A jacob's ladder is commonly called a "climbing arc." A spark forms at the base of two diverging poles. This spark rises and grows longer until it breaks apart at the top of the poles and starts again at the base. Actually this "spark" can be better described as plasma.  Plasma is ionized air. Normally air is an insulator; but with enough voltage, the electrons that are part of the air molecules break away from their atoms. Now the air has positive and negative ions, and free moving electrons…just like metal! These hot ions make up the plasma, which heats up the air. The heat from the plasma is one reason it rises up the poles. Because the plasma conducts electricity, the "spark" can now become much larger as more and more plasma is formed. The jabob's ladder is a beautiful demonstration of the awesome power inherent to electricity.  [The picture to the left was taken with a long enough exposure for the spark to rise completely up the poles.]

The jacob's ladder uses a 10,000 volt step-up transformer to create it's huge spark. This same transformer can also be used to create a plasma globe. One wire coming from the transformer is connected to a lightbulb so that the electricity will flow into it. The other wire is taped to the top of the bulb, with it's wire strands spread apart. The electric charge between the inside of the light bulb and it's outer surface will create an incredible discharge of plasma inside the light. The display is created when the excited atoms that left the air molecules return to the ions. The electrons lose some energy when they re-attach to the ions. They emit this energy as light. The color of the light emitted depends on the type of gas that is being ionized.

                                                          OUR COMPLETE KIT

A third experiment can be done with our high voltage electric kit. We like to call it the "plasma finger."  A dowel pivots on a nail with a wire sicking out its end. This movable wire gets close enough to a small metal rod to create a spark. Then it can be moved further away, creating a stream of plasma. You can control this plasma stream by moving the dowel. It is a safe and fun way to play with 10,000 volts!

Normally to purchase a new high-voltage transformer would cost in excess of $80 (If you can find one!).  But FSP is offering their 10,000 volt transfomer with S&H included for only $73.  The transformer comes with detailed plans and diagrams of how to build the complete high-voltage kit as pictured.

An experiement kit is also available that has everything you need to make the jacob's ladder, plasma globe, and plasma finger.  It costs $54 (shipping included) and contains:

• Various Plywood Nailers - cut to size
• About 40 screws - various sizes
• A nail
• 8 Feet of 14 Gauge Electrical Wire
• 2 Alligator Clips with Ground Plug Terminals attached 
• Electrical Tape
• 3 Metal Rods
• 4 Foot Electrical Cord
• Wooden Dowel
• Plastic Wire Clamps
• Light Mount
• Wood Block for mounting the Jacob's Ladder
• Detailed Plans and Diagrams

You can save $5 by purchasing the above kit and the transformer for only $122.  An excellent value!  By choosing this option all you'll need is a sheet of wood to mount everything to, and a clear light bulb for the plasma globe.  We've done all the electrical soldering for you, so the only tools you will need is a hammer, screw driver, pliers, and a knife. 

Due to the popularity of the kit as a science project, priority and overnight shipping options are available. 

Please see our ONLINE CATALOG to make your secure purchases.