From: "Bob" on Tues 12 Jul 2005 23:36

Since Curious George asked a basic question, I will ask one also. For those
of us that are used to working with low voltage equipment, what is a good
book for learning to work with the high voltages of tubes?

The "best book" is simply COMMON SENSE. Use your eyes and brain.

If the voltage and current through your body in the path of the
heart is above 30 Volts and greater than 30 mA, you have the
approximate threashold of cardiac fibrillation...where the
heart loses its normal oscillation and begins to "flutter"
and not pump blood. Potentially fatal if this "30-30" rule
is exceeded.

DON'T GRAB LIVE HIGH VOLTAGES WITH BOTH HANDS. [guess where
the heart is located in this body "circuit"?]

A common mistake of the above is leaning on a conductive surface
touching it somehow when probing with the other hand...the
"circuit" has been completed even though it may not enter
awareness.

Be AWARE of the maximum voltage limitations on all your measuring
equipment. If a manufacturer says "input voltage 500 V max"
that IS what they mean...there's a "fudge factor" in that rating
but try NOT to use it. Do not destruct expensive test machines
or the circuit you're testing.

THINK about what you are doing around high voltage. Thinking
will enable you to continue living to think some more about
other things.

RESPECT high voltage. It ain't no kiddie toy to fool with.



[a high voltage survivor in the biz since 1948]