Whitepaper From ETCO Incorporated Examines Automotive Coil-On-Plug Connections

BRADENTON, FL--(Marketwire - Sep 20, 2011) - ETCO Incorporated has published a new whitepaper that focuses on the connection between the coil and spark plug used in coil and plug assemblies. Research & Development there has developed a Lab fixture that will trigger Coil-On-Plug type coils and is using this tool to compare industry standard coil to plug connections (typically a spring) with each other, and with prototype ideas, seeking to offer a better connection.

"Under the Boot" from ETCO Incorporated is a whitepaper that examines coil-on-plug connections used in industry standard automotive ignition systems and thoroughly analyzes 10 OE style, aftermarket, and prototype connecting devices. Measurement and testing for each sample included: static resist-ance measurements in Ohms, voltage drop under load, coil output voltage at .040 air gap, retention force measurements, vibration effects on connections and visual evaluation of sparking events at .400 gap.

The 18-page "Under the Boot" whitepaper concluded that good connections are more critical than ever, given the delicate circuitry of today's vehicles and that vibration is the major cause for coil-on-plug connection failures. Hence, a physical coupling that resists movement at the point of connection is desirable and ETCO's prototype mated terminal proved most effective.

"Under the Boot" from ETCO Incorporated is available for download at http://www.etco.com/racing-program/racing-updates-and-rd/.

About ETCO Incorporated

ETCO Incorporated was founded in 1947 as Electric Terminal Corporation. The original company produced wall plug blades in strip form for attachment by the customer on a patented air operated machine. ETCO still produces wall plug blades, although the production speeds have increased from 175 parts per minute to as fast as 3,000 parts per minute. Today, the company's product line has expanded into thousands of different products; both catalog and custom terminal products designed and tooled for their customer's individual needs.

ETCO Incorporated is divided into several divisions representing distinct product areas including automotive. The reason for this is so that each division can respond to the customer with the care and concern of a small manufacturer while retaining the overall resources of a larger manufacturer. This formula has worked well and the ETCO philosophy of "old values and customer service" has propelled the company to a position of industry leadership.