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Registered Member #242
Joined: Thu Feb 23 2006, 11:37PM
Location: Erie PA
Posts: 210
I'm working on my first tesla coil and I'm wondering if I need to use HV wire for all of my connections? I was planning on just using some solid 10gauge copper and keeping the leads far apart from grounds, ect. since this is my first TC, I havent worried about the overall size of it. My primary is constructed on an old table 36" in diameter, so I have plenty of room to work with. Also, I'm going to have plenty of saftey devices incorporated...dead mans switch, power indicator lights, ect...
So, how bad of an idea is this? and what should I use as my minium wire spacing?
Registered Member #223
Joined: Mon Feb 20 2006, 06:42PM
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 125
Well I often use normal wire for HV.. But you have to make sure they do not contact oppositly charged wires or ground. Insulation break-down is not fun. As for minimum spacing that would depend on the voltage but assuming 12-15kv then 2 inches would be more than enough.
Registered Member #316
Joined: Mon Mar 13 2006, 01:30PM
Location: Marietta, GA
Posts: 212
You can make your own HV wire by running your wire through vinyl tubing. It's cheap and holds off the voltage well. Don't just use regular wire without extra insulation, since it can arc through the insulation. Good luck with your coil!
Registered Member #223
Joined: Mon Feb 20 2006, 06:42PM
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 125
Just as another quick note it is still a good idea to keep wires as far apart as possible even with the 'extra' insulation. If they are to close over time corona can slowly eat away at it causing failure. I have used vinyl tubing before and had this exact thing happen to me. Remember air is your friend. It is a decent insulator and it replenishes itself all the time.
Also keep in mind that vinyl tubing is not really designed to be an insulator. It works but some tubing may have defects that will also cause it to fail under HV duty. Real HV wire is more resistant to corona breaking it down and it is rated for a specific voltage standoff.
Registered Member #242
Joined: Thu Feb 23 2006, 11:37PM
Location: Erie PA
Posts: 210
I was also considering using some of that clear tubing that they sell at lowes for aquariums and such. I take it that the vinyl is a better insulator? Where is this vinyl tubing usually sold?
Registered Member #15
Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 01:11PM
Location:
Posts: 3068
High voltage wire is a bit of a misnomer. Wire is wire. High voltage wire is just insulated wire. Do you really need it? If you can keep it away from objects it can arc to, then you don't need it.
Remember, those 500,000 volt high tension lines don't use high voltage wire - they use bare braided aluminum!
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Do I need HV wire?
So it is HV wire..