ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area 38.4 kHz

I am reviewing the use of an "In-Roadway lighting" system which is typically used at crosswalks. Many of these systems operate at 12 VDC, 3 amps, with LED lamps, operating from wires placed in a sawcut in the road surface. These systems are fairly safe, being similar to low voltage landscape lighting.

One system operates at 38.4 kHz, about 30 volts, perhaps 4 amps. The LED lamps are inductively powered from the cable.

I'm trying to determine what the shock hazard at 38.4 kHz would be. any comments or suggestions on where to look?

Tom,

I don't think 38kHz poses any more of a shock hazard than 50/60Hz or the same voltage.

In fact, I remember reading somewhere in the past the normal 50 or 60Hz power frequencies are actually just in the critical range which is most likely to cause ventricular fibrillation. I'm not sure what to start looking to confirm that, though.