Homemade Ozone Generator: Build your Own Ozone Generator

Ozone (O₃) is present in the stratospheric layer of the Earth's atmosphere. It is a colorless gas and is corrosive in nature. The ozone layer protects the Earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. The ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer, various eye diseases, etc., but the ozone in the Earth's atmosphere also gives rise to various health complications like respiratory disorders. Studies have suggested, "every 1% depletion of the ozone layer, increases the exposure of the Earth to ultraviolet rays by 2%". Therefore, many countries have come together and agreed to the Montreal Protocol. This protocol talks about reducing the usage or making of chemicals, which cause harm to the ozone layer. It is seen that a number of people have taken to generating ozone at home to address the ozone depletion issue. Other than the environmental issues, ozone may also be generated at home to combat certain bacteria, mildew and fungus growing in different parts of the house, which are often responsible for odor.

Whatever be the reason, one wants to build an ozone generator at home, there are various methods, which can used to build your own ozone generator. Here, let us take a look at one of these simplest methods.

Material Required to Build an Ozone Generator

• Transformer with its power ranging from 3000 v to 7500 v. (the best place to look for one is at the neon sign dealer.)
• 2 glass jars (one small, one large. The small jar should fit well in the large jar. Glass from photo frames can also be used.)
• Copper, brass, aluminum scrap foil or used razor blades
• Wooden board, to mount the transformer
• Wires or cords
• Plug
• Glue gun of high temperature
• Alligator clips

How to Build Ozone Generator at Home

Step 1
Put the copper, brass or aluminum scrap that you have in the small glass jar. Care should be taken, that the base of the jar is completely covered with the foil. Similarly, foil the large jar as well. When you are using foil, then fold the foil multiple times and then place it, at the bottom of the jar.

Step 2
Place the small jar inside the big jar. Stick the two jars with glue. In case you do not have glue gun; be careful when you choose the jars, the small jar should fit into the large jar snugly. The large jar is used as an insulating agent.

Step 3
Place the jars on the wooden board. The transformer should also be placed next to the jars on the wooden board itself. The alligator clips should be attached to both end of the wires. Now plug the alligator clips to the end of the transformer lead. This should be followed by attaching the next clip to the aluminum foil inside the larger jar and the other clip should be attached to the foil in the smaller jar. In other words, one end of both the wires should be attached to the transformer, while the other ends should be inside large and small jar respectively. Care should be taken to ensure that the two wires that connect inside the larger and the smaller jar, do not come in contact with each other, as they may spark.

Step 4
Fasten the set up on the wooden board, so that the entire device is well insulated. If a wooden board is not available, any other insulator can also be used. The transformer can now be plugged in safely.

There are certain indicators, which can be of help, to know whether the homemade ozone generator is working as expected. The indicators are:

• When you plug the generator, there is a possibility of crackling noise from the generator. If there is indeed a crackling noise, then it means that the device is working properly.
• If the generator is placed in a dark room, a purple or a blue emission is seen from the jar. Then the ozone can be smelled immediately.
• In case a yellow glow is emitted, it's an indicator that the glass is broken. In that case you will have to replace the glass jar. For doing so unplug the transformer first and then replace the glass jar.

Ozone can also be used as a deodorizer. It is beneficial to humans, animals and plants alike. It can be used to kill bacteria in the house. But overexposure to ozone can be dangerous. Therefore, care should be taken to ensure one does not leave the ozone generator on, when one is hitting the sack. The ozone generator should not be used in humid areas, as its reaction with metals leads, in these areas, can lead to metal corrosion.