Fueless lighter ...

Mar 26, 2023 Last reply: 3 years ago 6 Replies

One of our habits is incense sticks.



A few months ago, on an Amazon splurge, I saw a USB charged fueless lighter with a bendy neck for lighting candles in jars.



Just putting it on charge, I found myself wondering how exactly it works. Clearly some HV is around. But no transformer.



It vaguely reminds me of the "neon lighter" used on Mythbusters to provide an guaranteed electrical fire.


This kind of thing?

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Tim

You used to be able to get piezo devices that produced sparks, but surely to light a candle you need a naked flame. Brian

The one in the video has a transformer.

John

No, these beasts fire a **** off powerful arc between two contacts that will ignite a wick, paper, or incense stick.

It's like the HF arc starter on a TIG welder. A brief high voltage initiates a plasma path between the electrodes; it then only needs a few tens of volts at a few kHz to maintain the arc.

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