General > General Technical Chat
Electricians - an awkward bunch to deal with
coppice:
--- Quote from: TimFox on March 31, 2023, 11:04:45 pm ---Even 120 VAC mains in North America have been known to be lethal.
--- End quote ---
Even the +-55VAC system used for construction site equipment in the UK can be lethal. It depends to a great extent on how well connected you are to the power. You are more likely to be OK on a cool day than when you are hot and sweaty.
TimFox:
When I was much younger, I was told that the world record for low voltage electrocution was at an electroplating plant, but I don't remember the voltage (maybe 48 V DC?).
In medical equipment, where a patient in a hospital bed is wired to the equipment, the US UL requirements (as well as the European regulations) are quite strict.
MrMobodies:
--- Quote from: Zucca on March 29, 2023, 04:45:57 pm ---I tend to have a lot of respect of old electricians who survived 40 years dealing with mains.
The younger ones are the worst, they got 2 weeks certification class and they think they know everything.
--- End quote ---
I was told once by an electrical engineer over ten years ago who use to hire electricians from colleges and universities that many of them knew how to do the paper work and answer the questions but had no understanding of what they were doing on the job they were hired for and couldn't put two cables together let alone wire up the controls.
james_s:
--- Quote from: mendip_discovery on March 31, 2023, 08:48:46 pm ---Why are people so worried about 230V mains?
It's only a thump. Doesn't really hurt that much.
--- End quote ---
People can and do get killed by 120V mains. A lot more people get a shock and survive but that is no excuse for a cavalier attitude. If you have sweaty hands and happen to be grasping a grounded object with one hand and come into contact with a live conductor with the other that is pretty close to worst case.
I heard a quote many years ago "There are old electricians and there are bold electricians, but there are no old, bold electricians"
Electricity can kill you, even relatively modest domestic stuff, it's prudent to respect it and treat it with caution.
james_s:
--- Quote from: MrMobodies on April 01, 2023, 12:33:57 am ---I was told once by an electrical engineer over ten years ago who use to hire electricians from colleges and universities that many of them knew how to do the paper work and answer the questions but had no understanding of what they were doing on the job they were hired for and couldn't put two cables together let alone wire up the controls.
--- End quote ---
I don't think I've ever met an electrician that had a university degree. Here there are two paths they typically take, trade school, or more commonly a union apprenticeship. The training is very hands on.
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