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Re: Variac Safety

Why you're out buying, purchase a AC field sensor (about 10$). This
pen-like gadget detects 90V AC fields from a short distance away. Is
great for determining whether a wire is _really_ dead, or just supposed
to be.

It saved my life while installing a water heater. I had turned off the
breaker before removing the wires to the old water heater, but before I
touched the 220V I decided to just check (paranoid) to see if it was
down. It was not, the field sensor buzzed & lit happily. Turned out the
dryer circuit was wired improperly and back feeding the water heater
circuit.

I keep one in my tool box and use it faithfully. Also works great as a
teaching tool in lab.



Date: Sat, 2 Dec 2000 15:29:41 -0800
From: "Bernard G. Cleyet & Nancy Ann Seese" <georgeann@REDSHIFT.COM>
Subject: Re: Variac Safety

Immediately go to the nearest hardware or electrical supply firm and purchase an
"AC OUTLET ANALYZER" (U ground plug with three NE 2's to indicate, which of any
possible, the wiring of the outlet tested.) I further test the ground by
connecting a 300W lamp to the ground and the high side of the line. It must
appear at full brilliance.

bc


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*****************************
Scott Goelzer
Physics Teacher
Coe-Brown Northwood Academy
Northwood NH 03261
sgoelzer@coebrownacademy.com
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