Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-03-13
ELECTRIC SHOCKS.
Effects Of Handling Wires Which Carry
High Voltage Current.

The fact that one has received a
shock from 500 volt circuit that did
not prove painful is not sign that
the next one will be equally harmless.
The following experiments have been
made, involuntarily, by great num-
ber of people, says Casters Magazine
Touch one side Of the circuit light
ly with the finger while making con-
tact with the other side either through
a ground or by actually touching It;
violent blow in the chest; small burn
that is deep, but not painful, will be
found on the finger where contact was
made.
Make better contact, as by touch
ing the circuit with piece Of metal
held firmly in the hand, and the blow
will be strong enough to knock the ex-
perimenter down. 1t is probable that
no burn will result, as the current has
large surface through which TO en-
ter the hand; In rare cases the person
may become unconscious for a short
time.
Grasp the wire firmly in the hand,
and for a time at least 1t will be i'm
possible to release it. Serious burns
are made where the wire touches the
hand, and unless the victim succeeds
In wrenching himself free or help is
quickly rendered, the result is likely
to prove fatal.
The last case Is Of a very rare occur
renee; 1t is pretty sure to obtain
considerable space in the daily papers
when it actually does occur, while in
may exclaim, with Mark Twain, "Ac-
counts Of my death greatly exagger-
ated." On the other hand, people are
knocked down by the current every
day 1t is rather peculiar that the 500
volt shock will, in the majority Of
cases, kill a horse.
The trolley current Is a 500 volt
circuit, with the exception of perhaps
half a dozen lines recently installed
which go to 1000 or over. 1t Is we'll
to remember in case Of falling troll
ley wire that standing upon a dry
board will give full protection, that
while sitting in a car there Is no dam
ger of shock from a broken wire or
other cause If one does not touch met
al or wet wood; raising the feet from
the floor that may be wet or dirty
r,;l1 do oC on additional nrecaution
If one wishes to remove a wire to
avoid shock or for other reasons, 1t
may be done with safety while stand
ing upon a dry, clean board, with a
piece of dry board not large enough
to stand on, or with several thickness
esses Of dry paper Ca newspaper) or,
in case Of emergency, a bundle Of dry
clothing. AS it is difficult to get the
latter perfectly dry a shock may be
received when this Is attempted, but
the resistance will be so high that the
shock will not be very severe.
The deadly third rail also operates
at 500 volts, and Is no more deadly
than has been already shown, except
for the probability of a person who is
thrown down by the shock of falling
across the rail and becoming uncon-
scious. This of course is as serious a
case even as that Of the man who Is
unable to let go Of the wire.
Wires used for street lighting may
always be regarded with suspicion:
they are exceedingly likely to carry
a current of 1000 volts or more. This
will, in most cases, give fatal cur
rent, and the pressure is so great that
the precautions previously described
are not to be depended upon. One
would be re easonably safe, however, If
standing upon a chair or stool with
perfectly dry wooden legs.
AS wires of 1000 volts or more are
unite common in the streets, there are
many chances for other wires to come
in contact with them and so receive
a dangerous current. 1t Is therefore
unwise for an inexperienced person
to touch any outdoor wire, however
harmless it may appear.
Lines for transmitting power across
country operate OH voltages all the way
up to $4,000. Precautions are taken
with such wires and special warnings
are printed on the poles. Lines Of TO-
600 volts or over may be recognized by
the fact that large clay or porcelain
insulators are used in place Of glass
ones generally seen.
Persons rendered unconscious by Il
shock may frequently be revived by
inducing artificial respiration in the
manner used for reviving persons ap-
parently drowned; but, of course,
without the attempt to expel water
from the lungs.