All Keystone Science videos

High-voltage build

high voltage power supply

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

High voltageBuild
Watch on YouTube

How it works

What this project is testing.

High voltage is not just more electricity; it is a stronger electric field. This project demonstrates how a small input can be stepped into a large potential difference.

Read more

When the field gets strong enough, air breaks down and electricity becomes visible. The same idea makes the safety stakes obvious: distance, insulation, current, and stored energy matter.

A transformer-style step-up raises voltage according to the turns ratio.
For the same power, higher voltage usually means lower current, but the result can still be dangerous.

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.

DEVMO DC 3V-6V to 400kV 400000V Boost Step-up Power Module High-Voltage Generator
high-voltage power supplypower

DEVMO DC 3V-6V to 400kV Boost Step-up High-Voltage Generator Module

$10.994.4(508)

Prefer low-current educational modules over mains-powered high-voltage supplies. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

View on Amazon
Goupchn Universal P6100 Oscilloscope Clip Probes 100MHz with Accessories Kit 1X 10X 2 Pack
test probes / leadstest equipment

Goupchn Universal P6100 Oscilloscope Clip Probes, 100MHz, 1X/10X, 2 Pack

$13.994.7(126)
View on Amazon
ElectroCookie Large PCB Prototype Board Kit Solderable Breadboards for Electronics Projects Compatible for DIY Arduino Soldering Projects, Gold-Plated (6 Multi-Pack, Blue)
printed circuit board / PCBprototyping

ElectroCookie Large PCB Prototype Board Kit, Solderable Breadboards for Electronics Projects

4.8(111)
View on Amazon
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)
View on Amazon
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.

View on Amazon
ZVS Driver Module 12V to 30V DC High Voltage Generator with Flyback Transformer Heater Coil Boost Power Supply Board for Induction Heating
flyback transformerhigh voltage

ZVS Driver Module with Flyback Transformer, 12V-30V DC High Voltage Generator

$37.504.4(55)

High-voltage specialty part. Review ratings and safety language before public recommendation. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

View on Amazon
Ackers High Borosilicate Glass Measuring Cup Set with Pour Spout,60ml(2OZ),120ml(4OZ), 250ml(8OZ) Glass Measuring Beaker for Kitchen or Restaurant, Easy to Read
glassfabrication

Ackers High Borosilicate Glass Measuring Beaker Set with Pour Spout

4.5(3,500)
View on Amazon
MAGID Rubber Insulating Electrical Safety Gloves, Class 0 ASTM Compliant
glovessafety

MAGID Rubber Insulating Electrical Safety Gloves, Class 0 ASTM Compliant

4.5(955)

Safety-critical: verify voltage class and standards before recommending for high-voltage work.

View on Amazon
NoCry Clear Safety Glasses for Men and Women with Anti-Fog and Scratch Resistant Wrap Around Lenses, Adjustable Temples and Nose Pads — ANSI Z87 Certified Protective Eyewear with 100% UV Shielding
safety glassessafety

NoCry Clear Safety Glasses with Anti-Fog and Scratch-Resistant Wraparound Lenses, ANSI Z87 Certified

$13.984.5(49K)
View on Amazon
ENGINEER SS-03 Solder Sucker Device. Made in Japan. Professional Grade Desoldering Pump.
desoldering pumpfabrication

ENGINEER SS-03 Solder Sucker Desoldering Pump

$27.384.8(6,455)
View on Amazon
Lesnow solder wick braid 10ft Length Desoldering Wick Braid Remover Tool Solder Sucker 1 piece No-Clean soldering Wick Wire Roll and Disassemble Electrical Components
solder wickfabrication

solder wick braid 10ft Length Desoldering Wick Braid Remover Tool Solder Sucker 1 piece No-Clean soldering Wick Wire Roll and Disassemble Electrical Components

$6.994.7(7,000)
View on Amazon
Hakko CSP-30-7 - Wire Stripper, 16-26 Gauge
wire stripperfabrication

Hakko CSP-30-7 Wire Stripper

$20.754.7(843)
View on Amazon
LeMotech IP67 Waterproof Junction Box ABS Plastic Project Box Dustproof Electrical Box Outdoor Enclosure for Electronics DIY Case Gray 9.8X 3.1x 3.3 inch (250x 80x 85 mm)
project enclosurefabrication

LeMotech ABS Plastic Project Box Electronics Enclosure

$16.994.6(1,153)
View on Amazon

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

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

Coming soon

Contact

Events, speaking, collaborations, and news.

Send the project name, outlet or audience, timing, location, and the context you want covered.

Email Keystone Science