Re: [TCML] Faraday Cage Safety

[Ed Phillips <evp@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm not sure about the aesthetics of the cage but can add that for sure 
the spark gap, capacitor, and all leads to and from the primary need to 
be shielded as well, probably better than the top of the coil itself 
because, in addition to the desired primary frequency, there will be VHF 
signals of enormous peak power which will probably get into everything 
in the vicinity and are potentially damaging.   You haven't indicated 
the size of your upper terminal but you should certainly expect your 
streamers to reach  the sides rather than the top.  I have a coil of 
similar dimensions operating from a 9 kV NST and it easily throws 27" 
streamers and should probably do better with a good spark gap.  You 
should also have an 'RFI' filter in the primary circuit. 

More experienced opinions will surely follow.

Ed

Amir Mojarradi wrote:

> Hi Everyone, 
>
>
> I am almost finished creating a small (2.5" diameter x 12" height, 7.5kv/60ma) Tesla coil for display in an office setting. However, I know I need to operate the coil inside of a Faraday cage to protect sensitive electronics that are around the office as well as from any over-curious observers.  
>
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any insight constructing a permanent Faraday cage that is both safe and aesthetically pleasing? I am curious to know if anyone has tried using a birdcage or similar already existing material successfully and with safe results. The dimensions would be 16" x 16" x  24", and I have thought of using wire mesh, but I would like to make it look as good as possible. 
>
>
> Also, I was wondering if the Faraday cage needs to only surround the primary and secondary, or if it must surround everything including the spark gap and transformer? This would alter my cage dimensions. From previous posts, I've confirmed that a bottom and top are necessary as well. 
>
>
> I wanted to double check to make sure I understand any special grounding procedures. From my understanding, the coil is grounded to the cage and the cage is grounded to the NST ground. 
>
>
> Thank you so much for your help and any advice. 
>
>
> All the best, 
>
>
> Amir Mojarradi
> Los Angeles, CA
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>  
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