Caution: Power Supplies!!

[John Speth]

"Skilled" is another way of saying you made a mistake with 110 VAC because you weren't careful, survived the shock because you were lucky, and now you know better so you won't make the mistake again.  

But seriously, house current is nothing to take lightly and some simple rules of use will permit you to test it and build it safely.  Always remember to *unplug* the PSU (not just switch it off locally or on a switch box) before you work on it, connect probes to it, etc.  Then when everything is set and safe (for example, no stray tools laying across it), plug it in and test it.  Safety glasses are a good idea because parts can go pop and emit smoke and debris when things go wrong.  And finally package it safely when you're done making sure you've covered all "hot" terminals.  It's simple but needs your constant attention.

John Speth
Object Engineering, Inc.
johns at oei.com

-----Original Message-----
From:	Milliams [SMTP:Milliams at aol.com]
Sent:	Friday, March 20, 1998 10:46 AM
To:	Synth-DIY at mailhost.bpa.nl
Subject:	Caution: Power Supplies!!

Most books I've seen for modules n'stuff, recommend that I start building a
+/-15v power supply. But somewhere in the design it says "Caution: If you are
unskilled at working with 110v AC, do not attempt this project!!". Well, if
it is logical to start with the power supply, how do I become "skilled at
working with 110v AC"?

Sincerely,
A cautious (don't wanna die!!) boy