In heating systems, what is the role of a flame rod sensor?

The flame rod sensor serves a critical function in heating systems by proving the presence of a flame. This component is essential for safety and operational integrity. When the heating system is turned on, the flame rod sensor detects whether a flame is present in the combustion chamber. If there is no flame, the sensor will send a signal to the control system to shut off the gas supply, preventing potentially hazardous situations such as gas leaks or explosions. The sensor typically relies on the electrical conductivity of the flame to confirm its presence—if the flame is absent, the sensor does not generate the necessary signal, leading to safe shut-off of the gas flow.

Other options touch on functionalities related to heating systems but do not describe the role of a flame rod sensor accurately. Airflow control, ignition of gas, and temperature measurement are important aspects of heating systems but are performed by other components rather than the flame rod sensor specifically.