BREAKER POINT Meaning and
Definition
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A breaker point refers to a crucial component within the ignition system of a combustion engine that is responsible for initiating the spark needed for the combustion process to occur. It can commonly be found in older vehicles that have conventional ignition systems. The breaker point, also known as a contact point or ignition points, is primarily made up of two metal contacts, one fixed and the other movable, that open and close in a rhythmic manner. The fixed contact is situated within the distributor and is connected to the ignition coil, while the movable contact is attached to a pivoting arm, which is in turn operated by a mechanical device called the distributor cam.
As the engine rotates, the distributor cam exerts pressure on the pivoting arm, causing the movable contact to separate from the fixed contact. This gap interrupts the flow of electricity in the ignition circuit, resulting in the buildup of a magnetic field within the ignition coil. However, when the distributor cam allows the movable contact to make contact with the fixed contact, the circuit is completed, which leads to the magnetic field collapsing rapidly and generating a high voltage spark. This spark is then transferred to the spark plugs via the distributor cap, ultimately igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chambers to power the engine.
In summary, the breaker point is a fundamental component in the ignition system of older vehicles, responsible for creating the required spark that initiates the combustion process and powers the engine.
Common Misspellings for BREAKER POINT
- vreaker point
- nreaker point
- hreaker point
- greaker point
- beeaker point
- bdeaker point
- bfeaker point
- bteaker point
- b5eaker point
- b4eaker point
- brwaker point
- brsaker point
- brdaker point
- brraker point
- br4aker point
- br3aker point
- brezker point
- bresker point
- brewker point
Etymology of BREAKER POINT
The term "breaker point" originated from the field of automotive engineering and refers to a specific component used in old ignition systems found in gasoline-powered vehicles, particularly before the introduction of electronic ignition systems.
The term "breaker" in this context is derived from "break" and signifies the action of interrupting the flow of electricity in the primary circuit of the ignition system. The word "point" refers to a set of contacts that open and close, mechanically "breaking" the circuit to induce a high voltage spark in the ignition coil, resulting in the combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the engine.
Overall, the term "breaker point" emerged due to the essential function of these components to "break" and "make" the electrical connection, and it has remained in use in the automotive industry for many decades.
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