Q: retrofitting igniter (and most important) thermistor/safety valve to 70s gas hob

[vas]

hello all,

it is one of the jobs in my to-do list, and since I'm mainly stuck at home (I am allowed to visit the boat which is 400mt away but generally avoid it), I'm running out of to-do things and I'm wondering how doable is this.
The hob is of 70s vintage, integrated in the ss sink, so not planning to rip it off. Not interested on installing electric either. I'm aware of the dangers of gas and I'm confident I'm OK.

So based on the above pics, have you done such a job, is there a kit I could somehow modify and fit?

I understand that with a push button or something (I can easily fit that somewhere around the two knobs) I can get the igniter working but that's not the main issue.
Galley being up on the lower helm and with a odd shaped tilting window that somehow manages to create a draft (fairly often) I'd like the safety of cutting the gas supply when the flame is off.
So somehow I need to interface a electrowhatever valve in the main pipe bringing the gas to the burner head and interface it with the thermistor.
Any pointers welcomed, boat is 24V but I guess I would accept 12V and wouldn't be too happy with 230V but would accept it...
Just seen a few that are for gas water heaters and I struggle to see how I can modify them to fit.

Would accept/expect to have to replace the head, pipework and even knob assemby for that to work and possibly drill a hole for sensor on the ss plate, np with that.

cheers

V.

 

[rogerthebodger]

This is what you need.

Flame Failure Devices | Gas Catering Equipment | gasproducts.co.uk

Fitted some to my old boat hob some years ago

Here is a piezo ignitor

Push Button Piezo Igniter Electrode Ignition Spark Plug for Gas LPG/NG | eBay

 

[vas]

thanks a lot Roger, I was way off the mark in my search...

It looks like it will be extremely difficult to set it all up so that it's transparent like my SMEG hob at home (ie. press and turn button to release gas and ignite, leave to operate)
I guess I could somehow fit this flame failure valve in a way that I could depress it with the original knob (may have to modify it though).

A bit confused with the piezo igniter though, doesn't it need a power supply?

cheers

V.

 

[rogerthebodger]

A bit confused with the piezo igniter though, doesn't it need a power supply?

cheers

V.

No pressing the button hits a piezo crystal that produces current then makes the spark.

The one on my current boat, which is a domestic hob does need mains supply but the one I posted does not.

Piezo ignition - Wikipedia

With my flame failure device I positioned the button close to the gas control knob so I can operate both with the one hand.

 

[MapisM]

The hob is of 70s vintage, integrated in the ss sink

Sorry Vas, I can't help with your question, but I'm impressed by the solution in your pic. Must be fantastic for cleaning, btw.
Makes me wonder if it was custom built, because among other boats with gas hob that I have in mind (like my DP, my previous boat, BA, and also a couple of others), none have such neat integration of the s/steel worktop.
There was definitely some remarkable attention to detail at Versilcraft, back in those days!

 

[vas]

true P.

it's v.neat and I don't want to destroy it tbh.
The whole assembly has a S logo on the top left and embossed brand name which I cannot remember now, will post on next visit.
Just lift the two burner heads and the nicely detailed cover comes off, washed and back on. Not much (if anything) makes it down to the black painted tray.
Toying with the idea of replacing the regulator with something like this, so I only have to cater for the igniters:

D1 Gas Catering Control Valve
& thermocouple that fits on it (something like this)
CGE Lightweight Gas Thermocouple - 13"

Will have to redo the pipework, shouldn't be difficult once I get the right shop with the tools to do so, should be easy in Volos!
and will probably have to discard the intake big black pipe and built a new one, which again wont be a serious problem

Ideal of course would be to find regulator/igniter/thermistor combo

with the lockdown (as in allowed to actually use the boat) getting into June and possibly July, I have enough time to do that I recon...

cheers

V.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Sorry Vas, I can't help with your question, but I'm impressed by the solution in your pic. Must be fantastic for cleaning, btw.
Makes me wonder if it was custom built, because among other boats with gas hob that I have in mind (like my DP, my previous boat, BA, and also a couple of others), none have such neat integration of the s/steel worktop.
There was definitely some remarkable attention to detail at Versilcraft, back in those days!

Lots available for campervans.

gas hob and sink - Google Search

 

[Boathook]

Lots available for campervans.

gas hob and sink - Google Search

To my mind it would mean buying a new unit that is a similar size and stripping all the bits out and reinstalling in the existing unit. I suspect that holes will have to be altered, etc but do-able. You could possibly buy all the individual components but that may work out more expensive.

 

[rogerthebodger]

To my mind it would mean buying a new unit that is a similar size and stripping all the bits out and reinstalling in the existing unit. I suspect that holes will have to be altered, etc but do-able. You could possibly buy all the individual components but that may work out more expensive.

Yes only really possible on a new build or complete refit.

It would only be suitable on a Mobo or multihull.

I took a domestic hop and fitted a mounting box and gimbal for my keel boat.

 

[Big John]

This will get you battery powered ignition with the probes. Igniter Kit Tool Spark Wire Electronic Black Home Gas Stove BBQ Universal New | eBay

Or Amazon MeTer Star Grill Igniter Kit AA Battery Two Exits With Spark Plug Wire Length 1 Meters Long (Two Electrodes) CE/CSA Certified: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors
My hob has got the flame failure device and fitting the electronic ignition just made my day and SWMBO is over the moon.

 

[Big John]

This will get you battery powered ignition with the probes. Igniter Kit Tool Spark Wire Electronic Black Home Gas Stove BBQ Universal New | eBay

My hob has got the flame failure device and fitting the electronic ignition just made my day and the SWMBO is over the moon.

Below shows the ignitor for the gas hob and the lower one for the oven, I used a 3 output version which came with all the fittings and special probe for the oven.

 

[vas]

thank you BigJohn, I guess you somehow have to "earth" the device to make it spark onto the gas head.
will search locally first and will probably have to order remotely....

cheers

V.

 

[Big John]

Hello Vas, well from what I can remember I screwed the unit to the side of the cupboard (ply wood) next the oven and hob and ran the HT leads to the 2 rings and the oven but I do not remember taking anything to ground. Logic says it should have been grounded but as I said I do not remember. I do remember that I did away with the intregal switch. Extended the connections to a battery AA holder via an external push button on the face plate to the front of the twin burners. Push of the button created large sparks at the probes to ignite the gas. The probes come long so oyu can trim them to suit your instalation. It has never failed even after 5 years. I do remove the battery when laying up over winter.

I also fitted a single unit to the gas water heater. Much simpler than keep pressing the single shot pizo button. Good luck and be careful if testing the unit it packs a punch if your fingers are close to the bare terminals.