That would be the little red button on the box at the oil burner itself. If your oil burner stops running the first thing you should check is the reset button. If you press it and the burner fires up then that was the problem. If the button should trip again then there is a definite problem and you should schedule a service call immediately. Do not keep resetting the button and ignoring the problem.
Now, what is this button and why does it trip?
It is a safety device. It shuts the burner down when it thinks there is a problem. It is on the primary control and is hooked-up to a cad cell. A light sensor. (The same thing that turns outside lights on at dusk.)
On a call for heat, with the burner running, the cad cell senses the light of the flame. If it stops sensing the light of the flame, it causes the red button to trip, shutting down the burner before any significant damage is done.
Next question. Why would the sensor stop sensing light while the burner is running?
Many reasons. Almost all of which require a service call.
Below is a list of possible causes and things to check. Items in blue usually require a service call. Items in red however can be addressed, even fixed by the homeowner.
Faulty or dirty cad cell
Faulty primary control
Bad or weak ignition transformer
Bad burner motor
Bad fuel pump
Blocked oil filter, strainer or nozzle
Delayed oil valve not opening (some units)
Cracked electrodes
Improperly set electrodes
Air in fuel line
Burner running with a very high smoke
Burner sooted-up
Loose electrical connections
Damaged flexible coupling
Water in oil tank
Out of oil - Have your tank filled
Chimney blocked - Have it cleaned
Closed oil valve - Open valve
Air, Pump not primed - Prime pump - may need to call for service
Oil filter refills
Oil filter canister
Smart Filters
The bottom causes in red are common problems and can be addressed by the homeowner. Try to check for these conditions first before calling for service.
Hope this helps, remember - these are just rough guidelines and not all possible situations are covered.
Hannabery HVAC is a member of the Independent Quality Alliance, (IQA) "Service Professionals Committed To Excellence"
