Re: spark gap

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: Finn Hammer <f-h-at-c.dk> 

Jimbo,

Carbon sticks would be amongst the worst possible things to use as a spark 
gap in a tesla coil tank circuit.

The reason for this is:

The spark gap in a tesla coil should be able to turn off effectly. This is 
best done, if the surfaces of the gap are cool.

Since carbon is a good thermal insulator, it will get very hot where it is 
in contact with the arc. And thus it will tend do promote prolonged 
arching, whereas a spark gap made from metal would not.

The buzz word here is quenching, a gap that quenches well is desired in a 
Tesla Coil.

Hope this helps,

Cheers, Finn Hammer


Tesla list wrote:

>Original poster: Jimbo07031982-at-aol-dot-com
>would  carbon rods be sufficient for a spark gap