spark gap (redirected from Jacob's ladder (electrical))

spark gap

n.

A gap in an otherwise complete electric circuit across which a discharge occurs at a prescribed voltage.

---

spark gap

n

(Electronics) the space between two electrodes across which a spark can jump Sometimes shortened to gap

---

spark gap

A gap in an otherwise closed electric circuit across which a discharge occurs at a prescribed voltage. The discharge often causes ionization of the surrounding gas and thereby very high temperatures, and can be exploited, as in spark plugs, to ignite engine fuel in a combustion chamber.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	spark gap - a component of an ignition system; consists of two shaped electrodes and the space between them constituent, element, component - an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system; "spare components for cars"; "a component or constituent element of a system" ignition system, ignition - the mechanism that ignites the fuel in an internal-combustion engine
	2.	spark gap - the gap between two high-potential terminals crack, gap - a narrow opening; "he opened the window a crack" induction coil - a coil for producing a high voltage from a low-voltage source