Further thoughts on A.C. vs. D.C. from C.D. Prewitt

(Page 3 of 3)

May/June 1973
 
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I have 400 volts D.C. available right here beside me, and use it frequently. I have often come into contact with that source, but I don't take any special precautions because I know it isn't very dangerous . . . much less so than 110 volts A.C. I'll stick to my guns and continue to recommend direct current if you can possibly get it. It's safer and more satisfactory.

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You see, I feel safe with my conclusions because they're based on experience. Theory can work well when it's correct and complete . . . but when it's founded largely on hearsay and not backed by practice, it can be dangerous.

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  • John 11/28/2007 2:17:57 PM

    As a person who has had the experiance twice, I can aszxure anyone
    that if you grasp a conductor with 120 vac with your hand around
    the conductor, and are grounded through your feet, you will not be
    able to turn loose even tho you REALLY want to! And you will not be
    able to inhale, although your muscles are forcint the last bit of
    air out of your lungs, and you will not be able to speak. What
    happens is the electrical curent causes every muscle it is
    traveling thru to contract to its fullest capicity. In my first
    instance, I survived only because I lifted my body off the ground
    with one arm. In the second instance, the wire I had foolishly
    grasped broke from the end delivering the power. If it had broken
    from the other end, I would be dead. At least one investigation
    into real life electrocutions determined that usually the current
    through the body was between .1 and .2 amps. Skin resistance with
    modest contact ares moisture usually provides between 20000 to over
    100,000 ohms which saves us from most shocks. But, leaning on an
    airconditioning duct, and runing a metal framed drill motor into a
    120 v wire has been fatal. I too worked in electronics durring the
    vacuum tube eara, and I occasionally came in contact with B+ which
    could exceed 200 v, with significant current capacity, and I can
    assure you my reaction was violent. So, don't be either too
    fearful, or too complacient around electricity.

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