How to make DIY high voltage capacitors. I start by showing a few different high voltage capacitors I've made over the years followed by an explanation of how denser electric field causes breakdown of the capacitor dielectric/insulator. I then show what the voltage rating on commercial capacitors means. I next show how to find breakdown voltage, also known at dielectric strength, online and use it in calculations for how thick your dielectric should be. That's followed by a breakdown voltage test with a homemade high voltage power supply, an analog volt meter and an ammeter. I then show how the shape of capacitor plates influences breakdown voltage, as well as the effect thin plates has on ionizing air. That leads to using corona dope, resin or wax to insulate the capacitor plates. In the final breakdown voltage demonstrations I show the use of current limiting resistors and lastly how standard breakdown voltage tests are done.

Also watch "How to Make Capacitors - Low Voltage Homemade/DIY Capacitors" video,
http://youtu.be/GveI9gXIsHw

To make higher capacitance capacitors, for around 62 microfarads see my "How to Make an Electrolytic Capacitor" video here:
http://youtu.be/ml2TdQ2_2mk

And for even higher capacitance, 580 microfarads, see my "How to Make a High Capacitance Electrolytic Capacitor" video here:
http://youtu.be/lmVVdV8wuB0

The webpage with details on how I make high voltage connectors,
http://rimstar.org/equip/hvwiring.htm

Details of how I made my homemade high voltage power supply for up to 30kV are here:
http://rimstar.org/equip/30kv_pwr_supply.htm

Here's a link to the Super Corona Dope I use in this video:
http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/protective-coatings/insulating/super-corona-dope-4226/

Other high voltage sources...

For a Wimshurst machine see:
http://youtu.be/puC6-UaT9Fk (how to make one)
http://rimstar.org/equip/wimshurst_27cm.htm (a commercially bought one)

For a Van de Graaff generator:
http://youtu.be/fsT69XnjxgU (how to make one)
http://rimstar.org/equip/build_make_van_de_graaff.htm (more how to make)

For a high power high voltage one, up to 75kV:
http://rimstar.org/equip/hvg10.htm

3D capacitor animation done using Blender 2.63.

To follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/RimStarz

http://rimstar.org