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RE: [TCML] Secondary and Primary Assistance

DC, I've heard you say over and over again to use only double-build magnet wire to ensure against turn-to-turn arcing.  I have always just used whatever wire was available.  I've unwound a reed relay for super-thin #38 wire for my smallest coil, purchased a 1 lb spool of vanilla #30 enamel wire for my mini coil, and found a spool of unremarkable #26 enamel wire at a ham fest for my 15/60 coil.  All of these will suffer racing sparks if I increase the coupling too far, so I don't do that, and have never had a problem.  If there were a turn-to-turn breakdown, I would guess that it would manifest itself differently than a racing spark problem, as it would not go away when the coupling is reduced, and it would likely exist only at that one point of insulation breakdown with an unmistakable burn.  But baring reports of crossed windings and embedded conductive flotsam within the PVC form, I just don't recall hearing reports of secondary insulation failure.

If all wire sources offered both single and double build flavors side by side at the same price, sure, why not use the double build.  But odds are that most of us get wire and other supplies from eBay, flea markets, ham fests, and other opportunistic sources with limited choices.  Suggesting that using anything but double-build wire is asking for trouble is unfounded.  Same for coating with Glyptol.  Oil-based polyurethane is just fine.

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA

> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
> Behalf Of DC Cox
> Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 2:32 PM
> To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [TCML] Secondary and Primary Assistance
>
> Mike:
>
> Be sure to get the double-build magnet wire.  It handles the higher turn to
> turn voltages better --- these potentials are much higher than an electric
> motor which usually uses single build wire.
>
> You can get the best price by ordering it direct from Fay Electric in
> Illinois.  Call 630-530-7500 and talk to Don Novak.  Tell him D.C. Cox sent
> you and he will take good care of you.
> Their wire is excellent quality for Tesla coil work.
>
> Dr. Resonance

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