Ask an Expert: Making a spark from a piezoelectric fire starter travel between two metal spheres

[36b8604395cd4148bb2fd8e297675556]

What do I use as electrodes? Do I take apart the fire starter? How do I connect the electrodes to a lighter? I am confused. I would very much appreciate any help.

[norman40]

Hi,

I'm assuming that you're working on the project described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... mp#summary

The recommended piezoelectric barbecue fire starter has a red wire from the trigger button to the electrode and a black wire from the trigger to the ground post. The following link has pictures of the assembled device and components:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Char-Broil-Pie ... lsrc=aw.ds

You'll need to take the electrode out of the metal structure. Disconnect the ground wire from the metal structure as well. Leave the red and black wires connected to the trigger. At this point you can arrange the wires and trigger as shown in figure 3 of the project procedure.

I hope this helps and good luck with your project. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman