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[AMPS] volts

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: [AMPS] volts
From: Peter.Chadwick@gpsemi.com (Peter Chadwick)
Date: Mon, 6 Oct 1997 17:29:07 +0100
Adding to George's (K6GT) comments, don't assume that because a solid
state amp is running 12, 28 or 50 volts, it's safer. I'd suggest, in
addition to George's recommendations, the following:-

1. DON'T wear a watch with a metal strap when working on anything live

2. DON'T wear any rings, bracelets or necklaces

The amps from a high current supply can weld rings etc in placeand cause
severe burns. 

About 30 years ago, I was working in a high power TX lab, and there was
aguy working on a 30KW HF Tx. He had the front cover off, and was
writing on a clipboard with his arm in line with the tank coil and about
2 feet away. The induced RF current in his watch strap rapidly got it
hot enough to start sizzling the flesh. Fortunately, we had a fire
bucket full of water available, so he wasn't too badly burned.

Fire buckets full of water in a high power RF lab?  We had buckets of
sand as well! These days, we have fire extinguishers. Roll on progress!

73

Peter G3RZP

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