Tesla coil secondary coil wrapped around primary coil

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the configuration and implications of wrapping the secondary coil of a Tesla coil around the primary coil, focusing on electrical characteristics, insulation, and resonance. Participants explore theoretical and practical aspects of this setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the consequences of wrapping the secondary coil around the primary, particularly regarding insulation and potential short circuits.
  • Concerns are raised about the high voltage generated by the secondary coil and its ability to penetrate insulation, leading to potential damage.
  • Questions arise regarding the necessary gauge and length of the coils to maintain proper resonance and weight balance between the primary and secondary coils.
  • One participant suggests that the secondary coil will have significantly more turns than the primary, likening it to a transformer and referencing the transformer equation for voltage ratios.
  • Another participant speculates about the effects of improved insulation and the possibility of coiling the primary inside the secondary former.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of coil configuration, insulation effectiveness, and the relationship between coil weight and resonance. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about insulation properties, the specific design of the coils, and the effects of tuning on resonance. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical relationships or practical outcomes of the proposed configurations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in Tesla coils, electrical engineering, and experimental physics may find this discussion relevant.

crockman1
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what would happen if the secondary coil of a tesla coil was wrapped around the primary assuming they were both insulated? and if the secondary wire was half the gauge size of the primary then would the secondary have to be twice as long as the primary for the coil to fit when coiled around the primary?
 
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secondary voltage on a tc can reach hundreds of thousands of volts. The lightning strikes will penetrate any insulation; after all, it jumps through air.

The coil will short, and you will probably destroy it.
 
thanks for the info. can anyone explain why it will short out? and would the primary coil have to be half the gauge and length of the secondary in order for the secondary coil to be the same weight and length of the primary wire?
 
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if the secondary arcs it will short across the primary, which is high current and burn out the secondary. Again, this is if you have them together.

If you go to << link deleted by Moderator >> there is an entire section devoted to tesla coils.
 
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so ittl just ark through the insulation? i got another question: does the secondary have to weigh the same as the primary in order for it to resonate correctly?
 
? What would weight have to do with it?

The secondary will have hundreds more turns on it than the primary. After all, it's basically only a transformer. Look up the transformer equation and it tells you the voltage ratio is the same as the 'turns' ratio.
The tuning etc. also have an effect but it is still a transformer.
In all the Tesla transformers that I have seen,the primary is right at the bottom (earthy end) of the (tall) secondary, where the volts are not so high as to get through the insulation.
 
what if the thing was highly insulated? i think I am going to build one. and what if the primary was coiled around inside the secondary former?
 

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