Abstract: In an oxygen generating system including a container, an ignition device sealed to the oxygen candle canister in the container, the ignition device ignites the oxygen producing candle to produce oxygen. The candle is encased and sealed in the canister having an exit with a breakable exit seal connected over the seal. The ignition device includes a manifold with an inlet and outlet, a glass capsule filled with water connected to and within the manifold above the exit seal, and an ignition mechanism including a plunger rod movably connected to the manifold. The plunger rod has a distal end positioned to break the capsule, to pierce the exit seal, and to transfer the water onto the oxygen candle in order to ignite the candle.