ETS-Lindgren 6404 Helmholtz Coil - Manual (Page 18)

18 | Operation
Limit the weight of the equipment placed on the table to the coil specifications in
the chart that follows. Center the EUTs mass over the center of the base. Do not
lubricate the support column, but keep the column clean by periodically cleaning
with a clean, damp cloth.
Model Weight Limit
6402 18 kg (40lb)
6402M 4.5 kg (10lb)
6403 18 kg (40 lb)
6404 34 kg (75 lb)
6406 34 kg (75 lb)
6406S
Split base, no
table
6408 34 kg (75 lb)
With the exception of the wire, connectors and casters (if equipped) the entire
coil structure is made of non-conductive, non-magnetic materials. Handle the
structure carefully at all times, taking precautions to avoid subjecting it to thermal
or mechanical shock.
Adding Power to the Helmholtz Coil
When connecting the AC or DC current source for driving the Helmholtz coil
magnetic field generator coil, be sure the connecting leads are of sufficiently
heavy gauge to handle the required current. For example, AWG 10 wire is
required for 20 amperes, based on a rule of thumb of 500 circular mils per
ampere. Also be certain that there is good mechanical bonding between
connecting leads to both the current source and the Helmholtz coil input
connector.
The coils are wound with #10 AWG copper wire so that they may be driven with
20 amperes continuously for generating magnetic fields up to 10 gauss. Lower
intensity fields may be generated by using a calibrated current supply or by
monitoring the voltage across a series resistor. The Models 6402M, 6406S and
certain custom coils are not wound with #10 AWG, therefore power should be
applied to correlate with the wire gauge.