[buffaloguy]

“If you add a bit of amperage to the voltage you can electrically set off black powder easily.”

How much would you step amperage? The test I saw had a ovlt rating but no amperage. The tool used to generate the static electricity is used to test neon lights for leaks and it look impressive as heck.

[marktwain]

I used the glow plugs that are designed for model airplane engines. So, you could state that the electricity heated the glow plug element, and that is what set off the black powder.

The current from 4 AA batteries was plenty and was quite reliable, until the corrosion from the black powder weakened the glow plug.

Ignition occurred in some fraction of a second. I would guess maybe .25 to .5 seconds.