How to Build a Better Electrolysis Unit?

GeorgiaJay · Sep 5, 2008

I have gone through at least 8 AC/DC adapters cleaning coins and other items. I only have one 12v adapter left. It seems like electrolysis works really well, especially with higher voltages. I used a 10v and a 15v adapter combined, last night, to clean a very old coin. It was working great, but I let them get too hot and they both blew. There has got to be a way to make a better electrolysis kit. Maybe, if there was a fuse or something else to prevent the adapters from over heating. Any advice would be great! Thanks!

Rudy · Sep 5, 2008

Unquestionably a laboratory grade, adjustable, power supply with integral voltmeter, ammeter and adjustable current limit is the best choice ... and the most expensive. You can probably find a suitable one on eBay or Craig's list for a fraction of their "new" price.

Lacking that, an automotive battery charger can be had at Kragen or other large automotive store relatively cheap. If you go this way, I would add a high wattage current limiting resistor to the circuit.

Carol K · Sep 6, 2008

I can't figure out why your adapters are blowing, that seems strange.

Check out Vlad's instructions here:

Electrolysis Instructions

GeorgiaJay · Sep 6, 2008

Carol K said:
I can't figure out why your adapters are blowing, that seems strange.

Check out Vlad's instructions here:

Electrolysis Instructions

I dunno?

I have followed the directions to a "T". The only thing that I haven't been doing is using lemon juice, because I don't have any right now. The adapters usually get too hot after about 15 to 20 minutes. I have talked to other people and they have had the same problem. I will re-read the directions and make sure that I didn't miss anything. Also, thanks for the advice Rudy!

steve in so la · Sep 8, 2008

I use a motorcycle battery charger and it works well for me. Steve in so az

hobbes_lives · Sep 9, 2008

One way to help keep the adapter from burning up is to dilute the electrolyte that you are using. In other words, don't add so much salt, baking soda, or whatever you are adding to the water to form the electrolyte. This will reduce the conductivity of the solution, in turn reducing the current flow through the circuit. Also, if you are using tap water, it is best to start with distilled water, as it is less conductive and does not contain the impurities that tap water does.

Take note that as water evaporates, and the level decreases, the concentration of electrolyte will increase, and so will the current. Keep an eye on it. :shock:

BountyHunter · Sep 15, 2008

Rudy said:
Unquestionably a laboratory grade, adjustable, power supply with integral voltmeter, ammeter and adjustable current limit is the best choice ... and the most expensive. You can probably find a suitable one on eBay or Craig's list for a fraction of their "new" price.

Lacking that, an automotive battery charger can be had at Kragen or other large automotive store relatively cheap. If you go this way, I would add a high wattage current limiting resistor to the circuit.

Simplest current limiter is adding a resistor in series with one of your wire.

A 12Volt adapter with a 400ma maximum current rating will need a 30ohms resistor. This resistor will need to be a power resistor of 5watts rating the least. Voltage= current X Resistance and also Power(wattage)= Voltage X Current.

But like some previous poster suggested, a motorcycle battery charger should be fine also, because they usually are protected.

headhunter · Nov 18, 2008

i have had the same problem with mine,after about 10 minutes or so they just stop doing what they are supposed to be doing.hmm i dunno

How to Build a Better Electrolysis Unit?

GeorgiaJay

Rudy

Carol K

Co-owner

GeorgiaJay

steve in so la

hobbes_lives

BountyHunter

Elite Member

headhunter

Senior Member

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