Wimshurst Influence Machine
Product Code : SCL-PL-12310
Wimshurst Influence Machine (SKU SCL-PL-12310) is an electrostatic generator that uses electrostatic induction to separate charges continuously and collect them on opposite electrodes, producing high-voltage sparks for classroom demonstrations. Physics teachers use it for electrostatics lessons in secondary school and college. Manufactured by Science Lab Supplies on its shop floor at Plot 448, HSIIDC Industrial Area, Saha, Ambala, India, the machine is sold directly to schools, colleges, tender contractors and distributors.
Specifications
The machine has two counter-rotating insulated discs carrying metal sectors, with neutralising brushes, and two Leyden jars (the cylindrical tubes) that store the high-voltage charge. The discs are 31 cm in diameter and the rated potential is 75,000 V, so it must be treated as high-voltage apparatus.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | SCL-PL-12310 |
| Principle | Electrostatic induction (influence machine) |
| Discs | Two counter-rotating insulated discs with metal sectors, 31 cm diameter |
| Charge storage | Two Leyden jars |
| Potential | 75,000 V |
| Short-circuit current | 7 mA |
| Spark length | 2 cm |
| Spark gap in dry air | 75 mm |
| Manufacturer | Science Lab Supplies, Saha, Ambala, Haryana |
| Country of origin | India |
Applications and Experiments for the Wimshurst Influence Machine
Turning the discs builds up opposite charges on the two electrodes until a spark jumps the gap, giving a vivid picture of charge separation, capacitance and discharge. The machine is a standard piece of school physics lab equipment in India for electrostatics and pairs well with discharge spheres and charge-distribution apparatus.
- CBSE/NCERT Class 12 physics (electric charges and fields; capacitance): charging by induction and the role of the Leyden jar as a capacitor.
- Class 8–10 science: static electricity, sparks and the idea of lightning.
- B.Sc. electrostatics demonstrations: dielectric breakdown of air across a spark gap.
Electrostatic demonstrations are more reliable in dry air, which is why the spark gap is quoted for dry air.
Standard Scope of Supply
The machine is supplied as a single unit with its two insulated discs, neutralising brushes, two Leyden jars and spark electrodes as described above; any optional accessories are listed on the quotation.
Packing, MOQ and Lead Time
A quotation can be requested for one machine for a demonstration lab or for several institutions at once, and it states the packing, delivery time and price for that quantity. Other electrostatics apparatus can be added to the same enquiry.
Science Lab Supplies is registered as an exporter with an Importer-Exporter Code, so it can ship to buyers in Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Reach us through the contact page or the enquiry cart; for institutional buying, the lab tender page explains the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wimshurst machine dangerous?
It produces a potential of 75,000 V and the Leyden jars store charge after turning stops. Demonstrations should be run by a teacher, the electrodes discharged before touching, and anyone with an implanted medical device kept away.
What spark does it produce?
The listed spark length is 2 cm and the spark gap in dry air is 75 mm, with a short-circuit current of 7 mA.
Is Science Lab Supplies the manufacturer or a trader?
Manufacturer. As a science apparatus manufacturer in India, Science Lab Supplies builds the Wimshurst machine in its factory at Saha, Ambala, and buyers deal with the maker directly for quotations.
Which classes use it?
It supports electrostatics demonstrations from middle-school static electricity up to Class 12 charges and capacitance, and college demonstrations of spark discharge.
Related Electrostatics Apparatus
These Physics Lab items belong to the same electrostatics topic: a second generator type, a discharge sphere and charge-distribution apparatus, so a teacher can build a complete demonstration set and order it on one quotation.
- Wimshurst Machine — another Wimshurst model in the range.
- Van De Graaff Generator — a belt-type electrostatic generator.
- Discharge Sphere — 10 cm stainless steel sphere on a rod for discharging a Van de Graaff generator.
- Apparatus for Distributing Electric Charges — for charge-distribution experiments.
Browse the full Physics Lab range or all physics lab equipment.
Last updated: 25 September 2026
