Kontaktbryder

Kontaktbryder is a Danish term that translates to "contact breaker" or "interrupter." It refers to a device or mechanism used in electrical circuits to interrupt the flow of current. Historically, kontaktbrydere were prominent in early ignition systems for internal combustion engines, particularly in automobiles. These systems employed a mechanical kontaktbryder to repeatedly make and break the circuit to the ignition coil, generating the high voltage necessary to fire the spark plugs. The breaker points, a key component of the kontaktbryder, would be opened and closed by a cam mechanism driven by the engine. As engine technology advanced, electronic ignition systems largely replaced mechanical kontaktbrydere due to their greater reliability, precision, and reduced maintenance requirements. While less common in modern automotive applications, the principle of a kontaktbryder – the controlled interruption of an electrical circuit – remains fundamental in various electrical and electronic devices.