Re: How to perform 200kHz-5MHz sweep while maintaining 200mArms?

From: Walter Harley (walterh_at_cafewalterNOSPAM.com)
Date: 09/23/04 

Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 11:15:07 -0700

"Mark" <bigfathhairybiker@MAILhot(swapemround).com> wrote in message
news:4152f420$0$20246$ed9e5944@reading.news.pipex.net...
> oh I hope it is microamps.... I've heard that 30millamps can kill!

Less than that can kill; but it has to actually get to the relevant muscles
(heart, diaphragm).

In this case, the *intent* of the OP was to use frequencies of 200kHz and
above. At those frequencies, the energy travels mainly on the surface of
the conductor, that is, on the surface of the body. Apparently, there is
not even any sensation of being shocked, even at fairly high currents.

If you do a bit of Googling for "high frequency current human body" (without
the quotes) you can learn more about this.

The key point, though, is that word "intent". As we all know, what actually
happens when you hit the switch on a piece of equipment is not always
exactly what we intended to happen. There is altogether too much risk that
an equipment fault or an operator error would result in substantial current
being delivered at lower, lethal, frequencies.