5 Feb
2011
5 Feb
'11
10:15 a.m.
On 5 Feb 2011 at 17:45, Pete Turnbull wrote:
I think there's something in it, but I agree that
just about any shock
will make muscles do uncontrolled things. I certainly wouldn't take
less care on a 230V circuit than a 120V one, OR vice versa. OTOH I've
had a shock from a slightly lower voltage that was painful (and
potentially dangerous) but not sharp enough to jerk my fingers off the
wire.
Hmm, you'd think that someone would have thought of powering
"universal motor" tools, such as saws and drills used on construction
sites with DC as a safety measure. The current level at which one
loses muscle control is substantially higher with DC than with AC.
Many power tools sold in the US have no 3rd wire for grounding at
all, instead, a "double insulated" method of construction is used.
What's curious is that such tools often employ the "large blade =
neutra, small blade = line" polarized plugs.
--Chuck