. The transformer is about 1950 VRMS, and I have a big HV 10 k? resistor in series with the secondary winding. I know many people think MOTs are unsuitable for ladders because of the lower voltage, but I think they're great.
Sure, if it's a design requirement that accidental contact with the ladder electrodes on display should result in a 90% probability of death.
I strongly recommend you don't use a MOT.
Many years ago I wasn't paying attention and I got shocked my a MOT. It was a wonder that I didn't die, but I was in the hospital for a week. I haven't touched another one since.
I'm sorry to be such a downer, but these things are literal deathtraps and will kill you in a moments notice. 2kv @ 1/2 isn't cool, it's scary.
While I do agree that mot's are incredibly dangerous and can kill you. I still think that you can use one,
as long as you know and follow proper safety procedures, as with any high voltage at lethal levels. I have personally used a mot for a jacobs ladder project, and I never even think about plugging it in without a second person standing by on a kill switch. I also use a 6ft chicken stick if I need to adjust anything while its running, or bridge the gap to create an ark. Also, NO other person is allowed to come within 10-15ft of anything while running at high voltage, or I press my kill switch.
Finally I physically disconnect the mot from my kill switch and the mot from the ladder, before anyone, including me, approaches the ladder without using a safety stick.
All that being said, mot's are still very dangerous, and I, like 6E5, would advise that you don't use one, unless you have the needed knowledge to not kill yourself.
If you don't have the needed knowledge, or even have
any doubts at all about your ability to remain safe, you can curb your high voltage cravings by watching a bit of photonicinduction