Quote:
Originally Posted by 3-Wheeler
I have been zapped by 120 VAC enough times to know that I really don't want to accidentally find out what it's like with 177 VDC and 100 amps behind it.
Jim.
|
There is no real difference between 120AC and 177DC as far as pain, because 120 AC is really 168V positive to 168V negative. Actually the AC might hurt more. The current potential is also not of any consequence since the human body has a fixed resistance to what ever voltage you apply and the current will not go above a fixed level...until the flesh begins to char and create a carbon path of low resistance.....but by then, you wont care. Usually you wont get the charring unless you are talking about 25,000 volts.....which I HAVE been unfortunate enough to have been hit by. The fact that the IMA is capable of 100 amps doesnt mean anything because it wont go to that level through the resistance of flesh. Probably wouldnt go above an amp or two...but it would make you jump....ask Mike, I think he once got across the output of his solar panel at 177VDC.....
The standard AC receptical would work and in fact I used it on mine to begin with but you have to make sure the power supply is NOT turned on until AFTER the plug is inserted into the socket on the battery. Those two prongs dont want to be HOT. This type of connector is polarity indexed as you cannot stick it in backwards.
BUT what I later changed mine to was a standard automotive trailer connector with a recessed male connector on the battery with a snap closed cover and a female connector on the power supply. The connector and socket are polarity indexed and cannot be put in backwards. While this is designed for 12VDC, the physical clearances are more than sufficient for 10,000 volts and the heavy contacts would handle 100 amps easily as long as the wire you used was capable of handling the current and the insulation resistance was sufficient for your voltage.
BUT....these voltages are NOT considered high voltage. These are relatively low voltages and most wire you buy today, even the cheapest, has insulation resistance capable of handling a minimum of 600VDC
Oh yes, the 100 amp potential DOES become important if you drop a wrench (very low resistance) across the contacts instead of a human body (very HIGH resistance).....dont ask how I know.....#
