How to Make Electromagnet with AC Power

How to build an AC electromagnet

Things You'll Need

• Wire cutter 28-gauge insulated wire, cut into 24-inch-long strips 3-inch-long iron or steel bolt 24-inch-long 22-gauge insulated wire strip transformer 2 to 3 alligator clips or tape 20 paper clips and other magnetic objects Scissors to strip the wire

Instructions

Creating the Magnet

1. Tightly wrap the wire evenly in a coil around the bolt, leaving 3 or 4 inches of wire loose at each end.

2. Attach one end of the transformer to one end of the coil, attach the other end of the transformer to the other lead.

3. Try picking up the paper clips or other metal objects.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use most gauges of wire.

• Make sure to use 28 gauge to make the coil smaller. The lower the number the thicker the wire.