Ignition cables, high-voltage: designation, operation

In the device of a modern car there are no small things. Any element, even the most insignificant, always has its own, special significance. Complex parts and components are even more important. One example is the ignition wires high-voltage. This seems like something insignificant. In fact, this is not so. Let's talk about them.

High-voltage wires: what is it?

The main function and task of VV-wires in the car device is transportation of high voltage discharges, which come from coils to candles. The power and strength of this current are quite high. Indicators can reach 50 kV. High voltage ignition wires are arranged similarly to ordinary electric wiring, which is in each apartment. At the core of the cord is a copper vein, consisting of a huge number of thin wires. Above this copper core is an insulator and a core. The elements are additionally covered with insulation made of silicone or rubber. The candle wires at the ends have contacts. The latter are reliably protected from environmental influences by special protective caps. These elements must perform their tasks qualitatively, regardless of external factors. That's why a simple thing is so complicated. These elements can be divided into two types - ordinary and special.

Conventional wires

Such products are distinguished by the presence of a metallic central conductor. The BB-wire from above is covered with an insulating material based on rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride. Also on top of the insulator there is an additional shell. It is necessary to protect the product from the effects of fuels and lubricants. Such high-voltage ignition wires have a low resistance. It is not more than 18-19 ohms. As for other characteristics, a conventional wire is capable of withstanding voltages up to 15-25 kV. For normal operation, such a wire must be equipped with resistors, whose task is to suppress interference.

Special wire: features

They have a more complex device and are characterized by distributed parameters that perform the function of suppressing radio interference. Wire is a metal veins and braids, which are made of a variety of materials. It can be flax, cotton, capron. The braid is impregnated with graphite, ferroplast, manganese-nickel or zinc mixture. The special wire has a better elasticity, even at extremely low temperatures. VV-wire of this quality withstands very serious excesses, is not subject to overheating, does not damp. At the ends of such products there are contacts connected by soldering or crimping, and protective caps. The latter are designed to protect the ends of the wires and prevent leakage of current.

Symptoms of a malfunction

Ignition wires high-voltage, as well as other parts in the car, can fail. Consider the typical signs that speak of malfunctions. So, the problems with the wires can be reported by the start of the motor - the start will be problematic. More often difficulties with this arise in wet weather. Also, the faults in the wires are indicated by interruptions in the motor's operation in the range of medium-high speed. In the event of damage to the center wire, the engine stalls. The engine power is reduced, the fuel consumption is increased. The "Check engine" light on the dashboard lights up.

Causes of malfunctions

Over time, the wires slowly wear out. The insulator is covered with microscopic cracks, if made of rubber or silicone. The reason for this is only the temperature drops in the engine compartment. Due to the large number of cracks, the insulator can no longer prevent current leakage. As a result, the spark does not have enough power to create a spark. If the portion of energy is small, the voltage will fall. When the spark does not come at all, the time for the formation of a spark increases. If dirt accumulates on the wires and caps, it increases the conductivity of the insulation, and the leakage from this will only increase. At the time of leakage, the resistance of the high-voltage ignition wires is increasing. Such malfunctions also occur due to oxidation of the contacts - the protective caps depressurize, damage, and rub off. At low temperatures, the BB-wire loses its elasticity and becomes rigid. The risk of damage to the caps and insulation is greatly increased. Due to the constant vibrations that accompany the operation of the motor, the joints may loosen. From high temperatures, the caps of candles suffer more often.

Diagnostics

If insulation is broken , you can hear it - you will hear characteristic clicks. Also it can be seen visually. If you look under the hood at night, there is a spark in the leaks. Sometimes there is a glow around the elements of the ignition system due to high humidity, before thunderstorms or in case of serious leakage of current. Checking the high voltage ignition wires can be performed by controlling the energy of the candles. How it's done? To do this, a special discharger is connected to the VV-wires. The starter at this time scrolls the crankshaft. If there are leakage currents or in the secondary circuit there is a lot of resistance, then a white and thin spark appears. It is worth remembering that in cars where the catalyst is installed, the fuel supply should be turned off. The arrester consists of two electrodes in a well insulated housing. The gap between them must be at least 7 mm. If you securely fix the wire ends at a distance from the metal housing of the motor, you can simulate the work of the arrester. Also carry out diagnostics with a multimeter. The meter is set to the resistance measurement mode. Depending on the model of the measuring device, the readings differ. For diagnostics the range from 3 to 10 kOhm is important. If the multimeter does not show resistance, then the wire is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Choice and purchase

It is important to choose the correct wires. The stability of the engine depends on them. When choosing this product, you should be guided by the manufacturer of the wires and the brand of the motor. Before buying high-voltage wires (VAZ 2110 is no exception), it is necessary to carefully examine the packaging. Ideally, if it shows the models of motors for which the wires are suitable. If there is no information, it is better not to buy such goods. When the main criterion of choice is the quality of isolation, the first thing to find out the voltage parameters in a particular car. At maximum values, the insulation must withstand the load. The best wire is one made of materials that are not prone to excessive stiffness and do not break due to temperature differences.

Price list

Today, the market offers a huge selection of different options for a variety of car models. For example, for good high-voltage ignition wires, the price will start at 500 rubles per set. It has 5 wires: 1 - per coil, the rest - on the cylinders. Specialists propose to purchase wires of zero resistance. According to them, they are ideal for the car and transmit the voltage without loss.