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Re: You use a utility transformer?!
Hi Folks,
Just like to add a little to Ed's post..
>It's not obvious to me that a distribution transformer would
>necessarily be more lethal than a neon sign transformer with equivalent
>voltage output. Any current over a few mils, (passing through the
>chest) should be lethal in the long run . I know there's a lot of data
>on morbidity vs time of exposure, but I think getting across a 15 kV 60
>ma NST (say between the hands) would have the same results as getting
>across a 15 kV, 100 kVA transformer.
As a matter of fact neon transformers with a current of between 30 and 100mA
is actually more dangerous than a higher current. This lower current is
more likley
to fibrilate the heart than than a higher current. A higher current will
more likley cause your heart to stop. CPR can be used most succesfully on a
stopped heart. A fibrilating heart requires a defibrilator from your local
ambulance
or paremedic service.
But then, seeing as theres a big nasty cap or two attached to the output. Your
gonna more likeley get at least wholloped buy a few hundred or even thousands
of Amps if you have a big cap discharge through you. Its not the size of
the tranny,
A small TV flback transformer can even charge a damn huge cap...
I have been momentarily, shocked by one side of a NST and its the only
shock Ime ever
going to have for the reest of my life. It hurt, and I was shaking like a
leaf afterwards..
As the rule goes, only use the right hand whilst working on potentially
danderous equipment.
Most EE's who are killed by a shock usually do it by sheer complacancy bred
over many years.
Even if you know for sure something isnt live. Still follow the saftey rules.
If your really paranoid of getting shocked like I am now. Touch everything
with the back of your
right hand too first. If it some equipment is live for some reason, youlle
recoil froma shock rather than
grasp uncontrollably...
Marcus