[Elecraft] ESD precautions AND SAFETY?

[Don Wilhelm]

Keeping one hand in a pocket is a great thing for high voltage circuits, BUT
in today's electronic world, we have to be aware of the current too.  There
are many low-voltage high-current sources around, and a battery is just one
example.

High current soures can be just as dangerous as high voltage supplies - the
12 volts may seem safe on the surface, but the current from a battery (even
a small one) can turn any conductor into molten metal in a flash.  I have
tested 12 volt bank of AA size Ni-Cads on short circuit (in a controlled lab
situation) and they can produce as much as 50 Amps.  A ring on your finger
that gets across a high current source can ampuate the finger quickly - that
is not a pretty thought, but....

Be just as careful around high current sources as you would with a high
voltage source - wristwatches and jewelery off your body please.

73,
Don W3FPR

----- Original Message ----- 

In the old days, the rule was when you are working on a circuit, keep one
hand in your pocket and make certain you aren't touching anything grounded
by accident so there wouldn't be a path for current to flow if you touched a
hot circuit by accident.