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High-voltage build

5$ Pocket Stun Gun

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

High voltageBuild
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How it works

What this project is testing.

This is a high-voltage demonstration: a small power source is converted into a voltage large enough to jump through air. The visible spark happens because the electric field becomes strong enough to ionize the gap.

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The science to watch is voltage buildup, air breakdown, and pulsed energy release. It should be treated as a physics example, not a casual build, because even small high-voltage devices can be dangerous.

For a small gap, the electric field rises as voltage increases or distance decreases.

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
Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries for Smoke Detector, Electronics & Audio, Reliable, 5-Year Shelf Life
batterypower

Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries

$12.694.7(242K)

General electronics battery pick; choose AA/AAA variants when the circuit calls for them.

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YIHUA 926 III 60W Digital Display Soldering Iron Station Kit w 2 Helping Hands, 6 Extra Iron Tips, Lead-Free Solder, Solder Sucker, S/S Tweezers, °C/ºF Conversion, Auto Sleep & Calibration Support
soldering ironfabrication

YIHUA 926 III 60W Digital Display Soldering Iron Station Kit

$39.994.4(6,900)
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
BOJACK 24Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit Range 0.1uF-1000uF
capacitorpassive electronics

BOJACK 24-Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit, 0.1uF-1000uF

$16.994.7(953)
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.

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Tolako 5v Relay Module 5V Indicator Light LED 1 Channel Relay Module for Arduino ARM PIC AVR MCU
relay / switchcontrol

5V 1-Channel Relay Module with Indicator LED for Arduino, ARM, PIC, AVR, and MCU Projects

$5.694.6(381)
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.

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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
CHANZON UL Wires 20PACK 9v Battery Dual Connector Clip UL Wires I Type Snap with Pigtail Housing Soft Leather Leads Wires for Adapter Replacement Terminal
9V battery snap connectorpower

CHANZON 20 Pack 9V Battery Snap Connector Leads

$7.994.6(872)
View on Amazon
Gorilla Mini Hot Glue Gun Kit (Pack of 1 Mini Hot Glue Gun and 30 Sticks) - Dual Temp, Precision Nozzle, and Easy Squeeze Trigger
hot glue gun / glue sticksfabrication

Gorilla Mini Hot Glue Gun Kit with Glue Sticks

$16.554.7(27K)
View on Amazon
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)
View on Amazon
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)
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

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