Glow plug
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Glow plugs are used to heat the combustion chamber of diesel engines in cold conditions to help ignition at coldstart. In the tip of the glow plug is coil of a resistance wire which heats up when electricity is connected.
In model aircraft, glow plugs are used for starting as well as continuing the power cycle. A small voltage (around 1.5 volts) is aplyed to the glow plug, the engine is then started, and the voltage is removed. The burning of the air/Nitromethane mixture keeps the plug hot, and allows it to ignite the next mixture.