Re: RE:Tesla Coil Grounding (was - Pig setup help.)

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Gerry Reynolds" <gerryreynolds-at-earthlink-dot-net> 

Hi John,

My only concern about meeting code for this case is the consequence if the
main safety ground makes the return path for a strike.  This could be very
expensive :-((
The transformer is usually only connected to mains power during supervision
by the operator.  So it is the operators responsiblility to keep spectators
out of the "danger zone" containing the transformer grounded to RF ground.
If the transformer were to be connected to mains perminently, this would be
a totally different situation.

Gerry R


 > Original poster: "John H. Couture" <couturejh-at-mgte-dot-com>
 >
 >
 > Gerry -
 >
 > I agree there is very little that coilers do that would meet standard
 > electrical codes. However, if they ground the transformer case to the
green
 > wire ground this will be according to the electrical codes.
 >
 > When you ground one of the insulated bushings this could meet the codes
 > provided you connected the one where the winding is closest to ground.
 >
 > John Couture
 >
 > ------------------------------------
 >
 >
 > -----Original Message-----
 > From: Tesla list [mailto:tesla-at-pupman-dot-com]
 > Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 10:28 AM
 > To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
 > Subject: Re: RE:Tesla Coil Grounding (was - Pig setup help.)
 >
 >
 > Original poster: "Gerry Reynolds" <gerryreynolds-at-earthlink-dot-net>
 >
 >
 > Hi John,
 >
 > I wonder what code would say about a pig grounded to mains ground with
 > exposed bushings that can kill.
 >
 > I suspect nothing about our hobby meets code unless we enclose the entire
 > setup in a faraday cage and put a barbed wire fence around it with a gate
 > locked at all times :o)))
 > But that is why we supervise the operation and be responsible and safety
 > conscious.
 >
 > Gerry R
 >
 >   > Original poster: "John H. Couture" <couturejh-at-mgte-dot-com>
 >   >
 >   >
 >   > All -
 >   >
 >   > To my knowledge all safety codes regarding the grounding of power
 >   > transformers say the transformer case should be grounded to the green
 > wire
 >   > as defined in the codes.
 >   > The main grounding question for Tesla coils is the connection of the
 > green
 >   > wire network to the secondary circuit (so-called RF) ground.
Apparently
 >   > coilers do it both ways, some connect and some do not connect. There
are
 > no
 >   > codes for this type of connection. From a safety standpoint not
 > connecting
 >   > the two could be a hazard to humans. If you are taking sparks from a
 > small
 >   > or medium TC the line voltage could kill you if there is a spark
between
 > the
 >   > primary and secondary coils.
 >   >
 >   > John Couture
 >   >
 >
 >