Mikthehun1
Well-Known Member
Ever get bitten by a big capacitor, or a multi-kilivolt flyback transformer? 2/10, would not recommend.I don't stand inches away from dump trucks as they speed by me, but putting a 440 volt plug into a receptacle means I'm less than an inch away from voltage (and current) that will easily kill. And in MN it is rarely dry. Areas like southern CA there's less concern with everything being soaked in mist or just outright wet almost constantly. But here it's not that way. That's why cars rust here.
I have a 440 v air compressor, so I do have that kind of voltage available here, but I have a lot of respect for the danger it represents. I have it hard wired. I don't plug and unplug it every day, wearing out the components over time.
My point being, the average person might not realize that handling a 440 v plug is like holding your hand next to the accessory drive on a V8 - when it's running. You are inches away from a potential life threatening situation.
One other thing I should say is that 110 isn't that dangerous. I've been shocked by it before and it's not comfortable but you have to really do something foolish like being wet standing in water for 110 to kill you. Of course it still can kill you. But 440 is much more dangerous.
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