Pilot light

A United States patent was filed May 13, 1922, for a "safety gas-control system" by two employees of the Newark, New Jersey–based Public Service Gas Company, Conrad Shuck, Jr. and George Layer.

Common applications include household water heaters, central heating systems, fireplaces, flamethrowers, and hot air balloons.

While most commercial kitchens still rely on pilot lights for burners, ovens, and grills, current residential systems utilize an electrical ignition.

In natural gas furnaces, water heaters, and room heating systems, a safety cut-off switch is normally included so that the gas supply to the pilot and heating system is shut off by an electrically operated valve if the pilot light goes out.

A disadvantage to modern alternatives requiring high voltage is that the appliances are rendered useless during a power outage.

[5] This may include cooking stoves and ovens, but not heating boilers that are either room-sealed or rely on electricity to operate pumps.