>Date: 14 Nov 96 18:58:35 EST
>From: "Egon H. Varju" <[email protected]>
>
>
>
>Every reasonable instance, that I can imagine, of injury or damage resulting
>from an energy hazard, will happen very fast and be over and done with in less
>than one second (human reaction time) or even faster (20 J @ 240 VA = 83 ms).
>So what possible significance can there be in relating this to a test that runs
>for one minute or even longer?
>
A little perspective:
A defibrilator usually puts out 200 joules with the first shock and it
goes up from there, depending on what the Doctor or Paramedic thinks is
necessary. The standard says that 20 joules is a hazard, and this is 10% of
the value used to start your heart if it stops.
Is 20 joules enough to STOP your heart? I have no idea, but you will
definitely feel it.
If 240 VA for 83 msec puts out 20 joules, then 240 VA for 830 msec puts out
200 joules. This amount of energy CAN start your heart, there should be no
doubt that it can also stop it.
At the end of one minute, I would call you toast.
Mike Cantwell, PE
