How to Make an Electromagnetic Magnet

Standard copper wiring is necessary for your homemade electromagnet.

An electromagnet is a magnet created through the use of electrical current. All electrical currents create a magnetic field, but they are usually too small to notice. However, with some knowledge of electricity, you can create an efficient electromagnet at home with standard household materials--and all in under 10 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• 6-inch iron nail
• 22-gauge insulated, stranded copper wire
• D-cell battery
• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Wrap your copper wire around your iron nail. Leave 6 inches of one end of the wire dangling off the end of the nail. When wrapping, create tight spirals with no gaps between the wire. Wrap the wire all the way to the top of the nail.

2. Wrap a layer of electrical tape around the outside of the copper wiring. Wrap the tape completely around the wire, sheathing it.

3. Wrap a second layer of wire down the length of the nail, over the tape, beginning from the top. Keep it as tight and taut as the first layer. This second layer is not necessary, but it makes for a stronger magnet.

4. Leave 6 inches of exposed wire hanging off of the end of the nail after you've finished your second layer of wire wrapping. This second strand of wire should be hanging close to the first wire.

5. Use your wire strippers to strip 1 to 2 inches of insulation from each of the wire ends hanging off of the nail.

6. Tape one exposed wire end to the positive terminal of your D-cell battery with electrical tape.

7. Tape the other exposed wire end to the negative terminal of your battery. Once the circuit is complete and closed, a magnetic force will be created around the iron core as a current flows through the wires.

Tips & Warnings

• To add strength to your magnet, simply add more batteries to your circuit. Connect the positive terminal of battery A to the wire from the nail. Connect the negative terminal from battery A to the positive terminal of battery B. and connect the negative terminal of battery B to the other end of wire from the iron nail (use this schematic to add more and more batteries)

• Wrap the nail a third or fourth time for a more powerful magnet.

• Adding more batteries or more wire will make your magnet stronger, but it also increases the risk of fires and short circuits. Always be aware of safety precautions, such as doing this outside and near a fire extinguisher. Always wear gloves and eye protection.

References

• Jefferson Lab: How do I make an electromagnet?