I want to live.
In the interest of safety, I would like to collect whatever safety tips and practices this forum kindly and experienced members will share, so that all may benefit.
First, some warnings and disclaimers:
And please note that I have *no* amplifier hardware on hand, and will not for a while. This is a discussion only, and I will only be talking about doing stupid things, not actually doing them.
Okay, with that out of the way, I would like any tube equipment electrical safety advice you care to share, both in general, and for what I will classify (for the purposes of this discussion) as UltraHighVoltage--1000V to 1500V.
I'll start with what I think I know, and you can add more or correct me if I am wrong.
I can think of two basic rules of thumb--
From those rules of thumb, I can think of these specific practices:
In the interest of safety, I would like to collect whatever safety tips and practices this forum kindly and experienced members will share, so that all may benefit.
First, some warnings and disclaimers:
- Any voltage can be deadly.
- Amplifiers are dangerous--each person (me included) is responsible for deciding if they are willing to risk their life, and for ensuring that whatever information they receive is correct
- This forum and its members accept no responsibility for any death, injury or property damage that result from any of these suggestions--your safety is your own responsibility.
And please note that I have *no* amplifier hardware on hand, and will not for a while. This is a discussion only, and I will only be talking about doing stupid things, not actually doing them.
Okay, with that out of the way, I would like any tube equipment electrical safety advice you care to share, both in general, and for what I will classify (for the purposes of this discussion) as UltraHighVoltage--1000V to 1500V.
I'll start with what I think I know, and you can add more or correct me if I am wrong.
I can think of two basic rules of thumb--
- Make sure any charge-storing devices remain discharged while working on the equipment
- Avoid creating a circuit which would pass current through the heart.
From those rules of thumb, I can think of these specific practices:
- Put a drain load across all significant charge-storage devices (e.g. B+), and leave them there for the duration of your work--some devices can redevelop voltage if left unloaded.
- Verify that all charge-storing devices are discharged before starting work.
- Always work with only one hand--keep the other hand in your pocket.
- Use hook probe for secure connections and to avoid shorts.
- Wear rubber gloves and rubber soled shoes--no bare feet or socks.
- Make sure your design has the chassis safety grounded--connected to the ground wire of the power plug.
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Okay, what do you think about these practices, and what can you add?
One member spoke of a "bench isolating transformer". What is that, what does it do, and how is it installed/used?
Also, what extra design and usage practices apply to UltraHighVoltage (1000V to 1500V) electronics? I'm thinking about things like component choices, test procedures (standard DMMs are only rated to 600V), design practices (danger of arcing), etc.
Thanks for your attention and advice. Although I hope for courtesy, I'd rather be flamed figuratively than literally.
Best,
George Ferguson