Ruhmkorff coil
Quick Summary
The Ruhmkorff coil is a type of induction coil invented by Heinrich Daniel Ruhmkorff. This device is capable of producing high voltages and sparks exceeding 1 foot (30 cm) in length. It consists of a primary and a secondary coil wound around an iron core. When the current in the primary coil is interrupted, a high voltage is induced in the secondary coil. These coils were crucial for operating early electrical discharge tubes, such as Geissler and Crookes tubes, and were also used in detonating devices. The Ruhmkorff coil's design evolved into the modern alternating-current transformer.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
