Original poster: Mddeming@xxxxxxx
In simple terms, No. An OBIT is designed to initiate an arc and then
just maintain the arc @ 22ma until the fuel ignites and heats a
thermocouple enough to open the contact on its primary side. It then
sits dormant during the room heating part of the cycle. When the
main thermostat closes the fuel valve and the OBIT thermocouple
cools off enough to close the contact again, the cycle is repeated.
Neon signs, except for flashing ones, are supplying some power all
the time. OBITs work, at most, about one minute out of ten or
fifteen for part of the year. and the peak voltage is only to
initiate the arc, and to maintain the tiny arc in air. Thus, they
are less long-term robust than NSTs.
Hope this helps.
Matt D.