Electricity Safety: AC & DC Current Limits for Intro Physics Labs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the safe limits for AC and DC currents in introductory physics labs, exploring concerns about the dangers associated with different types of electrical currents and their effects on the human body.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks expert opinions on a chart detailing current limits for AC and DC, questioning its validity.
  • Another participant raises concerns about the potential legal implications of providing safety advice in the forum, suggesting caution in discussing safety limits.
  • A different participant suggests that staying below 50V is advisable, emphasizing the need for proper training to handle higher voltages safely.
  • Some participants argue that the distinction between AC and DC is less important than understanding that current is what causes harm, while also cautioning against oversimplifying the relationship between electricity and human safety.
  • There is a mention of the physiological effects of alternating current on the human body, indicating that different current directions can have varying impacts.
  • Participants repeatedly stress the inherent dangers of electricity and the necessity of prioritizing safety.
  • Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

    Participants express differing views on the safety limits for AC and DC currents, with no consensus reached on specific recommendations or the validity of the referenced chart.

    Contextual Notes

    Limitations include the lack of consensus on safe current limits, the potential for varying interpretations of safety advice, and the dependence on individual training and expertise.

Gamma
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I would like to ask the experienced experts about the safe limits for AC and DC currents to be used in intro physics labs. People say DC is dangerous because one can’t let go of the wire if the wire was carrying certain DC current.

Following link has a chart with current limits for AC and DC for various body effects. Do you agree with this chart?

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_3/4.html

Thank you!
 
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I think that kind of advice is against the forum rules since if we give advice and you follow it and someone gets hurt you could sue and then Greg could have a problem. Sounds farfetched, perhaps, but it out litigious society you can't be too careful.
 
Stay below 50V - in the US over that you need to be a Qualified Individual - basically meaning you have been trained sufficiently to be aware of the hazards in your work environment and understand how to avoid them.

AC / DC does not matter - do not get hung up in that. Voltage and Current do not get hung up on that ether!

The point in the post is that technically current is what does the damage - but it is like saying speed does not kill - it is the rapid deceleration. PLEASE do not confuse or compare human physiology with personal safety - ELECTRICITY can and will kill you.
 
See phinds, we won't discuss this here. Ask an expert (not in internet forums) before you use anything that could be dangerous.
Windadct said:
AC / DC does not matter - do not get hung up in that. Voltage and Current do not get hung up on that ether!
It can matter, as a human has some capacitance against the environment and you get different effects in tissue if the current directions gets reversed frequently.

PLEASE do not confuse or compare human physiology with personal safety - ELECTRICITY can and will kill you.
Let's hope it won't...
 

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