Qwerty, if the insulation on a wire is rated 300v, then voltages over 300v inside CAN pierce the insulation. In other words if that wire lies along the grounded chassis and has say 500v on the wire, that 300v rated insulation might not hold up. It would arc through the insulation - a "puncture".
yes excess current could MELT the insulation, but melting is not the only failure mode.
I don't think you will find alligator clips rated for 600v, it is the insulating boot that covers them with the voltage rating. A bare clip is just a hunk of metal. But a rubber or plastic insulator has to withstand voltages. Auto parts stores have no need for 600v stuff. Other than the spark plug boots, everything in a car is 12v.
I have been using Mueller 60 alligator clips for close to 60 years, and their model 62 PVC covers. here is a data sheet for the 62, note it has a 3000v rating at its thinnest section, per the sheet.
http://muellerelectric.com/wp-content/uploads/DS-BU-62-@.pdf
yes excess current could MELT the insulation, but melting is not the only failure mode.
I don't think you will find alligator clips rated for 600v, it is the insulating boot that covers them with the voltage rating. A bare clip is just a hunk of metal. But a rubber or plastic insulator has to withstand voltages. Auto parts stores have no need for 600v stuff. Other than the spark plug boots, everything in a car is 12v.
I have been using Mueller 60 alligator clips for close to 60 years, and their model 62 PVC covers. here is a data sheet for the 62, note it has a 3000v rating at its thinnest section, per the sheet.
http://muellerelectric.com/wp-content/uploads/DS-BU-62-@.pdf
Depends on the applied voltage, construction and condition of the outer and inner sheath.
Depends on the applied voltage, construction and condition of the outer and inner sheath. I don't know about you, but I don't play games when it comes to shock hazard.
Depends on the applied voltage, construction and condition of the insulating cover for the alligator clips. I don't know about you, but I don't play games when it comes to shock hazard.
Perhaps the OP could tell us what he plans to do? His answers so far leave me concerned for his safety, as he seems to lack basic electrical knowledge.
It's more my electronic knowledge, I'm fine doing electrical work around the house, breakers, etc but capacitors is different 🙂
I just plan to replace some electrolytic caps. The schematics show they have bleeder resistors but the equipment is 50 years so I want to be sure.
There are also some "dry" mylar/disc caps rated at 3000pF, 1000V.
Ok, please do, but then **solder** proper bleeder resistors in parallel with them, then they will always discharge at a reasonable rate when you turn the amp off, without dancing around them with a crocodile clip on each hand.
1000000 times safer.
Yes, the voltage can pass through the outer sheath. That's called dielectric breakdown. It's an immediate shock hazard.
Depends on which alligator clips you get. Get some that are specified for the working voltage you intend to use them at.
Tom
Depends. The energy stored in a capacitor is E = 0.5 * C * V^2. Higher energy -> higher potential to kill. The voltage plays a role as well, so it's not as cut and dry as that, but you get the idea.
A 1 uF electrolytic capacitor charged to 100 V is just as dangerous as a 1 uF mylar cap charged to 100 V.
Tom
Depends on the voltage and energy stored in them, not so much the construction technique.
The higher the voltage, the greater the danger because a higher voltage more significantly overcomes the body's natural insulation.
It takes about 45 volts or more to get a shock at all, but over 100 or so volts you will get a shock - the only thing that varies is how much of a shock. At lower voltages you might feel a tingle.
At higher voltages of several 100 seen in tubed circuits, the danger increases because the higher voltage will enable more current to flow through your body.
A severe DC shock will among other things cause a large muscle spasm, and you may involuntarily hurt yourself, or fall. It may be something like being hit with a big stick or being tackled.
A severe AC shock is particularly dangerous because the AC power line frequency can interfere with the beating of your heart.
Your body's susceptibility also depends on its condition and the surface area of the electrodes that are contacting it. For example, sweat enables a higher current flow for a given voltage.
For example, I have naturally greasy skin, and it has probably helped save my life when I have received shocks.
I also have heart issues, and that probably makes me more susceptible to being more seriously injured by a shock.
The greater the capacitance, combined with a higher voltage, the more energy will be available to paralyze you and/or stop your heart.
The best shock is no shock, and if nothing else avoiding shocks will help you avoid some unpleasantness. Avoiding shocks will also increase your chance of living longer.
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