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by lonewolf
Sun Sep 26, 2010 7:27 pm
Forum: Off-Topic
Topic: Electric help needed
Replies: 40
Views: 3862

Re: Electric help needed

Another "shocking" tale: I was working on cleaning some excess paint on explosion-resistant light covers in an escape trunk from the aft engine room of a destroyer (we were underway at the time). Scraping paint with a flat head screwdriver. Ship rolled, my sweaty hand slipped off the handle onto the shaft, I was hanging onto the handrail with the other hand (I was about 10 feet off the deck below). Broke the bulb, scredriver into socket, shocked from right hand to left, right through the heart. Ship rolled the other way and gravity pulled me loose. I didn't fall. I did experience weird palpitations from my heart. They pulled me off duty the rest of the day and checked my heart regularly.

Live circuit+sweat+rolling ship+elevated+ship floating in gojillions of tons of salt water=fried lonewolf

There---I told the tale.

Perhaps all this should go in the "Never Again" area?
by lonewolf
Sun Sep 19, 2010 6:22 pm
Forum: Off-Topic
Topic: Electric help needed
Replies: 40
Views: 3862

Re: Electric help needed

As I sit here under the ceiling fan I installed in my garage (smoking lounge), I can say sincerely that the points above are great!! I've installed many fans, replaced light fixtures and switches, and worked on high amperage electric forklifts for many years. Never wore gloves. Don't wear any jewelry, either. Very conductive. Gold heats up REALLY fast and will cause burns as well as electocution, as its VERY conductive. Still have all my fingers and such. Some aren't so lucky.

Never use your fingers/hands to check for power. Always use a meter. Shut the power off at the breaker and the switch. That way your significant other doesn't walk in and flip the switch while you are working. Bring in an independent light source if needed.

Point one amp (one-tenth of an amp) can be fatal. Don't take any safety precautions for granted. Just as with firearms.

I am not an electrician.....

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