[Amps] Risks from continuous discharge of high voltage ??

[Ron Youvan]

Dr. David Kirkby wrote:

> There's an ebay auction for a 100 kV transformer from an x-ray set.

> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190544288962

> I mentioned to the seller he should warn people of possible production of
> x-rays. He does not think this possible and I must admit I'm not sure if its
> possible without a vacuum. But I've also suggested that it could produce UV and
> ozone.

   The production of X-rays requires something that does not exist in a transformer or the 
transformers would be lined with lead sheeting.  Which is: "a high velocity stream of electrons that 
changes speed abruptly."

> It's clearly being sold as a fun experiment:

> "Dangerous but great fun and ideal for lots of interesting experiments."

> But at 100 kV, I'm wondering what dangers there are apart from the obvious one
> of electrocution.

   Like setting the house on fire.

> Somehow I would not want to be playing around too much with 100 kV and drawing
> big arcs, but perhaps I'm over reacting.

   I think a Van de Graaff generator would be at least 10,000 times safer.

> I've suggested he ads a note that there may be other dangers other than
> electrocution.
-- 
    Ron  KA4INM - Madam, there's no such thing as a tough child -- if you parboil them
                  first for seven hours, they always come out tender.  -- W. C. Fields