Understanding Spark Plug Firing in High Tension Magneto Systems

Explanation:

High tension magneto systems operate by producing a high voltage that is necessary to create a spark at the spark plugs in an internal combustion engine. The spark plugs fire during the collapse of the secondary circuit in these systems.

This phenomenon occurs as a result of the induced magnetic field in the secondary winding collapsing rapidly. When this happens, a high voltage is induced across the spark plugs, causing them to fire and ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.

Transformers play a crucial role in high tension magneto systems by stepping up the voltage to the necessary level. A transformer works on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where a changing magnetic field induces a voltage in a nearby conductor.

A step-up transformer has more turns in the secondary winding compared to the primary winding, which results in an increase in voltage. The primary winding is connected to the input voltage source, while the secondary winding provides the transformed output voltage.

For example, if we consider a transformer that converts 110 V to 5.0 kV for a hydrogen-gas discharge tube, the number of turns in the secondary winding is significantly larger than in the primary winding to achieve this voltage boost.

By understanding the operation of transformers in high tension magneto systems, it becomes clear that the collapse of the secondary circuit is the key moment when the spark plugs fire and enable the engine to function effectively.

Therefore, to summarize, spark plugs fire in high tension magneto systems during the collapse of the secondary circuit, made possible by the operation of step-up transformers that increase voltage for ignition purposes.