"glutinous" wrote in message
...
As I just replied to PeterD, the Jacob's Ladder I referred to is built
and functions well, using (and I always get a childish pleasure out of
saying this) a 10kv FART transformer from a neon rig. It makets a nice
spark between two 30-inch copper rods, approx 2.5 inches at the wide
end.

In fact I already have a (low wattage) vintage industrial filament
lamp fitted to the front of the box it's built into, but it's wired in
parallel to the primary, and lights up when the low-voltage switching
side operates a relay to supply current to the FART (he he he snurk).
Anyway, I'm guessing it'd limit the juice so less spark.

It's an idea to try the meter on the mains side: it doesn't _really_
have to show a genuine 10kv, it's more for the look of the thing (tho'
it would be cool if it did - obviously without the frying bit).

BTW, the low-voltage relay side is operated by a small, old-style,
bakelite base circuit-breaker type switch (as in "throw the...").

Cheers!

Figured that 'FART transformer' had to be a UK reference. Never heard of it
in the USA.
http://www.signtechnology.co.nz/f.a.r.t.php Doesn't give much information
about products.
http://www.bigclive.com/jacobs.htm is more informative.
In spite of the name, France Transformer is one of the more common sign
transformers used in the USA. Sorry, no 'snurk' factor on this manufacturer.
http://www.franceformer.com/index.html