Distributer vs. Distributor: What's the Difference?
Table of Contents
Distributor
A distributor is an enclosed rotating shaft used in spark-ignition internal combustion engines that have mechanically-timed ignition. The distributor’s main function is to route secondary, or high voltage, current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order, and for the correct amount of time. Except in magneto systems, the distributor also houses a mechanical or inductive breaker switch to open and close the ignition coil’s primary circuit.
The first reliable battery operated ignition was developed by Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co. (Delco) and introduced in the 1910 Cadillac. This ignition was developed by Charles Kettering and was considered a wonder in its day. Atwater Kent invented his Unisparker ignition system about this time in competition with the Delco system. By the end of the 20th century mechanical ignitions were disappearing from automotive applications in favor of inductive or capacitive electronic ignitions fully controlled engine control units (ECU), rather than directly timed to the engine’s crankshaft speed.
Distributer (noun)
alternative form of distributor
Distributor (noun)
One who or that which distributes.
Distributor (noun)
A device that distributes electric current, especially to the spark plugs in an internal combustion engine.
Distributor (noun)
A machine for distributing type.
Distributor (noun)
An appliance, such as a roller, in a printing press, for distributing ink.
Distributor (noun)
an agent who supplies goods to retailers
“a sports goods distributor”
Distributor (noun)
a device in a petrol engine for passing electric current to each spark plug in turn.
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