Discharge Sphere
Product Code : LSK-PL-10284
Discharge Sphere (SKU LSK-PL-10284) is an earthed stainless steel sphere on a rod, used in electrostatics lessons to draw sparks of up to 10 cm from a Van de Graaff generator and to discharge its dome at the end of a demonstration. Manufactured by Science Lab Supplies at Plot 448, HSIIDC Industrial Area, Saha, Ambala, India, it goes directly to schools, colleges, tender contractors and distributors.
Specifications
The apparatus is a polished stainless steel sphere, 10 cm in diameter, fixed to a 41 cm stainless steel rod. A 4 mm hole in the base of the rod takes a connection to the earth socket on the Van de Graaff generator, so the sphere shares the generator's earth.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | LSK-PL-10284 |
| Sphere | Polished stainless steel, 10 cm diameter |
| Rod | Stainless steel, 41 cm long |
| Earth connection | 4 mm hole in rod base, to Van de Graaff earth socket |
| Spark length | Up to 10 cm |
| Retort base | Not included |
| Manufacturer | Science Lab Supplies, Saha, Ambala, Haryana |
| Country of origin | India |
Applications and Experiments for the Discharge Sphere
With the sphere connected to the generator's earth socket and brought towards the charged dome, students see sparks jump a gap of up to 10 cm. It is used in electrostatics demonstrations on charge, potential difference and electric discharge in secondary school and introductory college physics.
- Class 12 physics: electrostatic potential and breakdown of air.
- Lightning explained as a discharge between charged bodies.
- Discharging the Van de Graaff dome between runs.
Safety: the sparks come from a high-voltage generator. Demonstrate under teacher supervision and keep students, and anyone with a medical implant, back from the dome.
Standard Scope of Supply
Each Discharge Sphere comprises the 10 cm polished stainless steel sphere mounted on its 41 cm stainless steel rod, with the 4 mm earth-connection hole in the base. A retort base is not included; the Retort Base in the same range is listed as a stand for it.
Packing, MOQ and Lead Time
A quotation can be made for one sphere or for every Van de Graaff generator in a school, and it sets out packing, delivery time and price for that quantity. The generator and a retort base can go on the same quotation.
As a registered exporter with an Importer-Exporter Code, Science Lab Supplies can ship to buyers in Nepal, Bangladesh, Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa and Qatar. The business is registered under Udyam as a manufacturing enterprise (UDYAM-HR-01-0014546) and for GST (GSTIN 06ADEPJ0574F2ZU). Enquire on the contact page or enquiry cart, or see the lab tender page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the sparks?
Used with a Van de Graaff generator, the sphere draws sparks of up to 10 cm. The length reached depends on the generator and on room conditions such as humidity.
Is a stand included?
No. The 41 cm rod needs a stand; the Retort Base in the same range is listed as a stand for the discharge sphere and can be quoted with it.
Is Science Lab Supplies the manufacturer or a trader?
Science Lab Supplies, a science apparatus manufacturer in India, makes the sphere in its Saha, Ambala factory. Because the quotation comes from the manufacturer, questions on the build or quantity are answered by the people who make it.
How is it connected to the generator?
A lead runs from the 4 mm hole in the rod base to the generator's earth socket, and the sphere is then brought towards the charged dome.
Related Electrostatics Equipment
The discharge sphere is an accessory that works with a Van de Graaff generator and needs a base to stand on. The four items below complete an electrostatics demonstration set and can be listed on one quotation for a school or college physics laboratory.
- Van De Graaff Generator — belt-driven generator with a 4 mm socket in the base.
- Retort Base — tripod base with rod clamp for rods up to 10 mm.
- Retort Squat Base — stump-shaped cast iron base for 10 mm rods.
- Wimshurst Machine — hand-driven machine giving sparks up to 50 mm.
Browse the full Physics Lab range or all physics lab equipment.
Last updated: 25 September 2026
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