[Elecraft] ESD precautions AND SAFETY?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Working on aircraft with high-current 28 vdc supplies we were very careful
about causing unintended shorts. 

I knew of more than one tech who was missing his ring finger, thanks to
accidentally getting his gold wedding band between a low-voltage bus  and
ground. 

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
F
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

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