[Jordi Sod]

Jordi Sod  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hello,

I found this absolutely charming experiment, and would like to try it:
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/content/kitchenscience/garage-science/exp/the-gherkinator/

Nevertheless, I live in Mexico, where we use 110 V, as opposed to .  Would it still work, or do I need a transformer to increase the voltage, to the UK's 220 V?  As P = V2/R, I believe that the voltage difference may indeed be a problem.

Thank you for your help, and for your most wonderful site.  All the best,

Jordi Sod,
Mexico City.

What do you think?

[psikeyhackr]

You want to explode a pickle?!?!

I would suggest going with the 110.  If the effect is not sufficiently interesting then get the step up transformer.

Why not make an electric mouse trap?

Microprocessor controlled?

psik

[daveshorts]

I believe that it does work on 110V, as I think one of the early people to do it was somewhere in California (where else). To be honest I have only done it on 230V, but there is no reason it shouldn't work at a lower voltage, the sparks will just be a bit shorter.