[Amps] X-ray dangers from amplifiers?

[Alan Ibbetson]

At what anode voltage do valves begin to radiate dangerous X-rays? My 
schoolboy physics (Plank's constant, etc) suggests frighteningly modest 
voltages: around 2 Angstroms at only 5KV if there are suitable energy levels 
in the atoms of the anode material.

I would guess that the self-shielding geometry of external anode valves 
reduces the problem, but the ceramic seals are still going to be transparent 
to X-rays.

Am I worrying unnecessarily? Is the X-ray warning on, for example, the 8171 
data sheet just Eimac covering themselves in a litigious society? Should I 
invest in a lead apron?

Alan G3XAQ

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