Hipot Tester Question

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

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <tesla-at-ian-dot-org>

I just bought a used hipot tester that can put out 0 to 5kv.

It has two leads, a voltage adjust dial and a leak adjust dial.

I don't have a high voltage probe so I can't test the
output, bit it seems to work as I can put it at 5kV and
hear the 'sizzle' as they lay outdoors on concrete.  I
get a 1-2 inch spark when they get close, and then the
unit shuts down and begins a loud buzzing.  I assume this
is expected behavior?

My question is, can these be safely modified to put
out a steady current and not shut down with a short?
Even if the current is too small for a nice Jacobs
ladder, it seems useful for testing various high
voltage items.

I was told from the guy I bought it from it only puts
out a few milliamps and it's fun to shock your friends
with!  Seems to me this would be a terribly stupid
thing to do with a new unit, let along a used one in
unknown condition.  Needless to say, I don't plan on
inviting any friends over to try it on.

--
Ian Smith
www.ian-dot-org
www.sportsmogul-dot-com