Double Helix Jacob's Ladder

by rickosgood

5.8K546

Intro: Double Helix Jacob's Ladder

This week I built a Jacob's Ladder in a double helix shape!  You'll need a neon sign transformer, a block of wood, and some 1/4" copper tubing.

Warning: Do not touch the terminals or tubing while the transformer is plugged in!  One of these transformers has enough power to stop your heart so be sure to stay safe.  A good tip is to always make sure the power cord is in your pocket before you touch anything.  That way you know it can't be plugged in.

6 Comments

stephen3939 10 years ago

In the beautiful world of instructables you reign supreme!!!! Great project. It's inspired me to make one as well. Can you tell me why a newer neon light transformer with a 10000 volt output not work. I don't get it. Thanks and keep em coming.

rickosgood 10 years ago

Thanks so much! If it's small and light weight then it's likely a solid state power supply and I believe those do not work. I'm not entirely sure why but I'm pretty sure that I read that from multiple sources. Also, some NST's have a circuit protection built in that prevents you from using it this way. It will cut the power if it senses a power surge and it just won't work. Maybe your NST meets one of these conditions? I didn't think to mention this in my video but I'll update the 'ible once I have some time.

wannabemadsci 10 years ago

Very nice project! A few more warnings would be nice. 15,000V at 30mA will definitely kill you or your unsuspecting viewer. You don't even have to touch both electrodes as most 15kV transformers have a grounded center tap so the 7.5kV wants to go through you to earth/ground and kill you or your guest. Might be best to use non-flammable materials and put a clear plastic barrier around the electrodes to prevent contact.

Still a great project. Love the helix.... Just be safe.

rickosgood 10 years ago

The plastic barrier would likely help with performance has well as adding a safety feature. I'll update the instructable with a more obvious warning about the potential shock hazard.

PirateLabs 10 years ago

Beautiful! I had this very idea a few months ago and bought an NST just for this project. I thought I would be the first but, evidently not. Your way of forming the tubing helix is brilliant...I would have never thought of doing it that way. I will still build mine but now, you have saved me hours of frustration with your method.

Excellent and very well done.

Bill

rickosgood 10 years ago

Thanks for the nice comment! I must admit that I am not the first either. While I was working on this I found another one on YouTube that was similar but they didn't show how it was made. Good luck on your project and be careful not to zap yourself!