Jacob’s Ladder is a classic physics experimental setup used to demonstrate the phenomenon of high-voltage electric arcs. It consists of a transformer and two upward-expanding “V”-shaped electrodes. When tens of thousands of volts of high voltage are applied between the electrodes, the air at the bottom of the electrodes is broken down, forming an arc that generates high temperatures and rises upwards. As the hot air convection continuously repeats this process, clusters of discharge light appear like a ladder to the sky.

This is a miniature, low-power Jacobian ladder.
It uses a 12V 2ADC (you’ll need to provide your own power supply).
Let’s begin building it; follow me

Power indicator LED , pay attention to the installation location; the longer lead is the “+”.

10k current-limiting resistor

Power socket and switch

Transformer. Note the installation location; the end with the thicker copper wire is at the top, as shown in the picture.

Adhesive sponge

This is the core of the entire circuit, using a microcontroller to drive MOSFETs and a 20kV high-voltage generator.

The blue part is the heat sink.Paste onto 4 MOSFETs

The circuit board has “+”, “-“, and “OUT” symbols, which correspond to the soldered wires.

Attach four silicone gaskets.
Note: You need to leave space for the screws.

Adhesive metal sheet

Mounting circuit board

Weld 2 wires

Attach magnets to the back of ceramic blocks

The brass rod is bent as shown in the picture, slightly tilted backward.

Tighten the screws.
Note that the screws may be slightly loose; you can use glue to secure them and prevent them from wobbling.

Adjust the distance and angle yourself so that the electric arc can rise, and your Jacob’s Ladder is complete.

You will need to prepare a 12V DC power supply. After connecting the power, adjust the gap between the two copper rods to allow an arc to form. Then, slowly adjust the distance and angle of the copper rods to allow the arc to rise.