Adjusting Electrodes

How do I adjust my electrodes?

Adjusting electrodes in your oil burner is something normally done by a professional, however it is not rocket science.  If the homeowner is capable of doing most home repairs, he/she can adjust electrodes.  The standard cautionary  notes apply:  make sure you turn off the system, and be careful because you are working around fuel oil.   Make sure you don’t over-tighten the holder, you do not want to crack the porcelain.   If you do not feel comfortable, defer to a professional.

 

 

 

1.  Use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen holder to adjust or position electrodes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Set gap at 1/8″

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Set electrodes 1/8” forward from end of  nozzle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Set electrodes about ½” from center of nozzle to center of electrodes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may also use a gauge. Our # 66-105

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, don’t forget to tighten the adjustment holder nut you loosened in step 1.

 

The table below shows some nozzle setting recommendations

Nozzle degree	GPH	Figure (2)	Figure (3)	Figure (4)
45	.75 to 4.00	1/8” to 3/16”	¼”	½” to 9/16”
60	.75 to 4.00	1/8” to 3/16”	¼”	9/16” to 5/8”
70	.75 to 4.00	1/8” to 3/16”	1/8”	9/16” to 5/8”
80	.75 to 4.00	1/8” to 3/16”	1/8”	9/16” to 5/8”
90	.75 to 4.00	1/8” to 3/16”	1/8”	9/16” to 5/8”

If above 4.00 GPH you may need to increase Figure (3) by 1/8” to enable smooth startup.

We list many common electrodes on our website.