Why Can't I Use a Static Gap?

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Why Can't I Use a Static Gap?
From: "Gregory R. Hunter" <ghunter-at-accucomm-dot-net> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)
Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 03:34:46 -0600
Approved: twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net
Delivered-To: fixup-tesla-at-pupman-dot-com-at-fixme

Dear List,

Forgive me for breaking a thread, but I emptied my recycle bin a bit too
soon and I've lost the original posting.

My question is regarding an earlier post which stated that ordinary static
gaps were unsuitable for use with pole transformers.  I thought static gaps
were limited by current/VA rating, not by the type of power supply.  If I
throttle my pig back to 1 or 2KVA, why couldn't a regular static gap cope
with the arc?  What is the difference between 2KVA of neons and a pig
limited to 2KVA?  I'm asking because I really don't know.  My own pole pig
is in storage in my shed and I've yet to power up a TC with it.  I had
planned to build a heavy-duty forced air static gap for it.  Now I'm
hesitant.  Please advise.

Best Regards,

Greg