Introduction

Every oil burner includes a safety device that monitors its operation and turns off the unit if something goes wrong. Often, however, the reason for a shutdown lies with the "safety" itself.

Reset the safety and try again, as shown on the next page. If the burner kicks off again, shut off all power -- the burner motor and ignition may be protected by separate fuses or breakers.

If your burner has an electric-eye primary safety, look for an access cover that lets you get to its photocell. Wipe the photocell with a clean rag or tissue to remove soot, reassemble, turn on the burner, and see if the furnace fires.

The second type of safety -- a stack switch -- mounts on the flue. Remove the screw holding the unit to the stack, slide it out, and wipe off the sensor.

Don't continuously try to restart a balky oil burner. Unburned oil could accumulate in the combustion chamber and "flash back." If the furnace won't fire after three attempts, call for service.