Re: You use a utility transformer?!

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: You use a utility transformer?!
From: "R M Craven" <craven-at-globalnet.co.uk> (by way of Terry Fritz <terryf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
Date: Wed, 09 Sep 1998 17:29:55 -0600
Approved: terryf-at-verinet-dot-com

>Hi Folks,
>Just like to add a little to Ed's post..
>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.

Sorry, but this is back-to-front. A defibrillator is used to stop the heart
from fibrillating, which is the condition caused by heart attacks. The
chambers of the heart become desynchronised, and the defibrillator applies a
"reset" pulse. If your heart has stopped, that is likely to be the end of
you. When people say "his heart's stopped, call a doctor" they mean they
can't find a pulse. The pulse is missing because the heart isn't beating,
it's defibrillating.

The defib. stored energy will typically start off at 200J or so, increasing
in 50J steps. The open cct V is around 2kV which implies a storage cap of
around 100uF. The peak current might reach 10A or so.

Let us be quite clear on this: you might survive connecting yourself up to
an NST etc. but a pole xfmr is likely to be your last contact. As someone
else said, the burns you will receive will probably kill you if you survive
the initial shock. Don't forget the secondary injuries you will probably
receive (broken bones, lacerations and associated wound trauma) as you get
flung away from the xfmr.

If you are not competent, i.e. fully aware of the risk, don't get involved
with pole xfmrs.

Richard Craven, Malvern, England