CHPA
S
ERIES
D
OC
.01023245
R
EV
.R
THIS
DOCUMENT
IS
THE
PROPERTY
OF
COMMUNICATIONS
&
POWER
INDUSTRIES.
REPRODUCTION
OR
RELEASE
WITHOUT
EXPRESS
PERMISSION
IS
STRICTLY
PROHIBITED
S-1
S-1
Safety
Introduction
In addition to the
High Voltage Equipment Personnel Operating Guidelines
in this chapter, included
by reference are the following pertinent sections of the International Standard EN60215,
Safety
Requirements for Radio Transmitting Equipment
:
Appendix D, Guidance on Assessing the Competence of Personnel for Designation as Skilled,
and also Sub-clause 3.1 of the Standard.
Appendix E, Guidance on Safety Precautions to be Observed by Personnel Working on Radio
Transmitting Equipment, and also Sub-clauses 3.2, 3.7, and 22.1 of the Standard.
High Voltage Equipment
Personnel Operating Guidelines
This document presents operating practices for operators and technicians who work with high
voltage equipment. Any voltage above 48V is viewed as "high voltage." Prime power (115 to
440VAC) is dangerous because potentials are known to cause death or injury.
Electrical circuits operate quickly and do not provide a careless individual with a second
chance. Hazards associated with high voltage are consistent and predictable.
A switch that is
in the OFF position does not indicate the unit is safe
.
Warning: The guidelines presented in this chapter are not academic. They
are based on the experience of engineers and technicians who have years
of experience with high voltage circuits and equipment.
When Is Voltage "High"?
Any voltage that can kill or injure is considered high voltage. Prime power voltages generally
do not jump the air gap between the operator and equipment. Usually, exposed circuit
elements such as a terminal, exposed wire, or a non-insulated surface must be touched.
Prime power in some equipment can be "floating" above ground. If one hand is placed on the
equipment chassis and the other on an earth ground, there is potential to be injured, or killed.
440VAC can stimulate an involuntary muscle response that either throws a person across a
room or seizes and holds a person across the voltage terminals. Potential sufficient to drive 200
milliamps through the body will hold it indefinitely.
