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[AMPS] Spark-plug gaps

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: [AMPS] Spark-plug gaps
From: 2@vc.net (measures)
Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2000 11:49:50 -0800
>
>I have a nice lightning-arrestor for parallel open-wire transmission-line
>that I bought from (I think) Press Jones, "The Wireman."  This device uses
>a pair of Champion spark plugs, one for each wire, for spark gaps.
>Assuming that I know the RMS RF voltage at this point on on my transmission
>line (between each wire and ground), how should I set the spark-plug gaps
>so that they won't arc over during normal operation with a high-power amp?
>(See, this question does belong on AMPS.)
>
>At <http://www.omnitronix-inc.com/spark.htm> I found advice for setting a
>gap between smooth spherical electrodes.  However, spark-plug electrodes
>are not spherical; they have sharp corners, which I expect makes them arc
>at a lower voltage.
>
A typical lightning strike is c. 100kA.  This is beyond the capability of 
spark plugs.  

cheers, Chuck

-  Rich..., 805.386.3734, www.vcnet.com/measures.  
end


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