Bug zapper Q

[grom]

I am planning to make a bug zapper circuit using a voltage multplier circuit to yield an output of 1800 V DC. Any idea/experience about what would be the max spark length? And how would I be able to maximise it?

 

[duke37]

I use a rough estimate of 3mm/kV when testing electric fencers.

 

[grom]

pitiful... but i guess it'll suffice for mosquitoes... The same voltage multiplier, If i reverse the diodes and acheive a negative potential (on a separate circuit) and then bring together the terminals of both the ckts, the spark length doubles right? Will the spark generated cause any problems to the circuit components of the two circuits? I am building one with 8 cap-diode stages with a 230V AC supply. The voltages across the caps can be calculated to be around 2*230V DCish.

 

[duke37]

I misquoted, Wikipedia 'dielectric field strength of air' = 3MV/m
or
3kV/mm

If you are connecting to the mains you could be in danger.