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Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair? by k__ on Saturday January 29, 2022 @09:01PM (#30133046)
Capacitors aren't to be fooled with.

Back in the tube TV times, I knew some guy working at a TV shop who shot off half a thumb, because he touched a loaded capacitor in a TV that was just unplugged.

Don't underestimate the power of every day appliences.

Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair? by np_tedious on Saturday January 29, 2022 @09:54PM (#30133407)
Even the capacitor inside a disposable camera (for the flash) is no joke. Used to mess around shocking ourselves with that when we were kids
Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair? by maxbond on Saturday January 29, 2022 @11:57PM (#30134172)
When I was a child I was trying to take one apart by prying with a screwdriver. I accidentally shorted the switch that started the flash with my screwdriver. I heard the capacitor charge, but stupidly didn't back away slowly and kept prying. I got zapped through the screwdriver, and I involuntarily threw the camera all the way across the room.

I also nearly killed myself with a giant DIY laden jar I thought was discharged. It was not. I discharged it across my arms (eg, across my heart). Luckily there was very little stored power, it hurt enough to give me pause but I wasn't injured. This thing was pretty big though, it definitely could've held enough power to hurt me badly.

Lessons learned!

Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair? by honkdaddy on Sunday January 30, 2022 @09:43AM (#30137587)
We did this too! Homemade "tasers" from a disassembled disposable camera. Enough to zap an older brother and run for your life, but not enough to hurt anyone. Good times.
Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair? by bobsmooth on Saturday January 29, 2022 @11:06PM (#30133907)
I once shorted out one of those through my thumb and I swear I felt the ghostly presence of my dead brother even though my brother is alive and was at work at the time.

Getting a few dozen volts straight through a nerve will make you feel weird things.

Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair? by more_corn on Monday January 31, 2022 @11:47PM (#30158731)
To be fair a CRT is possibly the most lethal piece of consumer electronics ever made. It can kill you even after sitting unplugged for months.