How do I make big electric sparks safely?
Asked by
stump (
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January 11th, 2010
I once read about a theatre production of a play which climaxed with a sword fight. The director put two metal plates on the stage and the actors had wires that ran from their boots to their swords, and when the swords touched, sparks shot out. Is there a way to do this safely, or was that real dangerous?
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Using a 12-V car battery, run wires from the Positve (+) terminal and the Negative (-) terminal and attach to the metal plates, when the two plates come in contact, sparks will fly.
Is it dangerous…??? it could be . . .
The longer the spark, the higher the voltage. Sparks of several inches require voltages in the tens of thousands. So if you want sparks visible from the back row of the balcony you’ll need fairly high voltages such as produced by a Tesla coil, as suggested by jaytkay.
Even if current is limited, high voltage translates to seriously DANGEROUS apparatus if not handled properly. Enlist of the help of someone who knows what they’re doing.
Thanks, everyone. I am thinking it is too dangerous for the effect we would get.
A Tesla coil has been used safely by stage magicians for many years and produces quite spectacular results.
The reason it’s not dangerous is because it’s basically a huge STATIC electricity generator.
This is the same type of electricity which comes from rubbing your feet on a carpeted floor and such, except on a larger scale and with fabulous looking enormous sparks.
Check out Magic shops in your area for sources and specifics. .
Btw. Welcome to Fluther.
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