Strange problem

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <CoilerBob-at-aol-dot-com>

Hi All,

I am new to this group and was told that you might be able to help me.  I 
have built a moderate sized Tesla coil (sparks about 24 inches long) and have 
run into a strange problem.  I turned on the coil and it threw a circuit 
breaker.  The problem is that the breaker is not for the circuit that the 
Tesla coil is on.  The coil continued to operate after the breaker opened.  I 
can see how the device could draw enough power to pop the breaker for the 
circuit it is using, but can't figure out how it could have an impact on 
another circuit.  I know that the coil can light a fluorescent bulb at a 
distance, but I did not think that a Tesla coil could broadcast enough power 
to overload a breaker.  I am afraid to turn the coil back on until I find out 
what the problem is.  Is this a common occurance?  Or is there something very 
strange and very wrong with my wiring?  Any help or suggestions would be 
greatly appreciated.

Bob