Ignition apparatus having an electrically floating shield

An ignition apparatus (10) includes a magnetic circuit comprising a central core (16) and a side core or shield (36), and primary 24) and secondary (30) windings. The shield (36) is allowed to electrically float, thereby reducing the capacitance of the secondary winding (30). A housing (37) is external to and surrounds the shield (36) to inhibit arcing. A silicone boot (38) overlaps a housing/case interface to further suppress arcing.