Piezo ignition

Piezo lighters are lighters that use the spark-generating piezoelectricity instead of the conventional flint.

To this end, a spring in the piezo igniter is stretched, which is a flash relaxed completely pushed- in button. Then, a ram is struck with a large pulse to a piezoelectric crystal (such as lead zirconate titanate ). Which in turn leads to a large voltage is produced within the crystal up to 15 kV. Two closely spaced metal contacts coupled to the crystal. Due to the high voltage and the low pitch of the contacts results in a luminous blue spark that ignites the gas flowing out of the valve, which is opened during printing.

An electric shock from such a piezo element is unpleasant, but due to the low energy of the discharge is not dangerous.

• Fire means