The clicking sound you hear when turning an electric range or stove on and off is usually the result of the spark ignition system. This system is commonly used in modern electric stoves to ignite the gas burners. Here's how it works:
Gas Supply: Many electric stoves are designed to use natural gas or propane to fuel the burners. The gas supply is controlled by a valve located behind the control knobs.
Ignition System: The spark ignition system is responsible for igniting the gas as it flows out of the burner. It consists of a spark module and an igniter electrode.
Igniter Electrode: Each burner has an igniter electrode positioned near the burner head. When you turn on the stove knob for a specific burner, the electric circuit for that burner is completed.
Spark Module: The spark module is an electronic component that generates an electric spark when the circuit for a burner is completed. This spark travels through a wire to the igniter electrode.
Spark Ignition: When the electric spark reaches the igniter electrode near the burner head, it ignites the gas, producing a flame.
Continuous Sparking: When you turn the stove knob to the "Ignite" position, the spark module will continue to generate sparks until the burner ignites successfully. If the gas flow is impeded, the spark will keep attempting to ignite the gas.
Safety Feature: To ensure safety, many stoves have a safety mechanism that stops the gas flow if the spark ignition fails to light the burner within a few seconds. This prevents the buildup of unignited gas, reducing the risk of a gas leak.
The clicking sound you hear is the repeated sparking of the igniter electrode until the gas ignites and the burner starts producing a flame. Once the gas ignites successfully, the sparking stops, and the burner remains lit until you turn it off.
It's worth noting that not all electric stoves use gas for their burners. Some electric stoves use radiant elements or induction coils, which heat up directly when electricity passes through them. In such cases, there won't be a clicking sound since there is no gas involved.