The clicking sound you hear when you turn on the burner of your electric stove is likely the igniter trying to ignite the gas. Despite being an electric stove, some models use a combination of gas and electricity to function.
Here's how it works:
Gas Flow: Electric stoves with a gas component use a gas supply for the burners. When you turn on the knob for a particular burner, it allows gas to flow through the gas lines to that specific burner.
Ignition: To ignite the gas and create a flame, an electric igniter is used. The igniter is usually a small, ceramic device positioned near the burner. When you turn the knob to the "Ignite" or "Light" position, an electric current is sent to the igniter.
Sparking: The electric current causes the igniter to heat up rapidly, and when it gets hot enough, it produces a spark. This spark is what ignites the gas coming out of the burner, creating a flame.
Gas Ignition: Once the gas is ignited, the burner continues to receive gas flow, and the flame remains constant as long as the knob is in the "On" position.
Clicking Sound: The clicking sound you hear is the repeated sparking of the igniter. The sparking will continue until the gas ignites and a flame is established. If the gas doesn't ignite for some reason, the sparking will stop after a few seconds as a safety measure, preventing the buildup of unburned gas.
If you hear the clicking sound persistently and the gas doesn't ignite, it could indicate an issue with the igniter or the gas supply. In such cases, it's best to consult a professional appliance repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem. Always exercise caution and safety when dealing with gas appliances.