Building a High Voltage Power Supply Using Microwave Ovens ⚡️🔌

Intro: Building a High Voltage Power Supply Using Microwave Ovens ⚡️🔌

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for educational purposes only. Attempt these activities at your own risk. We are not responsible for any injuries, damages, or legal issues that might occur. Always ensure safety and abide by all laws and regulations.

For the ultimate MOT-powered arcing setup, you'll need a selection of components, a safety-first mindset, and consistent focus. Without these, one may end up in a potentially fatal situation.

STEP 1: Obtaining the Parts!

Here's the list of the components required for this setup:

1) Between two to three MOTs. Three is preferable as one can be utilised for ballasting. 

2) An appliance such as a hair dryer or toaster - this is for ballasting your transformers. This component is only needed if you can't acquire three MOTs.

3) Four microwave oven capacitors, henceforth referred to as MOCs. They are integral to resonant procedures.

4) A motor start capacitor or a similar value component to function as a PFC capacitor. Values above 20uf for >230 volts, and above 300 Volts are preferable. For voltages around 120, an 80uf rated for >200 Volts will work. Make sure they are AC type capacitors!

5) A 10-15 amp Circuit Breaker for ensuring safety.

6) A switch rated for 120-240 Volts.

7) A generous supply of wire, including a 3 pin grounded wall plug.

8) A minimum of a 2-foot length of PVC or insulating electrical conduit. It will be used as a 'chicken stick'.🐔🏒

9) A stable wooden base for setting up your equipment.

10) Dark sunglasses or a welder's mask. The arcs are exceedingly bright and can cause significant damage to your eyes. Please use protective eyewear. 😎 

11) And most importantly, a generous dose of common sense!

The image included depicts my existing arcing setup. Currently, it's arranged not for creating long resonant arcs, but rather shorter, stable arcs

STEP 2: Putting It Together!

The following section is dedicated to providing you with a detailed guideline for setting up. Included is a schematic.

1) Prepare the base by arranging the MOTs on it. If there are three MOTs, position two side by side (while ensuring they don't touch) and one in front of them. If there are only two, simply place them side by side without them touching each other. Secure them to the board with a screw.🛠️

2) Wire your switch, circuit breaker, and plug that connects to the main supply. For the primary line, connect it to your circuit breaker in series, then to your switch, and finally your PFC capacitors. The neutral line goes straight to the PFC. The ground or earth line connects directly to your MOT's Ground connection. If you have a metal switch box, ensure it's grounded. 

3) Place your PFC capacitors in parallel with your neutral and primary lines, connecting them to your MOTs. 

4) Connect your MOTs. Remember that it's important to connect the power phase in parallel to allow arcs to be drawn instead of short bursts of flame.🔥

5) Wire the Output by identifying and managing the secondary windings. 

6) Ensure the ballasting responsibilities are handled by connecting your third MOT. 

7) With your MOCs ready, assemble the resonant capacitors. 

8) With everything wired up, click on all your switches and prepare to draw those massive arcs! However, remember to protect your eyes – the brightness is more harmful than watching someone weld. 

STEP 3: Final Product!

And that concludes the guide! If I've accidentally omitted information or if there's further details to be added, feel free to inform me. Thank you.

Comments

[jamesp157]

can i convert that into 12-24 VDC?

Thanks

[aclark17]

Ye... why would you use this for that? The parts to do that are actually probably in the microwave, the little transformers around the keypad etc, you would definitely not use giant ones like this for 12 - 24VDC, unless you wanted high amperage but again we're talking redoing the secondary winding, just get a wall wart man

[infinity11]

is it possible to vary the output from this device. e.g. 0-50kv

[aclark17]

Like they said, variac... but you wouldn't get 50KV out of these unless you altered the secondary windings which... sounds easier than it is

[aclark17]

You could use a voltage multiplier, BurningSunTech has a great instructable on here to make one, the amperage is only like 350mA, but you wouldn't want 50kV with this much amperage anyway unless you're trying to die lol

[shomas]

Although it might limit the current carrying capacity, the easiest way to vary the output is to vary the input with a variac. Your unlikely to reach 50kV unless you hook up more than twenty or more MOTs with their secondary windings in series and primary windings in parallel.

Using more MOTs would also mean using more MOCs in series to handle the extra voltage and parallel to increase its capacitance google capacitors in series and parallel to design the specs of your system. I would be concerned about the voltage build up on the ballast as it will arc when driven at too high of a voltage, adding several ballast in series will distribute the voltage difference

[69buickgs]

What you are calling the secondary and primary are backwards. The secondary is the bottom, line-voltage winding and the primary is the top, stepped-up high voltage.

[hydranix]

Primary is input, secondary is output. Simple as that.

[searayjoe2355]

Not

[Free kill]

can i use mains dimming to make it 0-4kv

[hydranix]

No, do not do this, you shouldn't try to regulated a MOT's output voltage by regulating the input voltage.

[Grooby]

Whats The output Voltage Like or is the current that is creating the huge arc?
And what could you use it for?

[HarrisFauntleroy]

 The output voltage is 2000 Volts AC either side so a total 4000 volts AC.
The current is what makes the burning arcs, theres aprox 1-2 amperes of current. I currently have a 10 MOT stack which draws over 150 Amps from the line.

[CarsonC9]

10 MOTs and 150 amps?! That's crazy! But also amazing! Do you have a dedicated circuit breaker or something for that? For my system, which can supply 60 amps, I took three different 20 amp circuits that are on the same 120v phase and have a box that puts them together, works good for powering 3 MOTs at once, but I primarily have 2 powered and one as a ballast, along with 4 capacitors for resonance. I'd love to hear how your system is powered.

[Plasmana]

Hundred and fifty amps form the mains? That is a hell alot man, otherwise, great project. I am going to build one of those beast after I get my hands on one more microwave. :)

[HarrisFauntleroy]

Awesome :)

[ValK6]

Is there any way to modify or reverse coils polarities such secondary as primary and primary to secondary to reach 350 volt and 5 Amperes??

Any bright ideas rather making pointless sparks..

[jbrittain2]

Yes use them to send power out to your building thats far off.. 120+120 to 3200+3200 to overhead or underground lines (maybe safer underground) to thr next transformers at thr building..3200+3200 to 120+120 and viola you have single phase 240 volts at the shack with almost no loss

[jbrittain2]

Just though to metion those transformers would be handy to send power far off to your building in the woods or on a farm. Stack em up ans get as much mains as far as you need without the utility coming to drop a separate line at the site..

[eXtremeSomething]

Now connect it back up to a magnetron in a microwave, "DINNERS READY"