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The spark plug wire carries 20,000 or more volts from the distributor
cap to the spark plug. Spark plug wires are made of various layers of
materials. The fiber core, inside the spark plug wire carries the
high voltage. The older design of spark plug wires used a metallic
wire to carry the high voltage. This caused electrical interference
with the radio and TV reception. Some spark plug wires have a locking
connection at the distributor cap. The distributor cap must first be
removed and the terminals be squeezed together, and then the spark
plug wire can be removed from the distributor cap.
To reduce interference with radio and TV reception, ignition systems
are provided with resistance in the secondary circuit. Resistor spark
plugs or special resistor type ignition cable may be used.
To work effectively in modern ignition systems, it is important that
the resistor ignition cable is capable of producing a specifically
designed resistance. The cable must also have enough insulation so
that it can withstand heat, cold, moisture, oil, grease, and chafing.
High tension electricity passing through a cable builds up a
surrounding electrical field. The electrical field frees oxygen in
the surrounding air to form ozone, which will attach to the rubber
insulation if it is not properly protected. Ozone causes the rubber
to deteriorate and lose its insulating qualities. Electrical losses
will seriously weaken the spark at the plug gap.
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