Is high voltage really dangerous?
The answer is generally yes, but it can be no. Only if the current is limited to a few microamps is it completely safe. An example is static electricity which everyone has experienced. Here the voltages can be as high as 30,000 volts, but because the current is so low there is no danger. Any high voltage power supply should be considered extremely dangerous, especially if it is operated by personnel unfamilliar with the hazards. Certain precautions can be employed to reduce the dangers. All high voltage wiring should be enclosed within shielded metallic compartments and cabinets. Interlock switches should be provided to cut off line voltage in the case that a cabinet or enclosure is opened. High voltage cables should employ a grounded outside shield, so that insulation faults are safely routed to ground. Equipment must always be operated with a good quality earth ground, either through a grounding rod or other means. No work should be attempted whenever power is applied. And even if th
