If there
is a
grounded, conducting
object nearby then the coil will discharge to it instead of just into
the air.
This is one
of
our big Tesla Coils in action.
To give you an idea of the scale, the coil is about eight feet tall and four feet across the top.
Tesla coils are really air-cored transformers
that convert electricity into a high frequency,
high voltage form and pump it out
into the air. In the case of our big coils that is about a quarter of
a million volts.
If there
is a
grounded, conducting
object nearby then the coil will discharge to it instead of just into
the air.
A common myth is that a Tesla coil's discharge is harmless due to
its high frequency and the skin effect. However, although humans and
animals are less sensitive to the high frequencies and lower currents
typical of Tesla coils, the spark from a Tesla coil can cause burns. To
avoid such burns and the risk of coming in contact with the dangerous
supply driving the coil, do not touch or go near a Tesla coil spark.
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