High-voltage wires for cars - the choice of the most reliable

The very first high-voltage wires (HVP) were produced with minimal resistance in order to ensure the passage of current through the core without loss. However, with the advent of electronic devices in the car, a problem emerged - the occurrence of high-frequency interference. As a result, it was necessary to find a compromise between the normal operation, for example, of a radio tape recorder, and the “passability” of the voltage.


There are other factors that affect the quality of high-voltage wires:

• ? ability to withstand at least 40 thousand volts
  
• ? maintaining elasticity in severe frosts, which is especially important for the Russian Federation
  
• ? temperature range (from -30° to +100°) taking into account winter conditions and air heating under the hood with the engine running
  
• ? good insulation of wires, since they can touch the "mass"

All these requirements must be combined in one product, which is not so simple.

About the design of GDP

It is quite simple and consists of a central core, enclosed in insulation, and a pair of tips. There is a GDP classification that determines the type of main wire, sheath, as well as some features of the product. Insulation material:

• ✅ PVC
  
• ✅ fiberglass
  
• ✅ regular or rubberized silicone

Each of the above shell types has its own advantages. For example, silicone well prevents current leakage, and fiberglass confidently withstands mechanical stress. According to the type of the central vein, its own classification has been adopted:

• ✅ the copper core passes current well, resistors installed at the ends of the wire are used to eliminate radio interference
  
• ✅ non-metallic core made of silicone braided with fiberglass or linen (sometimes Kevlar) thread with graphite
  
• ✅ a ferromagnetic core may have reactance depending on the crankshaft speed

The latter option is considered the best, but such wires are relatively expensive. Graphite-coated GDP is reliable, but can reduce conductivity with prolonged vibration or large temperature changes. Sometimes there is a core made of plastic with interspersed metal microparticles. Such a core has little resistance, therefore it is equipped with additional resistors.

On the length of GDP and the number

If you buy a ready-made kit, where the brand of car is indicated in the instructions or on the packaging, there are no problems with the choice. The manufacturer writes on the label which car models (sometimes engines) the wires are suitable for. Each of them differs in length: for example, the shortest is 110-220 mm, the longest is 360-810 mm.

For carbureted four-cylinder engines, 5 wires must be used. One - the central (main) connects the ignition coil and its distributor (distributor). From it to the candles go the other four. In injection engines - 4 wires connecting the ignition block module and candles. What GDPs are in demand on the Russian market today and why?

NGK

A Japanese company whose popularity is evidenced by the fact that the market is filled with its products. Approximately 30% of the wires on the "secondary" are from NGK. The Japanese offer GDP of different designs:

• ✅ with copper core and resistors
  
• ✅ inductive and carbon core

The tips of the products are coated with phenolic resin, which helps the wires withstand high temperatures in the engine compartment. Such protection also prevents GDP from stretching, which prolongs their operational life. Cons: users note possible breakdowns in wet weather and, despite the manufacturer's assurances, a relatively short service life. On average, this is a year.

Bosch

A company from Germany issues GDP for any car brand. Demand is for the classic version of products with tin-plated copper conductors - Silicone-Copper. Car owners do not ignore expensive wires made of fiberglass treated with hydrocarbons - the Silicone-Power model. Users note the relatively high service life of the GDP, which is at least three years, confident multimedia protection. At the same time, the manufacturer claims that the GDP is “for life” protected from breakdown. They are not afraid of moisture, but some car owners note: in rare cases, the tips can come off.

BAUTLER

An English company whose GDPs are reliable due to the use of natural materials in the production. Natural rubber does not allow the slightest leakage of current, protects against moisture, including during temperature changes. The central core is made of fiberglass and wrapped in stainless steel. The cap is made of silicone, the tip is copper, protected by nickel plating. The service life is at least four years.

Finwhale

The Swiss manufacturer offers a Kevlar core with a double silicone insulating sheath. The company produces two types of high-voltage wires:

• ✅ FE - with increased noise immunity, stainless steel alloy contacts with brass and a double fixation groove in the tip
  
• ✅ FC - maintain performance at temperatures from -40 ° to + 220 °, resistant to breakdown - up to 43 kV

The manufacturer advises changing the GDP every 3 years or after 100 thousand km. Users note: there are kits where the wires emit interference, due to which the multimedia “fonit”.

Tesla

Products from a Czech manufacturer, manufactured with a copper conductor or a resistive, inductive core. GDPs filter interference very well - multimedia works fine. Tests carried out confirmed the resistance to breakdown declared by the company. Tesla produces GDP for a variety of makes and models of cars, the name of which is indicated on the packaging. A minimum service life of 3 years is stated. A number of users note a marriage that comes across in the form of falling off tips. Other car owners talk about partially open candle contacts.

Checking the performance of the GDP

Inspect the wires visually under illumination. Cracks, rips, fractures are not allowed. Then repeat the test in a dark garage with the lights off and the hood open. The presence of sparks on the GDP indicates a breakdown of the insulation.





Another way is to use a tester set to resistance test mode. Each manufacturer and type of wire will have its own value. On average, this is 4-7 kOhm. But, for example, special wires are produced for sports cars, where the resistance approaches zero. Or, if we take GDP for a contact ignition system, the average value will be 1 kOhm. The "correct" resistance is best found in the manufacturer's instructions or on their website.

How to understand that the GDP is faulty

Ignition failures can occur constantly (when the engine is running in any mode) or periodically. In the first case, everything indicates too high resistance of the wires or their break. In the second, the cause may be a breakdown to "mass" or a partial loss of integrity. Signs:

• ? "floating" idle speed
  
• ? difficult start (especially in cold weather)
  
• ? "triple" accompanied by vibration
  
• ? sluggish car dynamics
  
• ? multimedia interference

The cause of the above symptoms may be other parts, engine components. However, first of all, it is worth checking the high-voltage wires, since this is the easiest to do.