How To Take Apart A Microwave

Step 8 The high voltage transformer

Now this one, is the most dangerous microwave component of all... The high voltage transformer...

The transformer give out 2Kv (2000) AC with outputs of 500mA to 2 amps, far more than enough to instantly kill a person...

The transformer can be put to good use for many high power projects, but most often, people would mod them, and use them to draw arcs for fun... But that is going to be another instructable...

Here is an video of me drawing arcs and lighting sparklers with the microwave transformers.

For some very odd reason, after the sparkler is burnt out, the arcs are much longer, I don't know why it is doing it... Can any body give me an explanation?

Comments

[Warren.Sensei]

The longer wire (ie the center of the sparkler) creates a larger electric field, thus allowing for arcs to be sustained within a larger volume around it.

[Plasmana]

Somebody told me it is to do with the burnt sparkly stuff acting like an insulation therefor the burnt sparkler is acting almost like a capacitor, creating resonance with the microwave transformer thus producing longer arcs.

[mengstrom]

the smoke acts as a way for the arc to fly further, maybe thats why it long enough.
i actually use transformers only for amusement mini potato launchers, which i am thinking i should make instructions for it.

[Jimmy Proton]

Those arcs don't seem very powerful, I can stretch a 10cm spark with a single transformer.

[knoxarama]

is this the flyback? i keep finding transformers in it but the flyback was the only one wuth those ratings, but the picture doesn't look anything like it.

[Jimmy Proton]

no thats not a flyback, those are found in CTR TVs and monitors

[muhammajunaid]

Can this setup be used for welding of steel and other metal components??

[cr1991]

You can weld some metal components. You just need the microwave transformer to make the welder.
It is very dangerous though.

[tristantech]

Yes, there are many instructables out there that show you how to weld using microwave transformers. However, you need to rewind the secondary so you get a low voltage with a high current to weld.

[Redfox888888]

The sparks are larger after the sparkler is burnt out because the spent sparkler is just a wire, without the flammable coating

[TechNerd1012]

DUUUDE! Totally have to make that now!

[Plasmana]

Have fun!

[Sagar Gondaliya]

how do you hook up the transformer to a power source without kill youself. a scematic showing this or another instrctbl would be nic.....or you could reply cuz it auto emails it to me

[Nerdz]

You only have to make the connection to get a spark to form, once electrons are flowing they have a path that doesnt have a lot of resistance. Once they have a path they will keep on following, unless of course the resistance of the air becomes too much. It works the same way lightning does. When lightning strikes there is an initial leader, this leader "knocks" out electrons from the air forming a path of least resistance. Once there is a path for electricity to flow, lightning strikes (multiple times). Also, the transformer weighs about 11 to 15lbs depending on what wattage microwave you found. About 2 to 3lbs of this is Just the copper wire itself. There is 22 gauge wire and 17 gauge wire. The rest of the weight it Iron (which can be sold as scrap)-But MInd you, getting the copper wire is a PITA.