120V Model

Steve,

The Electronic Goldmine link is to the 120V model and not the low voltage model that was referenced in MRH not long ago.

Hate to see you buy the wrong model.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry,

I totally blew it!!!  I knew I should have had that nap today.  Still a good price for those that  what the 120v

 I'll call in the morning and see if the 12v is available

Steve

Given the choice, I prefer the low voltage model

I'd pay more for the low voltage model of ION Generator - it helps me sleep better at night. While you can make a 120V model safe, it takes a lot more care to make sure you aren't exposing high voltage wiring somewhere.

Put another way, is making a dangerous shock virtually impossible to get worth another $10? Sounds like a bargain to me ...

Joe is correct - NO 120 volt model!

Yes, a 120 volt model can be used; however, I don't recommend it.  I've worked with electricity for over 35 years (electrician's helper, alarm installer, overhead crane repair man, etc.) and I can tell you that when I built my static applicator I wouldn't even consider anything that could be deadly.

As Murphy says:  "The chance of being shocked increased proportionally to the voltage".  I've been shocked by 110 VAC, 240 VAC, and 600 VAC and I can tell you that 110/120 volts is the most dangerous.

Spend the money & get a low voltage unit!

Rick

ION Generators

Steve, unless they have changed things recently, Electronic Goldmine only sells the 120 Volt AC module.  I have purchased the 120V for as little as $3.95 from the Goldmine in the past but $7.95 is not bad either.

I built the 120 volt, a 12 volt and a fly swatter and I kept the 120 volt because it works the best out of the three.  I have been working with electricity and electronics for more than 35 years now, both privately and professionally.  I know I am qualified to build the 120 volt applicator without any danger to myself or others using it.  If you (or anyone else) can't say the same, and are not willing to take responsibility for your own actions, don't mess with the 120 volt stuff at all.

If you are experienced working with AC line voltage (household AC power) and have the knowledge, tools, supplies and skills to make proper, safely insulated connections, employ stress relief on the power cord and will ensure these connections are housed within a non-conducting or solidly grounded enclosure, then you might want to build a 120v applicator.  Otherwise, spend the extra cash and buy the 12 volt version.  The extra cash buys piece of mind.

This is an erroneous statement Rick.  Since it is the amperage associated with the voltage that kills, to say that 110/120 is more dangerous than 600V is misleading at best.

600 volt AC installations typically involve enough amperage to blow you across the room and blow a few pieces off in the process if you're really unlucky.

The truth is that any voltage AC or DC with a current of more than about half an Amp can be deadly under perfect circumstances.  I too have taken hits from 120 but I have yet to be zapped by both legs of a 240 circuit, however the hole I blasted in the cutters on my linemans pliers when I cut a 240 line (that I was told was dead - always check for yourself!) was proof enough that I didn't want to be hit with 240 volts!  As for taking a hit from 600 volts, I don't have that many lives!  I have seen pictures of the damage done to a guys leg by the current associated with 600 volt systems.  It's not pretty.

You are correct, Kevin

Kevin,

You are correct in that my statement:

"I've been shocked by 110 VAC, 240 VAC, and 600 VAC and I can tell you that 110/120 volts is the most dangerous".

  was erroneous.  It certainly has to do with amps.  What I should have said was that 110 VAC with enough amps can cause an involuntary clamp down of the hand onto the offending current and thus leading to more current passing through the body for a longer time than with higher voltage (no scientific proof).  I have seen a maintenance man only yards away from me electrocuted by 110 VAC (he died even with CPR).  However, as you've said with 600 volt it can"blow you across the room and blow a few pieces off in the process if you're really unlucky."  I've experienced that type of shock - someone broke my lock off of the breaker panel and turned on the circuit and it did indeed blow me away from the source. 

What I should have said is that I would rather be blown away from the source than have my hand clamp onto the source and be killed.  The important point here is caution.

Rick

Right you are, Rick!

This is actually a great point to make note of when talking about electrical safety.  Lots of people think they'll "just let go" in the event they are shocked... wrong!  It should be noted too that higher voltages and current levels can have the same effect.  You were very fortunate to be blown clear of the circuit when you took the 600V hit.  You could have been "stuck" there.  Curtis Weber knows what it is like to be hit with 14,400 Volts.  He took THREE HITS before being knocked clear, as the line OCR tried to clear the short on the high tension line that accidentally contacted the grain bin he was helping to install.  Curtis now works for Workers Compensation here in Saskatchewan.  He hopes that by telling his story he can save someone else from having to endure what he had to.

Note:  If you go check out the link, be warned it is a harrowing story and may be upsetting.

I agree, caution when working with electricity is key.  It's like the rule that applies to firearms, "treat every gun as though it is loaded".  Treat electricity with the same sort of respect.

Always check

I was working on a customers house one time and was removing the Range outlet. I didn't check for voltage as

I had shut the Main breaker off. As I was working the screw driver crossed the 110v to ground. Blew a hole almost through the width of the shank. I was blinded by the light for a second but other then that was OK. Turned out that the range power was hooked into the neighbors main. Someone was stealing power and the home owner said they didnt know anything about it. They were new owners of the house. So now I always check for voltage and never work on live lines either. It wasn't uncommon to get a poke off 110 15/20amp outlets but now I don't take the chance. I was in an emergency room once when they wheeled a guy in who blew his toe off from 220v. As I was watching he went into cardiac arrest and died.

Be Safe, understand electricity before working with it. Remember, as little as 1/2 amp can kill you.

Rob Teed

DC ION Genetrator

Does any one know of current source in the US for a dc ion generator they are discontinued at  Goldmine

US Source for DC ion generator

Unless things have changed, MRH's parent company, Model-Trains-Video.com sells the DC module for $25 including shipping.  Order from the page linked below.

http://model-trains-video.com/MTV-0011.php