How To Make An Electric Stimulator With Speaker Wires

An electrical stimulator can be useful in aiding understanding of the muscles in the human body. Such life-saving devices as the automatic electronic defibrillator (AED) operate on the principle of sending electronic impulses through a muscle–in this case, the human heart–to initiate movement. On a smaller, less grand scale, for science fair projects or hobbies, a simple electric stimulator can be constructed from speaker wire and a few other components readily available at a local hardware or electronics supply store.

Step 1

Split both ends of the speaker wire about 2 inches down each end so you have four separate ends.

Step 2

Strip approximately a half-inch of insulation from all four ends.

Step 3

Cut any connectors off the test probe leads.

Step 4

Strip a half-inch of insulation from the wires of the test probe leads.

Step 5

Strip a half-inch of insulation from the ends of the snap connector wires.

Step 6

Twist together the exposed ends of the test probe leads and the exposed ends of the speaker wires on one end and secure with electrical tape.

Step 7

Twist together the exposed ends of the snap connector wires and the exposed ends of the speaker wires on the other end and secure with electrical tape.

Step 8

Snap a 9-volt battery into the snap connector and test the stimulator by touching the ends of the probes together. You should see a small spark. If you do not see a spark, check all connections and retest the stimulator.