L51404 Evaluation of Shielded Ignition Systems for Gas-fired Stationary Engines

This report traces the historic application of shielding to the ignition system high tension components on stationary reciprocating engines and presents the operating experience data available as a basis for comparing shielded and conventional (open) ignition systems. The early and predominately unsuccessful experience of operating companies going back to twenty or more years ago are described as are the more recent experiences with newer systems. Several attempts were made to trace the development of regulations which mandate shielded ignition systems and to document the need for such regulations. No such references were found in the published material examined.