TitleInduction coilAbout this objectAlso known as a Ruhmkorff coil or electromagnetic induction coil, this device is a type of transformer designed to generate high-voltage pulses from low-voltage direct current source. It consists of two insulated coils – an inner or primary coil with fewer turns of copper wire, and a surrounding secondary coil with more turns, both wound around the central cylindrical core. A vibrating mechanical contact called an interrupter rapidly makes and breaks the current in the primary coil; the current magnetises the iron core, producing a large magnetic field throughout the induction coil.
A rare remnant from the early industrialisation period of electricity, induction coils like this were widely used in x-ray machines, early wireless (spark-gap) radio transmitters, arc lighting, and experimental medical electrotherapy devices from the 1880s to the 1920s. Object No.99.72Inscriptions & marks‘150’ engraved in several places on the wooden base; ‘S1/S1/P/P/S2/S2’ engraved next to each screw; a trapezium-shaped symbol with ‘K’ and the number ‘5010C’ engraved on the underside. DimensionsH: 75mm
W: 150mm
D: 175mmSourceLa Perouse MuseumOn displayYesTypeMuseum objectsOrganisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)ThemesScience and communication
