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Robert ,

You can test the voltage crudely by the arc length.  The dielectric 
strength of dry air is 72,000 volts per inch, and if you have a wand 
with a ball on the end (a sharp point helps the arc to form, giving a 
falsely short arc), then the length of the arc you get shows the voltage.

As Glen pointed out, damp air causes a lot of charge leakage in the 
machine, so it will perform better in winter, and better in an air 
conditioned space.

Good luck! 

Peter Anderson

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