Tesla machine — the high-frequency apparatus.
A tesla machine is a high-frequency apparatus built on Nikola Tesla's resonance principles. Below: what it is, how it works, its history, and how we restore original units.
What is a tesla machine?
The machine converts ordinary low voltage into high-frequency high voltage through a hand-wound resonance coil. The current is led out through a sealed glass electrode where the rarefied gas glows in a violet plasma arc.
Because the frequency is so high, the current travels along the surface instead of through the body — the effect is visual and audible rather than forceful.
How the apparatus works
- 01Low voltage feeds the primary coil via interrupter or oscillator
- 02The secondary coil steps up the voltage through resonance
- 03High-frequency current ionises the gas in the glass electrode
- 04A violet plasma glow appears at the electrode tip
History of the tesla machine
From the turn of the century to the 1950s these machines were built across Europe, many in Germany, and were known for extraordinary quality. Hand-wound copper coils, solid wood cases, thick glass electrodes and brass hardware — built to last for centuries.
Restored originals
Every machine we present is a genuine period original, fully restored to working condition and delivered with a one-year warranty on the terms accompanying the manual. Support and help are included.
See a tesla machine in Stockholm
We hold private, appointment-based sessions in the Stockholm area. Each session is 20 minutes total and includes a brief walkthrough of the machine. Calm and informal.
Sessions in Stockholm →Common questions
- What is a tesla machine?
- A high-frequency apparatus based on Nikola Tesla's principles: a resonance coil converting low voltage to high-frequency high voltage, discharged through a glass electrode that glows violet.
- How does a tesla machine work?
- An interrupter or oscillator feeds the primary coil, the secondary steps up the voltage, and the high-frequency current ionises the gas inside the glass electrode.
- When were the original machines made?
- Most originals were built between 1900 and the 1950s, many in Germany, known for hand-wound copper coils, solid wood cases, thick glass and brass hardware.
- Where can I see one in operation?
- We show restored originals at private sessions in the Stockholm area. Each session is 20 minutes total and includes a brief walkthrough of the machine, by arrangement.
- Is a tesla machine a medical device?
- No. We are not a healthcare provider. The machines are historical collector's items and experimental kits, used at your own risk.
Membership & machines
Restored original machines are offered to members of the club. Contact us for details.
View membership →Private association. Not a healthcare provider. The machines are historical collector's items and experimental kits for educational and recreational purposes, used at your own risk.