Re: Weird Feeling

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Justin Hays by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <pyrotrons2000-at-yahoo-dot-com>

Hi,

> I was outside messing with a transformer today and I was trying 
> to get it to arc from a wire connected to one of the HV output to 
> the case. When I put my hand near the wire connected to the output 
> it felt like it was vibrating. I was afraid to pick the wire up so 
> I didn't. Then I picked the wire up  and plugged it in with the
> wire already in my hand and if I put my finger in a certain place 
> it caused a sort of burning tickle and made it feel like 
> the hair on my finger was standing up. What was going on? 
>
> Thanks

Hi (whoever you are) and All.

> I was afraid to pick the wire up so I didn't. Then I picked the 
> wire up  and plugged it in with the wire already in my hand

So then, if it actually DID arc to your finger, you would take the
full output current of the transformer through your chest?!?!?! 

You are really asking for it. High voltage hurts, man. I don't know
what kind of transformer you're talking about here, although I
imagine its your good 'ol neon. But we're all kindof hoping it's a
flyback?!

Anyhow, about what you're feeling: most likely, the hair on your hand
is reacting to the electrostatics from the oscillating (50 or 60Hz
back and forth) high voltage field near the wires. Have you ever
heard a capacitor humming while in operation? Same deal, the
insulating material mechanically vibrates along with electrostatic
fields generated by HV. Your hair is acting as the insulator in a
buzzing capacitor.

The burning feeling you talk about could very possibly be due to
corona, which is plasma, which is hot. 

At the certain point on the wire that you mention, maybe this is
where the insulation has been weakened, so it doesn't insulate as
well. So more current flows into your finger, and it hurts more.

Use an arc rod.

Justin Hays
KC5PNP
Email: justin-at-hvguy-dot-com
Website: www.hvguy-dot-com







=====
Justin Hays
KC5PNP
Email: justin-at-hvguy-dot-com
Website: www.hvguy-dot-com

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Great stuff seeking new owners in Yahoo! Auctions! 
http://auctions.yahoo-dot-com