We may divide interrupters into five classes.
"Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy"
John Ambrose Fleming
The interruption of the primary current obtained by the mercury break is more sudden than that obtained by the platinum contact in air, in consequence of the more rapid extinction of the spark; hence the sparks obtained from coils fitted with mercury interrupters are generally from twenty to thirty per cent.
"Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy"
John Ambrose Fleming
The mercury breaks will not, however, work well unless cleaned at regular intervals by emptying off the oil and rinsing well with clean water, and hence they require rather more attention than platinum interrupters.
"Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy"
John Ambrose Fleming