Avoiding shock - 5 cardinal rules

[angelodp]

I am just beginning and while I have been shocked ( not by an amp ), I would like to now hear what the seasoned builders do to avoid shock.

[nickt]

I am just beginning and while I have been shocked ( not by an amp ), I would like to now hear what the seasoned builders do to avoid shock.

Mainly keep the lights out when undressing.

Edit: Ok seriously... Never counted four or five or forty four things but here's what I do and have done for many years.

a. always unplug whatever you're working on
b. if you're measuring something live use clip leads to your meter
c. but first see a.

cheers
Nick

[v00d00blues79]

HAHAHAHA!!!!

Andy

[Structo]

That's easy!
Just don't allow any part of your body to become part of the circuit!

[v00d00blues79]

Make sure that if the amp is plugged in and turned on to keep your left hand in your pocket or something... if you get shocked on that side its a straighter path to the heart... and my rule of thumb is if the soldering iron is in the hand the power cord should be unplugged and caps discharged... takes a little longer in between component swaps, but less likely to get the crap shocked out of you... had to learn that one the hard way...


Andy

[briane]

unplug amp before soldering.

You may laugh, I accidentally did it, and paul ruby specifically warns about it.

Isolation transformer and discharge stick used religiously. one hand in pocket when the other hand is in amp.

[Firestorm]

1. Discharge the caps (even if there is a bleeder resistor -- you never know if some has done the Dan Torres "diode mod" to the power supply. Leave a jumper connected to a preamp plate so the caps won't recharge.
2. Do not stand on a cement floor (especially without shoes ) I have 3/4-inch thick non-conductive plastic floor covering in front of my workbench).
3. When you have to test something with the amp on (especially current), clip on your test leads, keep your hands away, THEN power up.
4. One hand in pocket.
5. Adult beverages and amplifier innards don't mix.

[Structo]

Or alcohol and electrons don't mix well.