Piezo ignition

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A piezo igniter element from a typical lighter

Piezo ignition is a type of ignition that is used in portable camping stoves, gas grills and some lighters, and potato guns.[1] Piezo ignition uses the principle of piezoelectricity, which in short, is the electric charge that accumulates in some materials in response to high pressure.[2] It consists of a small, spring-loaded hammer which, when a button is pressed, hits a crystal of PZT or quartz crystal. Quartz is piezoelectric, which means that it creates a voltage when deformed. This sudden forceful deformation produces a high voltage and subsequent electrical discharge, which ignites the gas.

No external electric connection is required, though wires are sometimes used to locate the sparking location away from the crystal itself. Piezo ignition systems can be operated by either a lever, push-button or built into the control knob. Only one electric spark is generated per turn of the knob or press of the button.


  2. ^ Piezoelectricity, The Wikipedia page on Piezoelectricity

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