A ceramic igniter heater is a ceramic element that ignites fuel with a flame. These elements can be made of various materials. One type of material includes silicon nitride. Another type uses a mixture of silicone nitride and molybdenum disilicide. In general, these materials are non-conductive.

Another type of ceramic igniter is the multilayer ceramic igniter, which has a multilayer structure consisting of a tapered electrode and a central core of resistant material. These two segments are connected by two converging facets that extend from the center to both sides. Ceramic igniters may be manufactured through slip-casting, injection molding, or extruding. They may have different shapes and be made with a single or multiple layers, depending on the size and shape of the device.

Ceramic igniter heaters can be customized with different patterns and materials. For example, adding extra faceting to the tip region or creating a coil pattern would create a complex design. This, of course, increases the circuit length. The electrodes can also be customized according to the material they are made from.

When a ceramic igniter heater breaks, it means that there is a problem with the electric supply. The ignitor needs 120-volt power to operate. An overload or a surge of the electric supply can short-circuit the ignitor. Likewise, an overloaded circuit breaker can shut down the furnace, resulting in no heat at all.