Hazardous Voltages

[Tim Cockram]

Interesting discussion.  The "hand in the pocket trick" can be a life
saver as the most critical path is left arm right leg (for the 999 in a
1000 whose heart is in the left side of the chest).  It only requires a
few mA to cause the heart to go in to ventricular fibrilation (circa 10
if I remember correctly) so any insulation that gets in the way is good
for you.

In Europe a device called a "residual current breaker" is almost
mandatory in work shops, gardens, domestic installs etc.  It detects an
inbalance in the live and neutral circuits and breaks the circuit.  Most
of these trigger at a 10mA or greater inbalance.  The trigger time is
quite short but it is long enough for a rcd not to offer 100% protection
against death.  They are still worth using though.

All contacts and connections with over circa 50 volts should be
insulated when working on stuff.  I use a fast curing silicon rubber
substitute (that doesn't give off acetic acid when it cures).

Stay Safe

Regards

Tim

-- 
Tim Cockram

"Sociology is the study of those who dont need to be studied by those who do"
Dr C. W. Smith