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Make a Jacobs ladder.

December 16th, 2005
DIY Jacobs Ladder project that uses the power transformer from a neon sign to create the climbing electrical discharge featured in many a B-movie matinee. It is a simple rig with some dangerous effects, so use caution.
There are numerous well-documented projects to follow.

  1. A thorough, though picture-free
    project plan written by Samuel Goldwasser.
  2. Special Effects electrician, Big Clive from the UK leaves more to the imagination with his Make a Jacobs ladder.
  3. An alternative project site with nice pictures can be found here at Deep Fried Neon. This site also features a project that used the transformer to build a Tesla Coil.
  4. Kenneth Sweet shows the harvesting of a suitable transformer from an oil furnace that he uses in his design.

Jacob's LadderSparks @ Top of LadderLayout of the wiresTransformer from an Oil FurnaceSetup Using Oil Burner Transformer

If you are wondering where to get a suitable neon sign transformer, check out this site offering a new transformer offering the XL1035 providing 10kV @ 35mA for about $60. They also sell kit versions of Jacob’s Ladder, Telsa Coil, and a Van De Graff Generator.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 16th, 2005 at 2:44 pm and is filed under Project.

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