Re: electrostatics hazards

[Glenn Knapp <kahuna@VCN.COM>]

> I have just gotten a call from a HS teacher inquiring about the same in
> regard to the Kelvin electrostatics generator, the one that works with
> water drops.  It seems that student in the up coming science fair has built
> one and the organizers of the fair want to classify it as a dangerous
> machine.

The summer AAPT session in Lincoln had a very nice kelvin machine which was
left unattended in the hall where the odd passerby could fill the upper can
up and see the thing operate.  It had a very nice set of bells that would
ring when the charge was developed.  I do not recall a single instance of
paramedics being called out to rescue the enthousiastic observers.
Although I recall that few people were willing to touch anything on the
device.

Anyway, it inspired me to build my own contraption out of Walmart stainless
steel bowls and PVC pipe.  I even built the little bell deal (had to use
bicycle handlebar bells).  The thing works - the bells ring merrily - but
the charge isn't much.  You can't even get a visible spark out of the
thing.  So I would question its classification as a dangerous device.

Glenn