Mixing water with electricity is risky, and can be lethal. However, in this project we’re using it to make one of the cheapest kinds of power controller. The Scariac.

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Music By: Jason Shaw (RP-DirtRoadTraveller)
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Project Inspired By:

http://www.youtube.com/user/acronus in the video http://youtu.be/GLBZjAd4wKg

WARNING:

This project is extremely dangerous and should only be attempted by those highly skilled in working with electricity. High voltages and high currents passing through the water provide an open hazard of electricution, and may cause death. This design does not include any electrical ground. This system is not recommended as a safe device. It’s purpose, rather, is to regulate electrical current in a simple and low cost way. Toxic gases may be released from the solution during operation. This project should not be attempted without adult supervision and adequate training. Misuse, or careless use, of tools or projects may result in serious injury. Use of this video content is at your own risk.

Project History & More Info:

I needed a way to adjust the power running to my homemade stick welding system, but had a lot of trouble finding a system that could vary electrical current without costing an arm and a leg. In a tight situation, it’s good to be aware of options, and that’s why I was happy to learn about the idea of the water resistor.

The Scariac is a name I got from www.youtube.com/user/acronus and duplicated with permission. It’s a fitting name since the system acts similar to a Variac. The idea is to use a water based medium as an electrolytic resistor. A bit of electrolyte is added to the solution to make it slightly conductive, and when two electrodes are placed in the solution, the allow more or less current to flow, depending on whether there are closer or further apart.

Although I’ve taken thought to minimize risks in operation, I have to stress that I don’t consider this device safe or fool proof. It has the potential to be lethal, and even though I show step-by-step how it was made, this is more of a “How I did” project rather than a “How to”.