- #1
maze
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Is it dangerous to put, say, 100 D-cell batteries in series (the type you find in a flashlight)?
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SUMMARY
Connecting 100 D-cell batteries in series can produce dangerous voltages, with fully charged nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries generating approximately 125 volts DC and alkaline batteries reaching around 150 volts DC. While 40 volts is generally considered below the threshold of sensation for dry skin, touching both ends of the series could result in lethal outcomes. Additionally, short-circuiting these batteries poses fire and explosion risks, particularly in enclosed spaces. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding voltage thresholds and the potential for electric shock, even at lower voltages under specific conditions.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of battery chemistry, specifically nickel-cadmium (NiCad) and alkaline batteries.
- Knowledge of electrical voltage thresholds and human sensitivity.
- Familiarity with the concepts of series circuits and their implications on voltage.
- Awareness of safety risks associated with electrical systems and short circuits.
- Research the effects of high voltage on human physiology and safety measures.
- Learn about safe practices for working with batteries in series configurations.
- Investigate the risks associated with short-circuiting batteries and how to mitigate them.
- Explore alternative power solutions that minimize risk, such as using lower voltage systems.
Electrical engineers, hobbyists working with batteries, safety professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the risks associated with high-voltage battery configurations.
- #2
chroot
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That depends on your definition of "danger," I guess. It's less dangerous than typical 120V household mains, but it could still kill you.
- Warren
- Warren
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- #3
Bob S
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Their rating is about 2000 milliamp-hours, so you could light a 100-watt bulb for a few minutes. But it is dangerous to touch both ends at the same time.maze said:
- #4
maze
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What is a reasonable limit where you don't have to worry about dying?
- #5
chroot
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40 volts is generally below the threshold of sensation, with dry skin. Below that, you're generally safe.
- Warren
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- #6
RonL
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If the cells are ni-cads and fully charged you would have 125 volts DC, and if they are alkaline, you would have 150 volts DC, I believe both would kill a person.maze said:
- #7
maze
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Thanks all, I will keep this in mind.
I was googling around to find the answer to this, and as a result have another interesting but less practical question. A website claimed that if you have huge bleeding cuts on your hands, then the liquid blood could complete a circuit with much less resistance, thereby electrocuting you with as low as a 6V battery. Is this true?
I was googling around to find the answer to this, and as a result have another interesting but less practical question. A website claimed that if you have huge bleeding cuts on your hands, then the liquid blood could complete a circuit with much less resistance, thereby electrocuting you with as low as a 6V battery. Is this true?
- #8
chroot
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I don't know about electrocuting (killing) you, but it'd probably hurt like hell. Put a 9V battery on your tongue for a sample.
- Warren
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- #9
maze
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Thats what I thought, but blood vessels travel through the heart on the way from one hand to another, so it seemed possible that it could disrupt the heartbeat rhythm.
- #10
mgb_phys
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There is also a fire and explosion risk if you short circuit them, especially if they are enclosed and so can't cool easily
- #11
bobber_adam
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Are you actually thinking about doing this for something or are you asking this hypothetically? If so may I ask why? There might be better solutions.
- #12
Dadface
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chroot said:
Ah the tongue voltmeter.Not to be recommended.
- #13
0xDEADBEEF
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Dadface said:Ah the tongue voltmeter.Not to be recommended.
Here people give advice on some deadly current machine and you are warning against 9V block licking?
- #14
Dadface
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0xDEADBEEF said:Here people give advice on some deadly current machine and you are warning against 9V block licking?
Well,I like the taste of chlorine I get after eating a bag of salted peanuts and when I spark up I demonstrate the squeaky pop test for hydrogen.The biggest problem is that the tongue voltmeter is so difficult to calibrate.
- #15
overt26
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I've seen something similar done with 9V cells which clip nicely together in an end-to-end series chain of any arbitrary length.
Seemed dangerous to me once you got above the safe ELV.
Seemed dangerous to me once you got above the safe ELV.