What is the primary purpose of a cad cell in burner operation?

The primary purpose of a cad cell in burner operation is to detect flame presence. A cad cell operates as a photoelectric cell, meaning it can sense the light emitted from the flame created during the combustion process. When the burner ignites, the cad cell generates a current based on the intensity of the flame it detects. This feedback is crucial because the burner relies on the confirmation of flame presence to operate safely and efficiently.

If the flame goes out for any reason, the cad cell will no longer detect light, causing the burner control system to shut off the fuel supply, thereby preventing potential hazards like the accumulation of unburned fuel. This mechanism plays a vital role in ensuring safety in oil burner operation by providing a means to continuously monitor the flame and respond appropriately if an unsafe condition arises.

Understanding the function of the cad cell is fundamental to maintaining the operational stability of an oil heating system and ensuring that it runs safely.