perform the following tasks: Cleaning, checking fuel, and replacing the piezo crystal.
What is the expected time that a piezo crystal will last before it is needed to be replaced? It is estimated that they can ignite thousands of times but this will depend on the quality of the piezo crystal.
How can I make sure that my lighter will last longer? It is advisable to maintain it regularly, clean it and store it properly in order to enhance its longevity.
Enjoy the Flame Again
Personally, it is quite annoying when a piezo quartz lighter does not work as expected. However, most of the time it is a simple issue that can be easily fixed and you will have it roaring back to life in no time. These small fixes can often be done without the need of any special tools, it might just require some time and effort.
Conclusion
The piezo quartz lighters are light givers in more ways than one, and we are not only talking about the flames but also the memories they bring. Thus, you will be able to avoid the most common pitfalls and keep your lighter in perfect working condition. It is always important to know how to maintain such an item that you may use once in a while or daily depending on the frequency of use. Thank you for tuning in! Read more interesting articles on our website.
Here is an example of an HTML-coded table illustrating lighter malfunction causes and solutions:
| Cause | Solution |
| Empty Fuel Tank | Refill with Butane |
| Dirty Igniter Head | Clean with a Cloth |
| Worn Piezo Crystal | Replace Crystal |
