How to Make High Voltage Capacitors - Homemade/DIY Capacitors

RimstarOrg
RimstarOrg
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Published 2012-09-28
How to make DIY high voltage capacitors. I start by showing a few different high voltage capacitors I've made over the years followed by an explanation of how denser electric field causes breakdown of the capacitor dielectric/insulator. I then show what the voltage rating on commercial capacitors means. I next show how to find breakdown voltage, also known at dielectric strength, online and use it in calculations for how thick your dielectric should be. That's followed by a breakdown voltage test with a homemade high voltage power supply, an analog volt meter and an ammeter. I then show how the shape of capacitor plates influences breakdown voltage, as well as the effect thin plates has on ionizing air. That leads to using corona dope, resin or wax to insulate the capacitor plates. In the final breakdown voltage demonstrations I show the use of current limiting resistors and lastly how standard breakdown voltage tests are done.

Also watch "How to Make Capacitors - Low Voltage Homemade/DIY Capacitors" video,
   • How to Make Capacitors - Low Voltage ...  

To make higher capacitance capacitors, for around 62 microfarads see my "How to Make an Electrolytic Capacitor" video here:
   • How to Make Electrolytic Capacitors  

And for even higher capacitance, 580 microfarads, see my "How to Make a High Capacitance Electrolytic Capacitor" video here:
   • How to Make a High Capacitance Electr...  

The webpage with details on how I make high voltage connectors,
rimstar.org/equip/hvwiring.htm

Details of how I made my homemade high voltage power supply for up to 30kV are here:
rimstar.org/equip/30kv_pwr_supply.htm

Here's a link to the Super Corona Dope I use in this video:
www.mgchemicals.com/products/protective-coatings/i…

Other high voltage sources...

For a Wimshurst machine see:
   • Wimshurst Machine - How to Make using...   (how to make one)
rimstar.org/equip/wimshurst_27cm.htm (a commercially bought one)

For a Van de Graaff generator:
   • How to Make/Build a Van de Graaff Gen...   (how to make one)
rimstar.org/equip/build_make_van_de_graaff.htm (more how to make)

For a high power high voltage one, up to 75kV:
rimstar.org/equip/hvg10.htm

3D capacitor animation done using Blender 2.63.

To follow me on Twitter:
twitter.com/#!/RimStarz

rimstar.org/
All Comments (21)
  • @521cjb
    Breakdown voltage ratings also include a time factor - a cap that can hold X volts for a few minutes may fail after a few hours, day, weeks or months. The book ratings are for dielectrics that can hold indefinitely. Supposedly. I've replaced many factory made caps that were rated for higher voltage than their actual situation in-circuit. Nothing is foolproof, and everything has a lifespan. Thanks for a great video, very informative.
  • @RimstarOrg
    Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying them and super glad to have helped.
  • @Taran72
    Finally! a video that shows me how to make a homemade capacitor that actually works and I can make from materials that I can find easily. thank you very much.
  • @AssExtinction
    Thank you for taking your time and replaying. I really do enjoy your videos about capacitators.
  • @bandoman59
    Great now I'm gonna be spending lots of time watching your vids. Even though I understand electronics. Been in it for years, still amazed by the physics of it all. I think you do a great job on explaining and showing it all also. And lastly you just helped me out with a project I've been working on.
  • @angeloc700
    Seemingly, the information available to a curious mind in the 21st century is bounded only by the knowledge available by man. Thanks for posting!
  • @alocin110
    One of the best video on capacitors, capacitor testing, and workable design. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with others. \keep up the good work. Your lab set up is so professional that tells you have a good hand-on experience. Thank you again. I liked your video.
  • @RimstarOrg
    +Nathaniel Charles Put a resistor in the circuit in the discharge path. PS There's no Reply button under your comment because of your Google+ settings. - go to your Google+ page, - in the top, right corner click on your thumbnail icon, - in the popup that appears, click on "Settings". - for the 2nd question down "Who can comment on your public posts?" set it to "Anyone".
  • @johnrouse6957
    Thanks so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and build skills/ design ideas. I'm currently working on building my own capacitor discharge device for magnetizing. I want to experiment with a diy foundry and try some different alloys etc. the goal is to use raw materials/ easily attainable materials for alternative energy experiments. I can't thank you enough for your videos!
  • @999manman
    WOW!!! I had no idea this was even possible on a kitchen table level!!! Great video, Rimstar! I am floored!!!
  • @JSambrook
    I’m working on a magnetic loop antenna for 20m. This video is super-helpful. Very well done. 73 and thank you, John, KJ7RDV.
  • @victoryfirst2878
    Congratulations Sir. This is the best video on capacitors making I have seen on YouTube. Nice work fella.
  • @RimstarOrg
    Thanks! That's partly why I like making these videos is to show just what's possible on the kitchen table level. You'd be amazed at what you can do.
  • @1HayesEng
    It’s refreshing to find someone on YouTube who knows what he is doing..
  • @tompeterson9607
    The online rating is probably dependent on exposure time, if you were to do a longer running test at a bit of a lower voltage you'll probably find that the plastic will degrade and breakdown.
  • @RimstarOrg
    You're welcome! I really appreciate you're watching it! So thanks right back.
  • @ArtyMars
    This was ten times as informative as i was expecting, thanks hahaha <3