It is typical for many powersports enthusiasts to mistake energy transfer ignition (ET) for magneto. In fact, few riders even know ET ignition by name despite it being well represented in the industry's products. More to the point, most misidentify ET as magneto, not aware of the significant differences between the two.

Magneto is AC-powered and collapsing field. It is extremely sensitive to points cleanliness and timing, and is found almost exclusively today on portable generators, lawn equipment, and chainsaws. It is easily identified by its having only two windings.

Energy transfer graced pushrod Triumph twins and many smaller Asian bikes, and today powers just about anything with wheels that is assumed to have magneto ignition--but doesn't. Also AC-powered and therefore sharing magneto’s sensitivity to timing and point cleanliness, ET unlike magneto is a rising field system that is much better performing in the presence of spark plug deposits. ET has three windings.