What Is a Spark Gap?
A Spark Gap is a device that discharges sparks into the atmosphere when a voltage exceeding a specific threshold is applied between two electrodes.
Spark Gaps have various applications, including as ignition components in internal combustion engines (like ignition plugs), in radio transmitters (as part of high-frequency antennas), and in lightning rods for protecting electronic equipment from overvoltage damage caused by discharges.
In a Spark Gap, a spark occurs when the gas (such as air) between the electrodes reaches a high enough voltage to exceed its breakdown voltage. This ionization of the gas drastically lowers its electrical resistance, thereby enabling the discharge process.