My attempt at making Hydrogen / Browns Gas. Dont try this at home :D.

[Bulbz]

If I was to make an array of electrodes, will it increase the HHO production ?.

I also need to know, does using plain tap-water with more electrodes or higher power produce any toxic fumes ?.

[hansvonlieven]

If I was to make an array of electrodes, will it increase the HHO production ?.

I also need to know, does using plain tap-water with more electrodes or higher power produce any toxic fumes ?.

The larger the surface area of your electrodes the larger the potential HHO production. I say potential, because with large electrodes you need a lot more power.

Plain tap water should not generate toxic fumes, though it is not a good electrolyte, therefore HHO production is less than optimum.

Hans von Lieven

[Davetech]

I would guess that your twisted pair of wires burst into flame because the salt you added to the water made it so conductive that you were passing enough current to heat the wires and melt the insulation allowing the wires to short. When they shorted, there was a huge current draw from the lead-acid battery which probably turned the wires red hot and ignited the melted insulation.

Shorting a lead-acid battery may damage it and result in degraded performance.

When we are experimenting with this type of setup, we normally determine beforehand how much current we want to flow. Then, with an ammeter inserted in the circuit, we slowly add electrolyte to the water until we reach the desired current flow indicated on the ammeter. I concur with Hans' suggestions of better electrolytes than salt.

Since you appear to be new to this, I'll add a little warning. If you manage to construct a cell which puts out a lot of hydrogen and oxygen, which can easily be done with sufficient plate area and ample power supply, especially in a multi cell setup, make sure you have plenty of ventilation for the room. If the gas builds up and you have a short circuit like the one you have had, it can literally blow the room apart. If you happen to be in the room when it happens, it will not be good for your health to say the least. This can be dangerous stuff.

My two cents.

[Bulbz]

So I guess that doing it in my living room was a bad idea then ! 

Thanks Davetech, I will keep that in mind  .

[hoptoad]

The electrode is made from a 3 inch long piece of mild steel tubing, 3/4 inch inside bore, with a 10 mm threadded bar through the centre. The insulating pegs are made from balsa wood.........................

So I guess that doing it in my living room was a bad idea then ! 

Thanks Davetech, I will keep that in mind  .

In your living room ?!

P.S.
The green gunge is possibly Ferric or Ferrous Chloride produced by your steel electrode and salt