Re: [A/S] Panic

["Don Slack W0SPY" <supergdad@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have recently had a pace maker implanted and am not supposed to be
in something not grounded.
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Tricia I too have a pacemaker implant.  I don't think there is any
problem with a static discharge damaging your pacer.  The very tiny
current due to static discharge travels on the surface of the skin,
the pacer is burried under the skin and is protected by the higher
body resistance.

Radio waves (RF) CAN upset the pacer, I discussed this with my Dr. and
he in turn talked with Medtronics engineers about it.  They said to
use a cell phone at the ear opposite from where my pacer is implanted
to maximize the distance between the two.  I no longer use a CB or Ham
radio walky talky because they may generate more RF power than the
cell phone.  Note their is no relation to static discharge and RF.

I think some on the list are confusing static discharge and poor
grounding of the electrical system.  A shock from the electrical
system will be a longer or continuous jolt.  It can be fatel.  If one
is having that problem then get it checked out NOW.  Also you may need
to install a Ground Fault Interupter (GFI).

A static discharge will be a SNAP that startles you more that it
hurts.  You probably get those from sliding across the seat of your
tow vehicle more than from the trailer.  They are more common in dry
weather.

Electrical system faults are low voltage (120v)  and high current
9many amps).

Static discharge is high voltage (thousands) and very small current
(about a millionth of an amp).

It is current, or amps, that hurts you, not voltage.

Handling a styrofoam coffee cup can build up as much as 40,000 volts
on your body, but very little current.

From an electronics technician of 50 + years and electronics
instructor for 33 years in a previous life.