30 ways to get electrocuted

[jaylectricity]

Found this set of photos and thought you guys might enjoy.

30 ways to get electrocuted

A couple examples:

 

[jaylectricity]

Sorry, I meant drawings.

 

[RodMerrill]

A scary presentation

A scary presentation

Today at work we had a presentation by representatives of a lubricant company who claimed their product displaces water better than any other product on the market. To prove their point, they took the live end of an extension cord, sprayed the cord connector contacts with their lube, dipped the connector into a glass of water and then proceeded to dip a finger. This was to demonstrate that current couldn't flow between contacts in water because of the film the lubricant provided. After removing the dripping wet cord connector it was promptly plugged into a pigtail to energize a motor.
Once the representatives left I discussed what I considered to be an utter disregard for the hazards of electricity in a wet environment. To my surprise one of my co-workers believed that what she saw posed no health hazard. For me this was disturbing as it was just this morning that I had read another of Mike Holt's newsletters regarding an electrocution at a marina and the mysteries surrounding shoreline power.
I would like input from my fellow electrical professionals regarding this demonstration that was done without GFI protection and without a disclaimer provided to the audience. Fortunately, I have a similar demonstration shown on the company's website at http://pro-one.us/home/?q=content/xpl-bonding-performance.
Note: I am not promoting this company's product but rather using their site to substantiate my position on this subject.

 

[LarryFine]

One comment: to me, showing displacement would be to dip the cord in water first, then spray with the magic solution, then try the dip-the-finger test.

In fact, as a control, I'd like to see them do the dip-the-finger test before spraying at all.

 

[Billy_Bob]

Actually pure water does not conduct electricity unless it has salt in it.

So yes, stick the wires in the water first without the lube (no fingers please!)

Note that different locations have different water. Well water, treated water, softened water, water from rivers or streams, etc. So salt levels will be different.

More...
http://www.suite101.com/blog/bobcajun/pure_water_not_good_conductor

 

[G0049]

Untill he retired recently, OSHA had a guy who did a lot of their electrical training. He had a dog and pony show he put on for many different audiences, that included similar antics. He would hold an eletric drill, squeeze the trigger until it was up to full speed, and then plunge it into a pail of water with it still running. When questioned about his safety (never mind his sanity) he maintained that as long as he used fairly pure water, wore his insulated boots, stood on an insulated mat, and checked the whole area for grounded objects, he was safe. He would not, however, put that in writing. Go figure.

 

[Minuteman]

Another way:

I was in an industrial shop today. They had a 50 amp, 240 delta circuit to a power washer that was not working. The "A" phase was reading 52 volts. I went to the panel and removed the cover to test voltage, when a shop hand sneaked up behind and screamed like a little girl as he jabbed his finger into my ribs then said, "Oh, did I scare you"?

 

[Minuteman]

Today at work we had a presentation by representatives of a lubricant company who claimed their product displaces water better than any other product on the market. To prove their point, they took the live end of an extension cord, sprayed the cord connector contacts with their lube, dipped the connector into a glass of water and then proceeded to dip a finger. This was to demonstrate that current couldn't flow between contacts in water because of the film the lubricant provided. After removing the dripping wet cord connector it was promptly plugged into a pigtail to energize a motor.
Once the representatives left I discussed what I considered to be an utter disregard for the hazards of electricity in a wet environment. To my surprise one of my co-workers believed that what she saw posed no health hazard. For me this was disturbing as it was just this morning that I had read another of Mike Holt's newsletters regarding an electrocution at a marina and the mysteries surrounding shoreline power.
I would like input from my fellow electrical professionals regarding this demonstration that was done without GFI protection and without a disclaimer provided to the audience. Fortunately, I have a similar demonstration shown on the company's website at http://pro-one.us/home/?q=content/xpl-bonding-performance.
Note: I am not promoting this company's product but rather using their site to substantiate my position on this subject.

Rod, welcome to the forum. This side show magic act that you describe is appalling. Problem is, one day conditions could be different and someone from the audience may end up preforming... CPR.

 

[Jhaney]

Another way:

I was in an industrial shop today. They had a 50 amp, 240 delta circuit to a power washer that was not working. The "A" phase was reading 52 volts. I went to the panel and removed the cover to test voltage, when a shop hand sneaked up behind and screamed like a little girl as he jabbed his finger into my ribs then said, "Oh, did I scare you"?

What a good way for someone to get taken out to the parking lot and treated very very roughly with pliers on sensitive areas!!!

 

[RodMerrill]

Water softener could increase conductivity

Water softener could increase conductivity

The more I think about the afore mentioned lubricant presentation and the possibility that the water used could've been filtered through a water softener the madder I get about this idiot and the company he represents. Nothing is ever to be assumed when dealing with the presence of electricity and the absence of the hazards involved. One only has to read the monthly forensic case in EC&M magazine to understand that even what appears to be the obvious isn't always the case. For those featured in each month's article the end-result is tragedy or lifelong trauma. Oftentimes short-sighted electrical safety ignorance is financially devastating to all parties involved. Why any organization would push the envelope to promote their product is beyond logical comprehension. During a recessionary period it seems even more likely to be exposed to ?snake oil presentations? to sell a product and make a profit regardless of the consequences.

 

[Fulthrotl]

Another way:

I was in an industrial shop today. They had a 50 amp, 240 delta circuit to a power washer that was not working. The "A" phase was reading 52 volts. I went to the panel and removed the cover to test voltage, when a shop hand sneaked up behind and screamed like a little girl as he jabbed his finger into my ribs then said, "Oh, did I scare you"?

i'd file a formal, written complaint, and see if i could get him fired.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

judging by the amount of deleted comments, i am not alone in this.

 

[quogueelectric]

The idiot needs to be taught a lesson. Use your imagination.

 

[Lcdrwalker]

On submarines our main reactor cooling pump motors are encased in water much the same as a AC compressor motor. Of course our water is <35ppm total contaminents.

I don't buy prople playing games like this to just make a point. In the 35+ years that I have been in this trade, I've seen enough "accidents" waiting to happen. Who would be to blame if someone tried to duplicate this act without knowing about the strict controls?:-?

 

[iwire]

judging by the amount of deleted comments, i am not alone in this.

You judged incorrectly.