Is a spark plug a conductor?
Spark plug wires have an outer insulation several times thicker than the conductor, made of a very flexible and heat-resistant material such as silicone or EPDM rubber. The thick insulation prevents arcing from the cable to an earthed engine component. A rubber “boot” covers each terminal.
What is spark plug connection?
The fundamental function of a spark plug is to aid in the combustion process of your engine. Basically, the plug fits into your car engine’s cylinder head and is connected to the ignition coil. The ignition coil then generates the high voltage needed to create the spark from the plug.
How does electricity flow through a spark plug?
Electrical energy is transmitted through the spark plug, jumping the gap in the plugs firing end if the voltage supplied to the plug is high enough. This electrical spark ignites the gasoline/air mixture in the combustion chamber. The plug is connected to the high voltage generated by an ignition coil or magneto.
How is the spark plug connected to the engine?
The central electrode, which may contain a resistor, is connected by a heavily insulated wire to the output terminal of an ignition coil or magneto. The spark plug’s metal shell is screwed into the engine’s cylinder head and thus electrically grounded.
What does the metal case of a spark plug do?
The metal case (or the “jacket” as many people call it) of the spark plug bears the torque of tightening the plug, serves to remove heat from the insulator and pass it on to the cylinder head, and acts as the ground for the sparks passing through the center electrode to the side electrode.
How is the spark plug connected to the combustion chamber?
WORKING PRINCIPLE. The spark plug is connected to a high voltage source like the magneto or the ignition coil at one end. The other end with the two electrodes is immersed into the combustion chamber.
What is the side electrode of a spark plug?
Side electrode, or ground electrode:rn The side electrode is made from high nickel steel and is welded to the side of the metal case. The side electrode also runs very hot, especially on projected nose plugs. Some designs have provided a copper core to this electrode, so as to increase heat conduction.
How does a spark plug work in a car?
Most passenger car spark plug wires snap onto the terminal of the plug, but some wires have spade connectors which are fastened onto the plug under a nut. Plugs which are used for these applications often have the end of the terminal serve a double purpose as the nut on a thin threaded shaft so that they can be used for either type of connection.
Side electrode, or ground electrode:rn The side electrode is made from high nickel steel and is welded to the side of the metal case. The side electrode also runs very hot, especially on projected nose plugs. Some designs have provided a copper core to this electrode, so as to increase heat conduction.
Why are spark plugs put on aluminum heads?
If installing spark plugs into aluminum heads, it helps prevent pulling the threads out with the spark plug during removal. It seals the threads to help keep the combustion gasses inside the cylinder. It helps conduct heat. It better grounds the spark plug to the head.
How are the ribs of a spark plug made?
Ribs By lengthening the surface between the high voltage terminal and the grounded metal case of the spark plug, the physical shape of the ribs functions to improve the electrical insulation and prevent electrical energy from leaking along the insulator surface from the terminal to the metal case.