carlc@tektronix.UUCP (Carl Clawson) (03/15/85)
Since my posting last week warning that neon sign transformers used in Tesla coils are * Extremely Dangerous * (I believe I used the phrase "instant death" as an indication of what they can do to you.), several people have written to contradict me, pointing out that they have lived through shocks from such transformers. Some of the comments were: >I did once touch both leads of a neon light transformer, and it did >in fact knock me across the room and leave me alive to write this message. > and > Not to quible, but neon sign transformers aren't THAT dangerous. >I built a Tesla coil myself and wound up getting a couple of bolts from the >12 kV, 50 mA primary. It hurt, but the only real damage it ever did was when >an arc jumped and burned a hole through my thumbnail. Unless your heart is >weak or you like to experiment while showering in salt water you probably don't >have to fear electrocution. Well, I'm glad you guys lived. You're lucky. I agree, my statement about instant death was an exaggeration. You probably will live about three minutes after your heart stops. And, yes, people don't always die from such shocks, but it is a very strong likelihood. Again, if anyone builds these devices, place the primary circuit in a plexiglas cage, and use a switch in the 115v line activated by a plexiglas rod. Just because John Doe lived through being shocked by 10kV at 50mA doesn't mean that you will. Now since this is net.physics, a question: I claim that showering in salt water will * not * increase your chances of being killed by a 10kV power supply. Why not? self-appointed safety czar of net.physics, -- Carl