A spark from high-voltage generators always thrills me. With a little bit of research, I found that I could make such a generator my own. Do you want to know how to make high voltage generator at home?
You will need a transformer, resistor, diode, capacitor, and battery to build a high voltage generator at home. Technically connecting all the things together, you can produce 400kv with only a 3.7v battery. The whole process needs a detailed explanation for better understanding.
It’s not necessary to have a deep knowledge of electric work to build the generator, but you need to complete the process technically. Let’s enjoy the hacks.
What is inside a high voltage generator?
A transformer and a power transistor are the main parts of a high voltage generator. They convert DC power to AC power and produce high voltage electricity. Capacitor, diode, wires, etc., are some other components that you may find inside a high voltage generator.
How to make high voltage generator at home?
Before we start, let’s have a look at the items you will need:
| Tools/Materials | Check for details |
| Mobile charger | Click here |
| Resistor 470 ohm | Click here |
| D882 Transistor | Click here |
| Diode 4007(x3) | Click here |
| Capacitor 222m/1kv (nf) | Click here |
| Capacitor 472 mf/ 1kv(x2) or 2kv | Click here |
| Battery holder | Click here |
| Switch | Click here |
| 3.7v Battery | Click here |
Step 1: Extracting the transformer
First, extract the transformer from the charger you have. It is one of the major components in making the high voltage generator.
Extracting the transformer is quite easy. Use a flat screwdriver, place it on the groove, and force it upward in the direction. If you do not have a flat screwdriver, you can buy Klein Tools Keystone Screwdriver.
You will find the circuit board attached to the transformer and other electronic components inside the charger. We only need the transformer here, which looks like a rectangular box with input and output points.
Pulling the transformer by hand will detach the transformer from the circuit board. You also can use pliers, like the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Pliers Set, for extraction. Don’t put too much pressure, or you may end up breaking the transformer.
Step 2: Check voltage
Now, you need to check the voltage of the transformer for two reasons. First, it will tell you if the transfer is functional, and second to know which is the input and output.
Checking voltage is quite easy with a good multimeter. Try using AstroAI 2000 Counts Digital Multimeter, as you do not need to be a pro to get the reading.
There are a total of six input output lines in the transformer. Turn on the multimeter and take the readings. Two lines that give the lowest voltage are input, and the two with the highest are output.
For our transformer, the lowest reading was one which is the input. 8 volt was the highest output. Remember your findings as we both lines have different uses in our next steps to make a high voltage generator.
Holding the transformer with a clip onto something will be more convenient throughout the process. WMYCONGCONG Metal Alligator Clips is a good choice for this purpose.
Step 3: Connect resistor
Connect the 470-ohm resistor to the transformer. Attach one side of the resistor to the one input and another side to one of the lines where you found medium numbers during voltage testing.
You will need a soldering iron to make the connections here. If you do not have one, you can purchase the Q-ming Soldering Iron Kit.
Step 4: Attach transistor
Attach the D882 transistor to the transformer in step 4. The transistor has three connections B, C, and E. Attach B to one of the remaining lines with medium voltage and C to the remaining input line.
Again here, use the soldering iron to make the connections. Proceed slowly to avoid any mistakes.
Step 5: Connect diode
Now there are only two connections left in the transformer, which are the output. You will attach the diode 4007 in these lines.
First, use a diode (+,-) to one of the outputs. Attach the minus”-” side to the output line. Bend the diode to one side to make some space between the two diodes (another you will add now).
For the second output, add a diode (+,-,+,-). As diodes come with only “+”&”-” connections, you need to attach two diodes 4007 for this connection. Use the iron to connect them together in a straight line.
This will be the reverse of the previous diode. That means you must add the plus”+” side to the output line. This time keep the diode straight.
Step 6: Connect capacitor
Now you will need to add several capacitors to the diodes. We told you to bend the first diode so that you can now attach the capacitors well.
First, take the 222M/1kv(nf) capacitor. Attach one side to the minus “-” of the first diode and another to the plus “+” side of the other diode. Use the outside diode for the plus “+” connection.
Then connect the 472/2kv (nf) capacitor to the diodes. This one will make a cross line with the previous one. Attach both sides to the plus “+” of diode connections. Use the inside diode for the second connection.
Again add another 472/2kv (nf) capacitor to the output diode. This will be attached to the second diode only. Attach one side to the plus”+” connection of the inside diode and another to the minus “-” of the outside diode.
You need to add another capacitor to join the two diodes together. Use a 1,000-volt capacitor and attach it to the outside edge of both diodes. This will join the two output diodes together that will help to produce high voltage electricity.
Step 7: Wiring
The majority of the work to make a high voltage generator at home has been done. When it comes to electrical work, you need to do some wiring every time, and that is not different here.
Cut two red wires and one black wire, each a few inches long. Attach one of the red wires to the outside edge of the second diode, where you have connected the 1,000v capacitor. Leave the other side of the diode empty.
Take the other red wire and attach it to the input diode connection. Remember that you left the E connection on the transistor? Attach this connection with the black wire.
Step 8: Add a battery holder
After doing the wirings, you need to attach a battery holder. You will keep the battery in the holder, which will be the main power source for the high voltage generator.
Use the black and the red wire you have attached last. Attach the black wire to the spring side of the battery holder and the red wire to the other side.
Here, we are using the battery holder with room for one 3.7v battery to make a 400kv high voltage generator. If you want to build a 1000kv high voltage generator, then use a battery holder that holds two batteries. You can use the LAMPVPATH 2 AA Battery Holder for this purpose.
Step 9: Add a switch
Step 9 is optional, and it is not mandatory to add a switch to the connection. But we highly recommend doing it for safety concerns.
Make a cut on the red wire that connects to the battery holder. Then place a switch here and attach it to the wires. You are done making the high voltage generator with this step.
Step 10: Testing & finishing
Finally, after completing the process, check if you have done everything right. Don’t forget to add the battery to the holder for testing purposes.
Turn on the switch of the high voltage generator at first. Then take the red wire that you have attached to the diode of which the end side is empty. Touch the outside edge of the wire to the other side of the 1,000v capacitor, and you will see a spark.
Don’t hold the wire in that place for long. Touch the connection to make the spark and instantly remove the wire.
If you do not see any spark, you may have made connections in the wrong way. Read the instructions above again and check all the connections. After you have successfully made the high voltage generator at home, have fun.
How do you convert low voltage to high voltage?
You can convert low voltage to high voltage by using a step-up transformer. It usually converts low AC voltage to high DC voltage. While increasing the voltage, it decreases the current according to the conservation of energy on the primary and secondary sides.
How does a high voltage generator work?
A high voltage generator works by converting AC power to DC power. It follows self-excited oscillation and drives a power transistor. Depending on the input it gets, it produces a high voltage electricity processing through a high-frequency transformer with high turns ratio.
How do you generate high voltage?
Using a step-up transformer is the best way to generate high voltage. A good quality transformer can generate 100 times or more voltage of the input. Most high voltage generators that use 3.7v input produce 400kv output.
How do you make a high voltage power supply?
You can make a high voltage power supply using a few charger boards and capacitors. First, prepare the charger boards for connections and then connect the capacitors together. Then connect the capacitors to charger boards to make a high voltage power supply.
What is the highest voltage generator?
The highest voltage generator that has been made is 25.5 Mega Volt (1MV=1million volt). Oak Ridge National Laboratory owns this generator. Most house generators produce 20kv at maximum. The output mainly depends on the input you are giving.
What household items have a high voltage generator?
Some the household items that have high voltage generators are:
- Air conditioner
- Heater
- Electric dryer
- Electric stoves
- Ovens
- Electric vehicle charger, etc.
Some Final Words
Understanding how to make high voltage generator at home will enable you to try different scientific experiments. Follow the instructions carefully and repeatedly read if needed to avoid any accidents.