Our Jacob's Ladder is available in two configurations as shown.

The kit when purchased as a science project kit is built in an open configuration where the ladder elements are exposed and the electronics are located beneath a clear plexiglas deck allowing visual exposure of all parts.

The finished unit intended for museums and similar displays is fully enclosed with the traveling plasma arc inside of a clear plastic shroud. The base of the unit houses all the electronics with the controls being on the front panel. The base of the unit is a plastic enclosure

An internal fan supplies a slight over atmosphere pressure at the bottom starting point of the arc ladder to prevent any arc hangup from forming.

Both units produce a traveling wave of plasma that starts at the base of the ladder electrode elements, rises and widens as it ascends and evaporates into space. The vertical travel distance of the arc is about 16" and reaches a width of 2-3 inches as it extinguishes. It then repeats and continues traveling up the ladder, evaporating and restarting.

Both units allow varying the arc texture by a simple control that also is the main power switch. Texture can be a thin wispy like spark to a heavy hot energetic plasma arc.

Another Info Unlimited first! We are the only ones who currently make this Jacob's Ladder, which is not a typical Jacob's ladder -- instead of a thin and wispy spark, this Jacob's Ladder outputs a wide, soft, and quiet plasma flame. It can be left running indefinitely and the noise is barely noticed. Also, a normal Jacob's ladder uses dangerous transformers which are potentially lethal if the output is touched while running. But this plasma arc Jacob's Ladder is inherently safe -- none of the electronics, the transformer, or the ladder are lethal (they may cause a burn if touched when running, but they are not lethal). These inherent safety features are a marked improvement over a standard Jacob's Ladder.

The spectacular display of a plasma arc, softly dancing as it moves up the metal rails, is sure to fascinate and amaze all those who watch it. A traveling wave of plasma is produced that starts at the base of the ladder electrode elements, rising and widening as it ascends and evaporates into space. The arc can reach a linear width of over 6 inches, but it's curved length can be well over a 8-10 inches. It then repeats and continues traveling up the ladder, evaporating and restarting.

The metal "ladder" itself runs about 6 feet high, with the device having an overall height of about 7 feet. Includes remote pushbutton starting, timer option (variable up to 15 minutes, or turn off timer for continuous operation), and active air cooling making it suitable for 24/7 operation. May be wired for 115 or 220VAC at customer's request. The outer dimensions of the protective tower enclosure are  8" Dia but can be built to a different size if you have special requirements (feel free to send us a drawing if you would like a different design).

The base of the unit is formed from sheet aluminum and houses all the electronics with the controls being on the front panel or the back. An internal fan supplies a slight over atmosphere pressure at the top of the tower to keep the ladder cool, and also eliminates arc hangup from occuring.

The "Plasma Audio Arc" produces loud and clear sounds through an electrical arc.

Unit includes arc intensity and volume control and operates from 115 VAC wall power. Arc is not electrically dangerous but can cause burns if contacted. It is an excellent project for the more advanced experimenter who desires to build and demonstrate an amazing and winning science project.

Simply connect to the headphone/output jack of any small radio and the sound will be created by the electrical arc in the special included acoustical chamber. There is no conventional speaker involved; the sound is created by the oscillating electric spark, which in turn vibrates the surrounding air to create sound. It's a truly magical experience to see and hear music (or any sound you put through this device) created by pure electricity.

This project will fascinate those who just do not believe that the electrical arc is actually producing this clear and crisp tone, or frustrate them as they try to explain where it's coming from!