How to Not Electrocute Yourself
Originally posted on the Blackstone Forge blog by Elise Walker
Soon, Blackstone will be forming teams to build custom lamps for our offices. In anticipation of this build night, each team is planning their build. To assist with that planning effort, here are a few tips to keep everyone safe and ensure that we have some solid, dependable lamps.
It’s tempting to make quick connections by twisting wires together or using wire caps. Since these lamps will be furniture, that will likely move around, we want to make sure solder all connections to prevent an possibilities of frayed connections. (Remember: Blackstone has a bunch of soldering irons and many soldering pros after our custom badge project)
When routing electrical connections, it’s extra important to make sure positive and negative never touch. Also, while there are many examples of exposing ground (-) connections to metal parts; make sure to keep positive connections from touching anything a user will be exposed to. Electrical tape is an easy way of sealing connections, but you can also use heat shrink seal connections. (Take a look at our Internet of Coffee project in the break room if you want to see how the team sealed connections with heat shrink.)
Some lights, particularly LEDs, and specialty bulbs require DC (Direct Current) Power. The outlet provides 110 volts AC (Alternating Current). Most normal light bulbs can use this. On the other hand, most everything else can’t. Check your light source and buy (or find) a transformer or switching power supply if it requires something other than 110v AC.
Since some of you will be looking for parts second hand, keep an eye out for electronics with capacitors in them. Since I know there are some retro-lamp ideas already rolling around in peoples minds, beware of anything with large tubular parts inside. Capacitors store charge! Meaning, even if they are unplugged, they can pack a punch.
Capacitors are typically used to smooth alternating current, but can be useful when making fun circuits (like blinking lights). If unsure, check the exposed cords with a multi-meter.
High voltage can burn out lights and incorrect voltage can distort their color. To ensure the longevity of your lights and to balance the color of LEDs, follow OHMs law to calculate the resistor necessary to provide the correct voltage.
R = (Source Voltage — Target Voltage) / ( Current through Target )
R will = the OHMs necessary for a resistor.
The power that comes from your wall output is 120v. While that won’t kill you, it stings worse than a bee.
Building things is awesome. I look forward to seeing all the awesome builds that come out of our upcoming project!
Launched in Arlington, Virginia in 2002, Blackstone Federal is the beltway’s premier engineering, transformation, and creative design agency. Rooted in a common culture, Blackstone Federal employees bridge the gap between the beltway and Silicon Valley to create a company unlike any in DC.
Learn more about Blackstone Federal at blackstonefederal.com .
