I have completed my first Jacob’s Ladder. You can click the image to the left to see a high resolution picture in a new window. I made this unit from a 6kV 30mA non-current limited transformer from an old neon beer sign. The arc ionizes the air and creates plasma. The hot plasma rises and the arc follows it as plasma conducts electricity better than air. When the spark gap at the top of the antennae breaks the arc it starts all over again. THIS IS NOT A TOY. IT CAN KILL YOU. You can see a video of it in operation below!
I sold this unit to a punk rock group for use as a prop for their live shows. The group is out of Las Vegas and is made up of seven girls. They call themselves The Deadly Seven. They are very remarkable and you can google them to find out more about them. They wanted me to make them an air cannon to shoot pig blood and body parts into the crowd. I declined that project…for now.
