ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Electrical Nostalgia Surely this can't be true??

I happened upon this on the Net some time ago and I'm beginning to wonder if it is legit:



It's a bit worrying though.

I'm an old enough geezer to remember this. They said, use the back of your hand so you don't grip it.

Wow, just wow!

I have to ask the question though Greg, what does electricity taste like?

Like a copper penny with Tobasco on it

My dad used to test 9V batteries with his tongue! Haven't seen him do that for a while though.

He also used the finger method on 220V house wiring, always making sure not to grip the wires. I also think he only did that when he already considered the wires dead but wanted to make sure.

I knew some old timers who did it this way. It used to help if you have very callus hands. You barely felt the current. (Or so I am told) I never did it this way. at least on purpose.

I probably tested wires that way when I was real young but by the time I was working I was doing the "should be dead" test with a screwdriver and my safety glasses on. There have been a few times when it wasn't dead. (things like the "main disconnect" breaker wasn't)

Many years ago, an old electrician who worked on ships told me they tested fuses by licking their fingers and running them down the two sides of a row of fuses. The one that tickles is the bad one.

Licking your fingers is less attractive in a barn.

The ships I was on used 440v delta. I don't think you have to lick your fingers. A catchers mask might be handy so you don't punch yourself in the nose.

Ha Ha Ha
That is gold!