What is the setting of the spark gap on a spark ignition system?

The spark gap setting on a spark ignition system is crucial for ensuring effective ignition of the fuel mixture in heating systems. A gap of 1/8" strikes a balance between producing a strong enough spark to ignite the gas while also not being too wide, which could make ignition difficult or inconsistent.

Setting the spark gap too wide would require a higher voltage to jump the gap, which may not be achievable with standard ignition systems, leading to poor or failed ignition. Conversely, a gap that is too narrow could result in a weak spark, which might not ignite the gas efficiently. Thus, the 1/8" setting is optimal for reliability and efficiency in the ignition process, enabling the system to function as designed.