HV Transformers

There are quite a few High Voltage Transformer out there and most budding HV enthusiasts start out with one just arcing it out. Though not recommended if you want your High Voltage Transformer to give you years of service because when High Voltage arcs it basically short circuits across the electrodes which unless you run ballast or some sort of limiting device you will exceed the recommended output of your transformer.


Common Small High Voltage Transformers


On the small end of the scale we have two common transformers to choose from.



The first is the Microwave Oven Transformer.

Considered to be the most dangerous of the two small transformers featured here because of the higher current output Microwave Transformers range in size from about 650 watts through to around 2000 watt for more industrial models.


The one featured here on the right hand side of the ruler in the image is a 950 watt microwave Transformer. The huge one on the left is a 15KV, 100mA transformer out of a hospital air ionizer. I think the 100mA rating is at 100% duty cycle and could put out much more in short bursts.


Microwave Transformers usually have an output voltage of around 2000 volts and current of around 2 amps.


The attractive thing about these transformers is the lower voltage making components for circuits like Tesla Coils easier to find.




The other common small High Voltage Transformer is the Neon Sign Transformer.

These are fairly common around commercial estates. Their output is around 450 watts with an output voltage of 15000 volts and current around 30mA.


The advantage of Neon Sign Transformers is the higher output voltage.

15KV can yield some quite nice effects and at 30mA at 50 or 60Hz the arcing resembles an orange coloured plasma.

One thing to remember with Neon Transformers is the case of the transformer is connected to the centre tap of the secondary winding so if left floating (Not Earthed) there will be 7.5KV on the case so don't touch it.


NST Jacobs Ladder Movie


Large High Voltage Transformers
These are a lot harder to come by and weigh a lot.
The Air Ionizer Transformer is one such transformer with 1500 watts continuous at 15KV the only draw back is the 20+ Kg that it weighs.
The other choice would be a pole pig but they are quite large and very serious in the High Voltage and Tesla Coil Game.