pilot light

noun
1.
Also called pilot, pilot burner. a small flame kept burning continuously, as in a gas stove or furnace, to relight the main gas burners whenever necessary or desired.
2.
pilot lamp.
Origin
1885-90
Examples from the web for pilot light
  • Lint and dust may clog the air intakes for the burner, pilot light, and combustion chamber if they are allowed to build up.
  • Securely fasten the door that covers the pilot light and burner area.
  • When you replace an old appliance, arrange for the pilot light sensor to be recycled.
  • Instructions are supplied by the manufacturer and usually are located on the inside door cover near the pilot light.
  • They can be installed on older boilers that use a continuous pilot light.
  • The heater's pilot light appears to have ignited cardboard and cloth materials.
  • If the pilot light goes out, the gas valve could stick in an open position, permitting gas to continue to flow.
  • The pilot light on your propane appliance can ignite vapors from gasoline, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids.
  • In a gas-fired storage water heater, the pilot light heats the water in the tank so the energy is conserved.
  • Gasoline vapors can travel and be ignited by pilot light or other ignition sources.
British Dictionary definitions for pilot light

pilot light

noun
1.
a small auxiliary flame that ignites the main burner of a gas appliance when the control valve opens
2.
a small electric light used as an indicator