Give Your Jacob's Ladder More Spark with High-Voltage Capacitors

Here's a simple and easy addition to your own Jacob's Ladder. If you don't have one, here's how to make a Jacob's ladder.

All you need is a couple high-voltage 15KV capacitorsconnected in series to each of the ladder's prongs. Basically, rather than arcing right away, the high voltage transformer charges up the capacitors. Then, once they reach the "arc threshold", the capacitors discharge across the Jacob's ladder arc-guides, creating a loud, violent spark. This process happens several times a second, creating bright flashes of light.

Here's a video of it in action (the two gray "blobs" at the bottom of the ladder are the capacitors attached in series with the transformer output and ladder prongs):

Warnings

• High voltage is dangerous! Be careful.
• Always make sure to discharge capacitors after use! They can hold a charge and shock you.
• I am not responsible for any damage or harm you cause. 

Photo by Wikipedia