Building High Voltage Supplies for Amateurs: Safety and Considerations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around building high voltage supplies for amateur projects, specifically focusing on constructing a Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier for an electron accelerator and safety considerations associated with high voltage equipment. The scope includes theoretical and practical aspects of high voltage generation, component selection, and safety measures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) inquires whether a Cockcroft-Walton multiplier can operate on constant DC, pulsed DC, or AC, aiming for a voltage of +/- 100kV at no load.
  • The OP seeks advice on sourcing high voltage diodes and capacitors for the multiplier, expressing concern over the amperage from house current being too high for the wiring.
  • The OP questions the feasibility of using homemade Leyden jars and the necessity of a rectifier in the Cockcroft-Walton setup.
  • Another participant suggests considering a Van de Graaff generator as a safer alternative for generating high voltage, noting its lower output and availability.
  • Another participant mentions the potential of using EHT supplies from analog TVs, highlighting the associated dangers and the need for safety precautions.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety of high voltage generation by amateurs, with one participant emphasizing the risks of using a TV EHT supply.
  • The OP clarifies the intention to use the accelerator in a vacuum and to charge capacitors for energy release into magnets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of concern regarding safety in high voltage generation, with some advocating for safer alternatives while others focus on the technical aspects of building the desired equipment. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to safely achieve the OP's goals.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dangers associated with high voltage supplies and the importance of implementing safety measures, but specific safety protocols or guidelines are not detailed. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the availability and suitability of components for the proposed setups.

wrath90210
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High voltage supply questions! :)

Ok, well a few friends of mine have come together to build a fuser and an electron accelerator.
I have obtained an NST at 20ma 6 kv DC , but would like to build a crockcroft walton voltage multiplier for the accelerator. My question is, will this setup run off a constant DC ? Or must it be a pulsed DC or an AC current. My voltage goal is +/- 100kv at no load. What parts and what method would be needed to construct this. (as in where to find the HV diodes, and what type of capacitor) I'm aware i could run the CW multiplier off of the house current, but the amperage is too much for the wire.

Also for the CW multiplier, could home made laden jars be used? And I've seen some built with a rectifier, why is this if it is supposed to convert ac to a higher dc voltage on its own.

The other power supply witch is more ideal for the fuser, needs an ability to take my 6kv NST DC, and up it to at least 25 kv 20ma DC at a constant rate. How would i do this? Capacitors in series are a daunting task. Would it be much easier to build a ready made power supply? Thanks to all!

Sam
 
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You could consider getting a Van Der Graaf generator. These generate 300000 volts on a good day and at a few mA. Education supply companies carry these and they are not expensive.

Another easy source of high voltage is the EHT supply in analog TVs. This would be about 35000 volts. With the introduction of digital TV and the cessation of analog broadcasts in some countries, analog TVs should be available pretty easily.

This supply and others in a color TV set are dangerous, of course, and you may need to get advice on using them safely.

Do you have an evacuated chamber to accelerate these electrons in, or are you planning to do it in air?
 


If you don't know and can't guarantee to implement all the safety measures needed for operating with very high voltages then the VDG Generator is by far the safer option. It can only give you an annoying little jolt. A TV EHT supply could kill you.

The diodes for a high voltage Cocky Wally could be hard to find and expensive. Nearest thing could be the 'stick' diodes in TV CRTs.
 


Well the original idea was to create an accelerator that we could charge up capacitors using the CW or VDG, and then release this energy into the magnets. And yes these are being accelerated in a vacuum.
 


I'm not comfortable with this discussion of HV generation by amateurs (the OP) -- it falls under the "dangerous activities" portion of the PF rules. Sorry, thread closed.
 

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