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High-voltage build

1000 Amp Transformer

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

High voltageBuildRadio

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How it works

What this project is testing.

A transformer can trade voltage for current. With only a few turns on the output side, the voltage drops, but the available current can become enormous.

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This experiment demonstrates magnetic coupling and power tradeoff. The dramatic part is not free energy; it is the way a changing magnetic field lets one coil push energy into another coil at a very different voltage-current balance.

\frac{V _{s}}{V _{p}} = \frac{N _{s}}{N _{p}}

The secondary voltage follows the ratio of wire turns between the two coils.

V_{p} I_{p} \approx V_{s} I_{s}

In an ideal transformer, power is roughly conserved, so lower voltage can mean much higher current.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables

jumper wires / hookup wirewiring

120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires, 20cm Dupont Cable Assorted Kit, Male to Female

$6.984.7(4,500)

TUOFENG 30 awg Wire Solid Core Hookup Wires-6 Different Colored Jumper Wire 100ft or 30m Each, 30 Gauge Tinned Copper Wire PV

copper wirewiring

TUOFENG 20 AWG Solid Core Hookup Wire Kit, 6 Colors

4.6(1,700)

BOJACK 20 Values 200 Pcs Inductor 10 uH to 10 mH 1 W Color Ring Inductor 1 Watt Assortment Kit

inductor / coilpassive electronics

20 Values 200 Pcs Inductor Assortment Kit, 1uH to 4.7mH, 0.5W Color Ring Inductors

$13.994.8(182)

12V 2A Power Supply, AC 120V to DC12V 5.5x2.1mm Jack Converter, 12 Volt LED Driver 24W Adapter Transformer for Strip Lights, Surveillance Cameras, External HDD, Monitor, CCTV (Pack of 1)

transformerpower

12V 2A Power Supply, AC 120V to DC12V 5.5x2.1mm Adapter Transformer

$8.994.5(6,601)

General low-voltage transformer/adapter pick; match voltage/current and connector to the circuit.

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W

microwave ovensalvage

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu Ft, 1000W

$148.994.4(32K)

Recommend only as an appliance; do not encourage buying a working microwave for disassembly. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

DEWALT Angle Grinder, 4.5 Inch, 11 Amp, With Paddle Switch (DWE402), Black and DEWALT Grinding Wheel for Metal, 4-1/2-Inch (DW4514)

angle grinderfabrication

Angle Grinder, 4.5 Inch, 11 Amp, With Paddle Switch (DWE402), Black and DEWALT Grinding Wheel for Metal, 4-1/2-Inch (DW4514)

$96.994.8(55)

Shop tool; include normal eye, hand, and spark safety. Sparse or missing rating evidence from Amazon search result. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

STREBITO Electronics Precision Screwdriver Sets 142-Piece with 120 Bits Magnetic Repair Tool Kit for iPhone, MacBook, Computer, Laptop, PC, Tablet, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo, Game Console

screwdriver setfabrication

STREBITO Electronics Precision Screwdriver Sets 142-Piece with 120 Bits Magnetic Repair Tool Kit for iPhone, MacBook, Computer, Laptop, PC, Tablet, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo, Game Console

$25.194.8(21K)

IRWIN Hammer, Fiberglass, General Purpose, Claw, 16 oz. (1954889)

hammerfabrication

Hammer, Fiberglass, General Purpose, Claw, 16 oz. (1954889)

$11.994.8(7,100)

IRWINQUICK-GRIPOne-Handed Mini Bar Clamp 2 Pack, 12", 1964745

clampfabrication

IRWINQUICK-GRIPOne-Handed Mini Bar Clamp 2 Pack, 12", 1964745

$19.994.7(23K)

Qualihome Hardware Nail Assortment Kit, Includes Finish, Wire, Common, Brad and Picture Hanging Nails

nailsfabrication

Qualihome Hardware Nail Assortment Kit, Includes Finish, Wire, Common, Brad and Picture Hanging Nails

$7.994.6(4,500)

3M Scotch Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88, 3/4 in x 44 ft, Black, 1 roll, Premium Grade, Rubber Resin Adhesive, PVC Backing, A

electrical tapefabrication

3M Scotch Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape

$4.534.8(2,814)

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

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