That high voltage will get your attention, huh? I had a very similar experience in electronics class at South Carroll HS back in the '70s. There was an instructional tube circuit that was installed vertically, against a wall. The chassis was steel, similar to what equipment racks are made from. It was supposed to be safe. We were not told not to touch it. There were no warning signs. To this day IDK what I touched but I had one hand on the chassis and somehow the other came in touch with B+ (not 600Vdc though, maybe 350) and I got knocked back several feet. Of course my classmates thought it was hilarious...
Frightening experience Mike! I've had a few electrifying encounters but nothing like yours and they weren't powered by Bud. Once my boyfriend asked me to hold a plastic handled screwdriver and put the metal shaft somewhere near the spark plug on his Kawasaki dirt bike so he could see if there was an arc. I got a heck of a shock, it was probably a mild shock but I didn't expect it because the only thing I was touching was the plastic handle. While in my 20's I was renting an older house while going to college. The stove and refrigerator were beside each other; I had my hand on the corner of the stove while I opened the fridge. I felt the shock but as hard as I tried to pull away I couldn't; the next thing I remember is being on the floor across the kitchen sitting up against the cupboard below the sink. I packed and moved. Electricity and I are not friends, I steer clear and leave it to the experts. Your article was a great read, Thanks, Cee Tee
Dec 30, 2022·edited Dec 30, 2022Liked by Mike Sokol
Mike great article, thanks for sharing your experiences as it helps keep us all safe! I have my own personal rule about drinking anything & thats if i had 1 drink I won't work on anything PERIOD
Mike, this is exactly why I put on my insulated rubber gloves when I pick up my meter to test a pedestal power. My opinion that is shared by many is that insulated rubber gloves with a leather protector over them should be worn anytime while working or testing live circuits. They are cheap to buy on Amazon or other internet sites and U-tube videos will show how to store and test them. Like you say play safe however it all starts on being smart.
Mike I know the feeling as I am a licensed electrician and have over the years been in compromised situations some of my own doing and some of those who don't know electricity. What you should add to the article is that it's not the voltage that kills but the amperage developed by the circuit as it only takes 150 milliamps (.150 amps) to start your heart into fibrillation (rapid rhythm) that requires a defibrillator (AED) to correct. I always put one hand in a pocket to make sure I'm not grounded! Keep up the good work and it comes in very handy for rebuilding our 5th wheel retirement project! Happy New Year!
Hi Mike,
I'm glad you're keeping in touch!
That high voltage will get your attention, huh? I had a very similar experience in electronics class at South Carroll HS back in the '70s. There was an instructional tube circuit that was installed vertically, against a wall. The chassis was steel, similar to what equipment racks are made from. It was supposed to be safe. We were not told not to touch it. There were no warning signs. To this day IDK what I touched but I had one hand on the chassis and somehow the other came in touch with B+ (not 600Vdc though, maybe 350) and I got knocked back several feet. Of course my classmates thought it was hilarious...
Frightening experience Mike! I've had a few electrifying encounters but nothing like yours and they weren't powered by Bud. Once my boyfriend asked me to hold a plastic handled screwdriver and put the metal shaft somewhere near the spark plug on his Kawasaki dirt bike so he could see if there was an arc. I got a heck of a shock, it was probably a mild shock but I didn't expect it because the only thing I was touching was the plastic handle. While in my 20's I was renting an older house while going to college. The stove and refrigerator were beside each other; I had my hand on the corner of the stove while I opened the fridge. I felt the shock but as hard as I tried to pull away I couldn't; the next thing I remember is being on the floor across the kitchen sitting up against the cupboard below the sink. I packed and moved. Electricity and I are not friends, I steer clear and leave it to the experts. Your article was a great read, Thanks, Cee Tee
Mike great article, thanks for sharing your experiences as it helps keep us all safe! I have my own personal rule about drinking anything & thats if i had 1 drink I won't work on anything PERIOD
Happy New Year
Snoopy
Mike, this is exactly why I put on my insulated rubber gloves when I pick up my meter to test a pedestal power. My opinion that is shared by many is that insulated rubber gloves with a leather protector over them should be worn anytime while working or testing live circuits. They are cheap to buy on Amazon or other internet sites and U-tube videos will show how to store and test them. Like you say play safe however it all starts on being smart.
Mike I know the feeling as I am a licensed electrician and have over the years been in compromised situations some of my own doing and some of those who don't know electricity. What you should add to the article is that it's not the voltage that kills but the amperage developed by the circuit as it only takes 150 milliamps (.150 amps) to start your heart into fibrillation (rapid rhythm) that requires a defibrillator (AED) to correct. I always put one hand in a pocket to make sure I'm not grounded! Keep up the good work and it comes in very handy for rebuilding our 5th wheel retirement project! Happy New Year!
Doug, yes this stuff can kill you.
And I do have several articles published already discussing the amounts of leakage currents available from various fault current situations.
Plus I’ve been trying to get an AED manufacturer to supply a demo unit for my seminars.