New Video: How to Make a 20,000 Volt Jacob’s Ladder (Sort of)

After years of study and practice, Blasted Science has finally perfected the Jacob’s Ladder. Technically it breaks after five seconds, but hey, maybe yours won’t.

This is hands-down the easiest way to make a Jacob’s Ladder, period. All you need is an old TV and a death wish.

The actual tutorial in the video is quite subtle, so here’s a written explanation of exactly what we did:

Instructions:

  1. Take apart a CRT TV. Be careful! They can implode if you crack the glass.
  2. Rip the circuit board out. This will probably require cutting a few wires.
  3. Plug it into the wall, and turn it on. You should hear a high-pitched noise. This is the part where you be EXTREMELY careful.
  4. Two of the biggest (usually red) wires will arc up to a few centimeters. These are the wires you want. Don’t get your bare skin near them. Keep your left hand behind your back at all times.
  5. Hook the two arcing wires up to a pair of metal rods that are in a long V-shape. Voila! That’s all there is to it.

You might have to initiate the spark by putting something metal between the two wires at the bottom.

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME. A SINGLE MISTAKE WILL KILL YOU. The electricity is powerful enough to instantly kill you. Would not recommend.