TRAEGER • QUADRA-FIRE • HARMAN • BRECKWELL OEM REPLACEMENTS

Pellet Stove Cartridge Igniters & Diagnostic Guide

Authoritative cold coil resistance specifications ($R = V^2 / P$), diameter clearance tolerances (3/8" vs 1/2"), combustion airflow alignment protocols, and OEM fitment for pellet stoves and smokers that feed fuel but fail to light.

Search Igniter Fitment Matrix Cartridge Ohm Calculator
48.0 Ω 300W / 120V Nominal
37.9 Ω 380W Quadra-Fire
3/8" & 1/2" Sheath Diameters
CAD BLUEPRINT: 3/8" CARTRIDGE HEATER WITH THREADED COLLAR SCALE 1:1 CALIBRATED
500°C FIBERGLASS LEADS THREADED BUSHING 0.375" (3/8" / 9.5mm) STAINLESS SHEATH BARREL LENGTH: 4.0" (101.6mm) • RESISTANCE: 48.0 Ω (300W / 120V)
OHM'S LAW PHYSICAL BENCHMARK

Pellet Stove Cartridge Resistance Calculator

Calculate the nominal cold coil resistance and expected amperage draw based on your cartridge igniter's rated wattage ($R = V^2 / P$).

Nominal Resistance (Ω) 48.0 Ω
Operating Amperage 2.50 A
Acceptable Multimeter Field Range (±10%) 43.2 Ω to 52.8 Ω
OEM BIOMASS CROSS-REFERENCE

Pellet Stove Igniter Fitment Matrix

Direct replacement cartridge igniters cross-referenced for Traeger, Quadra-Fire, Harman, Breckwell, and US Stove with sheath dimensions and Amazon replacement shortlinks.

Stove Manufacturer OEM Part # Wattage / Voltage Dimensions Nominal Resistance Action
Quadra-Fire 812-3811 / SRV7000-460 380W / 120V Loop Igniter with Bracket 37.9 Ω (34–42Ω) Check Price on Amazon
Harman 3-20-677277 / 3-20-00450 400W / 120V 15-Fin / Cartridge 36.0 Ω (32–40Ω) Check Price on Amazon
Traeger / Pit Boss BAK263 / 200W 200W / 120V 3/8" dia x 3.5" length 72.0 Ω (65–79Ω) Check Price on Amazon
Breckwell / Whitfield C-E-IGN / 12150213 300W / 120V 3/8" dia x 4.0" length 48.0 Ω (43–53Ω) Check Price on Amazon
US Stove / Ashley 80461 / 80604 250W / 120V Threaded 1/2" NPT Collar 57.6 Ω (52–63Ω) Check Price on Amazon
DIAGNOSTIC PROTOCOL

Troubleshooting "Auger Feeds Pellets but No Fire"

When a pellet stove turns on, the draft combustion fan engages, the auger motor feeds hardwood pellets into the firepot, but after 10 to 15 minutes the stove shuts down with an "Ignition Failure" error code and cold pellets piling up in the pot.

The 2-Minute Multimeter Test

  1. Unplug stove power cord from wall.
  2. Remove side access panel; locate the two high-temp white lead wires connecting the igniter to the wiring harness.
  3. Disconnect wire nuts or male spade connectors.
  4. Set digital multimeter to 200Ω scale. Touch probes across the two leads:
    • Standard 300W Element: 48.0 Ω nominal (43Ω – 53Ω).
    • Harman 400W Element: 36.0 Ω nominal (32Ω – 40Ω).
    • Traeger 200W Hot Rod: 72.0 Ω nominal (65Ω – 79Ω).
  5. Diagnostic Verdict: If the multimeter displays O.L (Infinite resistance), the internal nichrome heating wire has burned open from thermal fatigue. Element must be replaced.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION RULE

Combustion Air Tube Clearance & Depth

Over 50% of new replacement igniter complaints ("the new igniter gets hot but pellets won't light") are caused by incorrect protrusion depth:

  • Protrusion Rule (Traeger / Smokers): The tip of the hot rod must protrude 1/8" to 1/4" (3mm to 6mm) into the firepot. If set too far back, pellets never make direct contact with radiant heat.
  • Clean Combustion Air Tube: Heavy fly ash accumulates inside the 3/8" igniter housing tube. Always vacuum ash out before installing the new cartridge to ensure combustion air can draft past the element.