[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
Re: Arcs off the fingers and getting killed in the process...
In a message dated 00-02-02 08:39:02 EST, you write:
<< The Internet can
> supply all the "mechanical" details one needs... Supplying the "how not to
> get killed" part is far less obvious...
> So how do we try to convince people that Tesla coils can kill very easily
> in this new world... And how do we convince them that those old pictures
> of people arcing things of their fingers is really dangerous when it looks
> like so much fun...
> Terry
>>
Terry, all,
I hope we can convince them of the terrific dangers and ever-present
threat of instant death from even a small spark gap or tube coil. It
takes a certain discipline to work safely with high voltage. I guess the
main thing is to stay far away when the coil is powered up, and to
make sure the power if OFF when making adjustments, etc. And
making sure caps are discharged, etc.
As you and others have said, the internet makes it possible for
people who have little experience with electricity to quickly build a
coil. For instance some new coilers may not aware of the
lethal energy stored in a relatively small capacitor, etc.
Any new coiler should develop a safety discipline before operating
any coil. I constantly monitor my own coiling for any signs of safety
short cuts, that I may be taking.
Cheers,
John Freau