I was setting up a demonstration of my Tesla coil at the local library last Thursday. I was attempting to adjust the spark gap when somehow the primary voltage arced to my finger. I had my other hand solidly on a grounded metal box.
This is the scarriest thing that has ever happened to me. I knew what was happening but could not let go of the box or the plastic rod I was adjusting. finally, my legs buckled and I fell back away from the table and disconnected myself. I am still not sure how the thing got me but I am redesigning the whole setup now including an emergency shut off button on a post to be placed in front of the demo table. I have been doing this for twenty years and have never had this happen. The primary is a neon sign transformer 15kv @ 60ma with .01ufd of radar pulse capacitors connected to it. I think I got defibrillated about 200 times before I let go.
The tingling and numbness in my left hand is just now starting to lightnen up. I am still going to the doctor this week to have my heart listened to.
Don't try this at home!
This is the scarriest thing that has ever happened to me. I knew what was happening but could not let go of the box or the plastic rod I was adjusting. finally, my legs buckled and I fell back away from the table and disconnected myself. I am still not sure how the thing got me but I am redesigning the whole setup now including an emergency shut off button on a post to be placed in front of the demo table. I have been doing this for twenty years and have never had this happen. The primary is a neon sign transformer 15kv @ 60ma with .01ufd of radar pulse capacitors connected to it. I think I got defibrillated about 200 times before I let go.
The tingling and numbness in my left hand is just now starting to lightnen up. I am still going to the doctor this week to have my heart listened to.
Don't try this at home!
