High-voltage failsafe?

[(*steve*)]

1. Keep one hand in your back pocket
2. Don't bridge capacitor leads with a conductor
3. Don't touch any point of the circuit with a probe or connector not insulated against 100kV

4) Don't work alone.
5) Work in a clean and tidy environment
6) Connect all test equipment before powering on, and power off (and discharge) before disconnecting.
7) Have bleed resistors etc where appropriate to bleed off charge.
8) Ensure all aspects of your test equipment is rated for the maximum voltage.
9) Have someone else review your safety procedures.
10) Have a kill switch that will remove power from everything for someone else to use if you're lying on the floor twitching or for you to use if smoke starts coming out of something.
11) always assume high voltage capacitors are charged -- even when you know they're not. The exception is when they have a shorting strap across them.

 

[KrisBlueNZ]

4) Don't work alone.
5) Work in a clean and tidy environment
6) Connect all test equipment before powering on, and power off (and discharge) before disconnecting.
7) Have bleed resistors etc where appropriate to bleed off charge.
8) Ensure all aspects of your test equipment is rated for the maximum voltage.
9) Have someone else review your safety procedures.
10) Have a kill switch that will remove power from everything for someone else to use if you're lying on the floor twitching or for you to use if smoke starts coming out of something.
11) always assume high voltage capacitors are charged -- even when you know they're not. The exception is when they have a shorting strap across them.

12) Do not assume that this is a complete list or that Steve is implying that nothing can go wrong even if you follow every instruction exactly. Regard this as a partial list of suggestions and take ultimate responsibility for your own safety and the safety of anyone working with you. Gain a thorough understanding of the laws of physics. Do not take risks or make assumptions. Make sure you have life insurance (if you have dependents) and fire insurance. Don't assume you are too clever or knowledgeable to make mistakes.

 

[JMW]

Precipitator? Ok, That is hi voltage. For personal use or for sale? Sources for Hi voltage are old CRT color TV sets run approximately 35 KV, microwave ovens are around 4 KV. Salvation Army, and Goodwill Industries are good sources. What advantages does your idea offer that existing technology and items don't have? I would venture to say the only thing of concern to you is Hi voltage capacitors. The inductors you will see have are insufficient inductance to hold a lethal charge. However if they are capacitive coupled in some manner the capacitor may be charged. Remember that camera I mentioned earlier, the capacitors there are quite small and will hold a 700 volt charge for quite some time. TV sets and microwaves GENERALLY have shorting resistors across or sometimes internal to the device. NEVER ever rely on these devices to prevent shock. ALWAYS use a shorting device before entering. In general you will not be electrocuted from these, but you can receive a nasty shock. The resulting muscle contraction can break the nose of someone looking over your shoulder, cause you to fall onto or into something hazardous, etc.
Finally, think about the safety warnings you are going to apply to this device upon completion. Have you ever looked at the disclaimers on a package of screwdrivers? Do you know why you cannot buy a 3 foot step ladder? Not because there is no need, but because the disclaimers are 4 feet long and won't fit on a 3 foot ladder
Good Luck and keep us posted

 

[dbooksta]

Thank you guys -- last four replies were helpful. Hopefully anyone looking at this question in the future will skip straight to those!