Real Life High Voltage Accident Cases - Teaching Electrical Safety

© ASEE 2012We discuss the engineering principles of Hi-voltage (any voltage above 600 volts). We cite 4 examples that typify some of the problems facing the Engineer and technician working with Hi-voltages, including geometry considerations, the need to follow proper protocol and the laws (both scientific and political) governing Hi-voltage. Poor design considerations in capacitor construction is the first case we consider, as well as the lack of proper protocols in discharging same. In the second case, a warning can be made that one should never get too close to a Hi-voltage line, unless the power is cut. In the third case, following simple rules in measurement of an unknown voltage could avoid a serious accident. In the fourth case, a high voltage shows up in a low-voltage circuit. These unfortunate cases are used as teaching tools to impart details of electrical safety in common industrial setting