Abstract: A triboelectric device in which electrical charges are obtained by a rolling process between two rigid dielectric surfaces of appropriate materials, one of which may be planar. There exists therein no injection of electrical charges originating from outside. The separation of the charges with the concomitant generation of electrical potentials is effected by the movement of the parts by triboelectrification. Such devices are useful in the construction of electrostatic generators for teaching, research or industry and as an essential supply for fixed or portable ignition devices for boilers, cookers and gas burners.