High Voltage Spark Gap Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the breakdown voltage (V) is:

\[ V = d \times P \times T \]

Where:

\(V\) is the Breakdown Voltage (V)
\(d\) is the Spark Gap Distance (cm)
\(P\) is the Pressure (atm)
\(T\) is the Temperature Coefficient

What is a High Voltage Spark Gap?

A high voltage spark gap is a device used to create a controlled electrical discharge between two electrodes separated by a gap. The gap can be adjusted to control the voltage at which the spark occurs. Spark gaps are commonly used in high voltage applications such as lightning arresters, radio transmitters, and high voltage testing equipment. They work by ionizing the air or gas in the gap, allowing current to flow and creating a spark. The breakdown voltage of the spark gap depends on the distance between the electrodes, the pressure of the surrounding gas, and the temperature coefficient.

Example Calculation 1

Let's assume the following values:

Spark Gap Distance (\(d\)) = 2 cm
Pressure (\(P\)) = 1 atm
Temperature Coefficient (\(T\)) = 300

Using the formula:

\[ V = 2 \times 1 \times 300 = 600 \]

The Breakdown Voltage is 600 V.

Example Calculation 2

Let's assume the following values:

Spark Gap Distance (\(d\)) = 3 cm
Pressure (\(P\)) = 1.5 atm
Temperature Coefficient (\(T\)) = 250

Using the formula:

\[ V = 3 \times 1.5 \times 250 = 1125 \]

The Breakdown Voltage is 1125 V.