Re: [Amps] 220V service for amplifier

["Ian White, G3SEK" <G3SEK@ifwtech.co.uk>]

R. Measures wrote:
> > If you tie it to the neutral, there is a possibility of a voltage
> > differentail between the amp chassis and the earth ground which can create a
> > dangerous situation.
> **  But only if the neutral wire is severed while the radio operator is 
> standing in water without wearing  his fishin' boots.

Getting a shock is much easier than that.

In many amateur stations, we are also bringing *other* good earth 
grounds into the shack via the antenna cables. If the chassis is not 
already connected to ground, there's a very high risk of picking up a 
plug and bridging the potential difference between your two hands. The 
voltage probably isn't very high, but the current passes right through 
your chest...

The other scenario where a low-voltage shock can easily kill you 
involves touching a cable coming out of the shack that isn't properly 
grounded... when you happen to be at the top of a grounded metal ladder.

If you think these won't happen to you... well, they've *both* happened 
to me. I was lucky each time, and the shock was only a low-level 
"tingle" - but I reckon my luck is all used up now, so I take 
precautions instead.


--
73 from Ian G3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
                           Editor, 'The VHF/UHF DX Book'
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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