SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-shock-protection-practices

Which set lists good ways to guard against electrical shock?

Use three-wire cords, safety grounding, and discharged high-voltage capacitors.

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  1. Two-wire cords and isolated equipment cases
  2. Three-wire cords, grounding, and discharged capacitors ✔
  3. Higher-current fuses and ungrounded outlets

Why: Grounded three-wire power connections help carry fault current safely. A common safety ground and discharged high-voltage capacitors reduce dangerous touch voltages.

Huh, didn't know that: Some capacitors can hold charge after equipment is switched off.

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The capacitor relaxed only after it had fully discharged.
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References

Answer: Three-wire cords, grounding, and discharged capacitors. Grounded three-wire power connections help carry fault current safely. A common safety ground and discharged high-voltage capacitors reduce dangerous touch voltages.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Feb 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    A. Use three-wire cords and plugs for all AC powered equipment
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Feb 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    B. Connect all AC powered station equipment to a common safety ground
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  3. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Feb 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    C. Ensure all capacitors used for high-voltage DC are fully discharged before working inside equipment
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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