500kV Tesla Coil
This device is a spark driven Tesla coil generating very visual and audible 30 to 36 inch sparks into open air without a return contact.
The unit operates from a three wire 115-vac outlet requiring less than six amps. The circuit uses (4) 4 Kv 30 ma current limited transformers providing 8000 volts at 60 ma. This value is above the lethal value of 50 ma and we cannot stress the importance to use caution when testing and adjusting.
This Tesla coil can be operated on a tabletop. It is built as a two level assembly consisting of a clear plastic top piece and finished ply wood bottom section. The top section supports the vertical mounted secondary output coil and the flat Archimedean spiraled primary along with a tunable clip lead. The bottom section supports the transformers, capacitor and spark gap assembly attached by machine screws and nuts.
A metal control panel is connected to earth ground along with the secondary output coil return, reducing line voltage shock hazards. The spark gap is air cooled with a high output muffin fan and uses three pure tungsten electrodes rarely requiring cleaning or dressing. Hardware is all brass where required with the primary coil being all copper tubing.
The kit contains a pre-wound and fully prepared secondary coil and all parts to complete the unit. An optional 12 x 3 inch toroidal terminal is available greatly adding to the performance and overall appearance of the completed system.
Hazards:
115-vac line powered requiring caution in assembling and testing. The output of the transformers can give a very painful shock and burn with possible electrocution as the short- circuit current is 60 ma.
The output spark from the secondary can be contacted with a moderate shock by firmly holding a metal object and drawing the spark to it. Not advisable for the inexperienced.
The Tesla coil must not be operated in a flammable atmosphere or near sensitive electronic equipment.
Size:
Base section is a 16 x 16 x 8" with the 4.5" OD x 20 " output coil. Weight is 33 pounds.
Assembly:
Mostly mechanical assembly with some soldering
Applications:
Use as a science project, museum display, special effects prop, and for electrical research of high frequency electricity.