Filters.
A Tesla
coil is really cool but it does have some nasty side effects like EMI
interference. Generally one is prompted to use some sort of
filter to prevent high frequency energy from getting into your breaker
box (this is why we use an RF ground). some people like to put
filters o the high voltage side of their step up transformer, these are
made of chokes, (inductors) capacitors, resisters, and other
devices. the purpose of these is to remove the High frequency
stuff and allow 60Hz stuff to pass. I do not advocate chokes in
any form, as they create their own EMI which can be as bad or worse
than the coils output. Some people use what is called a Terry
filter, this uses resisters and capacitors and MOVs (metal oxide
Varisters, basically, resisters with a breakdown voltage) and they can
extend the life of your NST or such transformer. My personal
experience has been that filters on the HV side do more harm than good
(of course I did not use a Terry filter). I now use low voltage
EMI filters on the voltage in. They are self contained units,
specially designed to filter out all of the bad stuff. So far
they work great, and do not put extra load on my power supply.
Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure, well, check back soon
anyway.