11/44 power problem... (Oh, not again...) - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

11 Dec 2001

...
  ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk wrote:

The outputs of this PSU are +/-5V to +/-15V. They're all safe to touch, 
...
 although they can supply significant current when the
machine is in 
...
 operation (I think the main logic supply is 5V, 125A). 

	When I was working on a VAX 6000 once, the combination 
	of +5V @ > 100A and human-appendages-with-nearby-metal
	(fingers with ring, wrists with metal watchstraps etc.) was
	quaintly described as an opportunity to lose an appendage and
	simultaneously cauterize the wound :-)

...
 The main hazard is inside the PSU. There are a couple
of _large_ 
capacitors that form part of a 400V supply straight from the mains. The 
...
 output of this supply is distributed to the PSU boards
by barrier-strip 
...
 type screw terminals at the top of the boards. This
supply can kill you! 

	Stone dead, I should think!

	All PSUs deserve respect. This one sounds
	like it deserves more than most :-)

	Antonio