Electronics Safety

Electricity can cause fatal burns or cause vital organs to malfunction. In general, a current of 5 mA or less will cause a sensation of shock, but rarely any damage. Larger currents can cause hand muscles to contract. Currents on the order of 100 mA are often fatal if they pass through the body for even a few seconds.

The Electronics Workshop is primarily concerned with low-voltage electronics.
The chance of injury due to electric shock is is very, very, low.
Experiments for younger students have been designed to be easily completed
without the use of soldering.

Nonetheless, as in all laboratory situations, there are safety rules that must be followed.

    The two most important safety rules are:

  1. Always have a knowledgeable adult supervise work.
    Ask a teacher or parent to help you.

  2. Always use common sense and pay attention to the job you are working on.
    Doing so can prevent most laboratory accidents.

    You should also remember the following rules:

  1. Wire carefully, and be on the lookout for any signs of burning.
    Some components become hot when improperly connected.
    A hot wire or component can burn skin, hair, fabric, etc.
    Many burning electrical components have a sharp, acrid odor, or may begin to smoke.

  2. Don't bring drinks near your computer or electronics work.
    Besides being hard to clean up, liquids can damage many electronics,
    creating a safety hazard.

  3. Leave the T.V. in one piece.
    Household currents are MUCH more dangerous than those in the experiments we detail.
    It requires a lot of training to safely open up household devices.

Every possible precaution has been taken to ensure the safety of experiments and the correctness of information.

The study of electronics is interesting and exciting.
Please enjoy yourself and be safe.