GEI Inc. is a leading hot surface ignitor manufacturer based in Diamond Bar, California. Since 1997, we have designed and produced silicon nitride and silicon carbide hot surface ignitors (HSI) for the world's top HVAC, appliance, and industrial equipment brands — including Carrier, Rheem, GE Appliances, and Whirlpool.
Our in-house ceramic core manufacturing gives OEM partners complete control over ignitor performance, geometry, and reliability. Whether you need a drop-in replacement or a fully custom hot surface ignitor for a new product platform, GEI delivers.
Why Hot Surface Ignitors?
Hot surface ignitors have replaced standing pilot lights across residential and commercial gas equipment. An HSI heats a ceramic element to ignition temperature (typically 2,200–2,500°F), then gas flows across the glowing surface for instant, reliable flame establishment.
- Silent operation — no spark noise or pilot flame
- 100% ignition success rate when properly specified
- Energy efficient — ignitor energizes only during ignition cycle
- Compact form factor — ideal for modern furnace and water heater designs
Silicon Nitride vs. Silicon Carbide Hot Surface Ignitors
GEI manufactures both silicon nitride and silicon carbide hot surface ignitors. Silicon nitride is our recommended material for most HVAC and appliance applications due to its exceptional thermal shock resistance and extended lifespan.
GEI Silicon Nitride Advantage: Heat-up in ≤17 seconds to 980°C, max working temperature of 1,470°C (2,678°F), and 5–10 year service life with minimal degradation.
Read our detailed comparison: Silicon Nitride vs Silicon Carbide Ignitors.
Applications for Hot Surface Ignitors
- Residential HVAC — gas furnaces, boilers, pool heaters, tankless water heaters
- Commercial HVAC — rooftop units, packaged heaters, commercial boilers
- Food Service — commercial ranges, ovens, fryers, griddles
- Industrial — process heaters, dryers, gas-fired equipment
Hot Surface Ignitor Models
Browse our full catalog of nitride and carbide series hot surface ignitors including models N002, 815, 768, 4008, M001, and A002. Each model is engineered for specific voltage, resistance, and mounting requirements.
View Hot Surface Ignitor Product Catalog →
OEM Custom Hot Surface Ignitor Design
GEI works directly with OEM engineering teams to develop custom hot surface ignitors tailored to your combustion chamber geometry, control board timing, and regulatory requirements. Our capabilities include:
- Custom ceramic element geometry and resistance values
- Bracket and lead wire customization
- Ignition circuit design and verification support
- Accelerated life testing and thermal cycling validation
Learn more: OEM Ignition Solutions Guide | How Hot Surface Ignitors Work
Related Products
GEI also manufactures spark transformers and ignition control modules for complete gas ignition system solutions.
Request a Hot Surface Ignitor Quote
Contact our sales engineering team for specifications, samples, or OEM partnership inquiries.
Contact GEI Inc.