The gas stove not working after a power outage can be due to hot-surface ignitor failure, the pilot light being out, and a blown fuse or tripped breaker.
Common fixes include troubleshooting fuses, changing the pilot light setting, etc. In this article, we will get into the detailed reasons why your gas stove is not working.
Moreover, this article will also give you a detailed solution of what to do next. So stay tuned till the end!
Key Takeaway
Why Is My Gas Stove Not Working After Power Outage?
If your gas stove not working after a power outage, there could be several reasons for this. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
Hot-Surface Ignitor Failure
A hot-surface ignitor is a device used to light gas in gas burners, gas furnaces, or gas boiler appliances. It is the most commonly used electronic ignition system. The ignitor works like a light bulb filament, heating up when electricity is passed through it.
Most are made from silicon nitride or silicon carbide ceramic. Hot-surface ignitor failure occurs when the ignitor doesn’t consume enough current. This causes the gas valve to not open.
Moreover, drywall dust, fiberglass insulation, sealants, or other contaminants may collect on the ignitor. Hot surface ignitor failure occurs, as a result.
In some cases, condensate dripping on the ignitor causes it to fail. A good silicon nitride hot surface ignitor will have a resistance of 30 to 75 ohms. Greater than 75 ohms indicates a failing or failed hot surface ignitor.
Pilot Light Out
A pilot light is a small flame that burns continuously to ignite the gas burner on a gas stove. If the pilot light is out, the oven won’t heat up.
A power outage can cause the pilot light to go out. It will prevent the stove from working.
If the pilot light is out, you may also smell gas. It’s important to note that gas stoves can be dangerous when they’re not functioning properly.
So it’s best to take precautions and seek professional help if needed.
Blown Fuse Or Tripped Breaker
A blown fuse or tripped breaker of a gas stove is a common issue. Its mostly seen to happen after a power outage.
A circuit breaker may trip or a fuse may blow that provides electricity to the gas stove. But in the instance that the fuse or circuit breaker does not trip, the gas stove is faulty. Further diagnosis is needed by a repair technician.
Faulty System
If your gas stove isn’t working after a power outage, it may be due to a tripped circuit, control panel issues, or faulty wiring.
- Tripped circuit: A power surge or overload makes the circuit breaker to trip and cuts off the power supply to the stove. This is what you call a tripped circuit.
- Control panel issues: Control panel issues occur from faulty wiring or a control failure. This causes overheating. Your gas stove may not turn on consequently.
- Faulty wiring: Faulty wiring can cause a variety of problems in a gas stove. This includes a tripping circuit, control panel issues, or even a gas leak.
Dirty Igniter
A buildup of dirt, grease, or food particles causes your gas stove igniter not sparking and lighting the burner. Over time, this can affect the igniter’s function.
Over time, food and grease can build up on the burner and block the igniter. Long-time buildup makes it tough to clean without damaging or breaking the igniter. Symptoms of a dirty igniter include slow ignition, mini explosions, and a loud boom noise.
Interlock Feature
The interlock is a safety feature. It prevents any gas from entering the gas stove unless there is electricity. The oven with an interlock will not work during a power outage.
Whether a gas stove will work after a power outage due to an interlock feature depends on the stove model. Some newer dual-fuel models from GE, Bosch/Thermador, Frigidaire, Samsung, DCS, Miele, and Wolf can be lit manually during power outages.
The stove’s manual or manufacturer’s website has these details about the interlock feature.
How To Make My Gas Stove Work After Power Outage?
Here’s your step-by-step solution to making the gas stove work after power outage:
Step-1: Check the Hot-Surface Ignitor
If the ignitor doesn’t consume enough current, the gas valve won’t open. It’s usually a fairly easy fix. To check if the ignitor is bad or broken, you can use an ohm meter or multimeter to measure the cold resistance value of the ignitor.
Step-2: Check The Pilot Light
Try lighting the burner manually. Hold a lighted match next to the burner and then turn the knob to the “Lo” position to light it.
Step-3: Check The Breaker Box
If there was a power outage and now your gas stove won’t light, it may be because there’s a blown fuse or tripped breaker. Check your breaker box. Try flipping any tripped breakers back on.
If the breaker doesn’t trip, unplug the wires from the switch controlling the oven. Now call for professional service.
Note that an arc fault breaker doesn’t work well with a hot surface igniter. So try using a regular non-AFCI breaker instead.
Damage on the breaker’s panel causes most of the light flickering. There may be a problem with your stove rather than an issue with the breaker as well.
If your stove keeps tripping the breaker, it’s most likely due to a faulty stove rather than an issue with the breaker.
Step-4: Reset The Oven
Try resetting the oven, checking the fuses, and making sure the breaker has been reset properly.
Turn off the power completely at the breaker box and wait for 5 minutes. Turn the power back on and allow the control panel to boot up. Don’t press any keys while resetting your oven.
The oven should take approximately 10 to 20 seconds to complete the cycle. Now, check the electronic control panel for any error messages before using the oven.
Give the oven a cycle to complete by selecting the self-cleaning feature to ensure your oven heats up properly.
For common issues when resetting is needed, here’s what you should do:
- Tripped circuit: To fix this, reset the circuit breaker by flipping the switch back on.
- Control panel issues: If this is the case, it’s best to call a professional for repairs.
- Faulty wiring: If you suspect faulty wiring, it’s important to call a professional for repairs to avoid any potential safety hazards.
Step-5: Clean The Igniter
Clean a dirty igniter with sandpaper, a toothbrush, or a plastic toothpick to remove any debris around the igniter. However, if it’s too dirty to clean or is not working, it needs to be replaced.
Remove any pot or pan from the burner, and turn off the gas supply to the stove. Then use a brush or toothpick to clear away any debris around the igniter.
Here’s a recipe for a clean igniter –
Make a paste of baking soda and water or a 50/50 vinegar solution. Use a toothbrush to dip in the paste and clean the surface of the igniter.
Avoid bleach, ammonia, or any other chemical cleaners that could produce toxic fumes.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Can I use my gas stove during a power outage?
No, most new models of gas stoves will be unusable. But if you do cook during a power outage, check if your gas stove has an interlock.
Is it safe to disconnect a gas stove?
Yes, it is safe to disconnect a gas stove. But follow the proper steps and take safety precautions. Before disconnecting the stove, check for leaks first and turn off the gas flow to that specific supply line.
Will an electric oven turn back on after a power outage?
When controlled by a digital timer or digital controls, the electric oven will not turn back on after a power outage.
