Resistor Spark Plug

A Resistor spark plug incorporates a ceramic resistor to suppress ignition noise generated during sparking. It suppresses ignition noises from sparks. Resistor spark plugs prevent electrical interference that can disrupt car radio reception, two-way radio and cellular phone operation. This type of spark plug also prevents electrical noise from interfering with the operation of the computer in the engine. The moment the spark jumps the gap it causes a high frequency burst of energy, known as (RFI) radio frequency interference. RFI, as its name suggests, creates static on the radio and interference with other electronic equipment, including the vehicle’s on-board electronic control units. Resistor plugs were developed to suppress some of the spark energy, thus lowering RFI to an acceptable level. Most resistor spark plugs use a monolithic resistor, generally made of graphite and glass materials, to filter the electrical voltage as it passes through the center electrode. Since resistor type plugs actually resist some of the spark energy, non-resistor type plugs actually deliver a more powerful spark. It is for this reason that most racing plugs are non-resistor types.

Resistor plugs help suppress spark plug noise, a valuable trait under certain circumstances. Resistor spark plugs prevent electrical interference that can disrupt car radio reception, two-way radio and cellular phone operation. This type of spark plug also prevents electrical noise from interfering with the operation of the computer in the engine.

Electrical current travels from the battery to the induction coil, which raises the voltage to ignite the plugs. Spark Plugs are necessary to produce a smooth burn. Each spark plug is connected to an ignition system. When high voltage is generated by the coil, electrical impulses travel from the ignition coil through insulated plug wires. Spark plugs require voltage in excess of 20,000 volts from a lower voltage battery. Once the voltage exceeds the dielectric strength of the gases, a spark jumps the gap at the plug's firing end and the air/fuel mixture is ignited.

Spark plugs are fitted on the engine cylinder head.