BASIC SAFETY

_ Avoid working with AC-operated circuits. Of course, you can’t always do this. If your
project requires an AC power supply (the power supply converts the AC to lower-voltage
DC), consider using a self-contained one, such as a plug-in wall transformer. They’re much
safer than a homemade power supply.

_ Physically separate the AC and DC portions of your circuits. This

helps to prevent a bad shock if a wire comes loose.

_ Make sure you secure all wiring inside your project. Don’t just tape the AC cord inside
the project enclosure. It may pull out sometime, exposing a live wire. Use a strain relief or a
cable mount to secure the cord to the enclosure. A strain relief clamps around the wire and
prevents you from tugging the wire out of the enclosure. You can buy a strain relief for
electrical cords at almost any hardware store or electronics shop.

_ Whenever possible, use a metal enclosure for your AC-operated projects, but only if
the enclosure is fully grounded. You need to use a 3- prong electrical plug and wire for this.
Be sure to firmly attach the green wire (which is always the ground wire; ground is used as a
reference for all voltages in a circuit) to the metal of the enclosure.

_ If you can’t guarantee a fully-grounded system, use a plastic enclosure. The plastic
helps insulate you from any loose wires or accidental electrocution. For projects that aren’t
fully grounded, only use an isolated power supply, such as a wall transformer (a black box
with plug prongs which is attached to a wire, such as you may have on your cell phone
charger). You plug the transformer into the wall, and only relatively safe low-voltage DC
comes out.

_ Don’t be the class clown. Be serious and focused while you’re working around electricity.

_ Don’t work where it’s wet. “Yeah, duh!” you say. But you’d be surprised what people
sometimes do when they’re not paying attention. And remember, just because you put liquid
in a cup, that doesn’t mean you don’t run the risk of knocking it over and getting things wet;
consider leaving your soft drink or coffee on an out of the way shelf when working on your
electronics project. Practice the buddy system. Whenever possible, have a buddy nearby if
you’re working around AC voltages. Always have someone nearby who can help you in case
you get a nasty shock.

Double- and triple-check your work before applying power. If possible,

have someone who knows a little about circuits inspect your handiwork
before you switch the circuit on for the first time.

Mario Elmer B. Tolo

Trainer
Tips of safe soldering

_ Always place your soldering iron in a stand designed for the job.
Never place the hot soldering iron directly on a table or workbench.
You can easily start a fire or burn your hands that way.

_ Be sure that the electrical cord doesn’t snag on the table or any other object.
Otherwise, the hot soldering iron can get yanked out of its stand and fall to the ground.
Or worse, right into your lap!

_ Soldering produces mildly caustic and toxic fumes. Make sure that
your electronics workshop has good ventilation to prevent a buildup of
these fumes. Avoid hunching over the soldering work because the fumes
can waft into your face. If you’re having trouble seeing the soldering joint at a
distance, use a magnifying glass to enlarge the image of the work.

_ If your soldering iron has an adjustable temperature control, dial the

recommended setting for the kind of solder that you’re using.

_ If you’re concerned about stunting your growth and other health

issues, you may want to avoid solders that have lead in them. As an
alternative, you can use lead-free rosin-core solder specifically designed
for use on electronic equipment. Never use silver solder or acid-flux
solder in electronics, by the way. They wreck your circuits.

_ Don’t try to solder on a live circuit — a circuit to which you’ve applied voltage.
You run the risk of damaging the circuit or the soldering iron, and you may receive a
nasty shock.

_ Never grab a soldering iron as it falls to the ground. Just let it hit, and buy a new
one if the iron is damaged. There’s an unwritten Murphy’s Law in electronics that
you will always grab the hot end. Trust me, a burn from a hot soldering iron is
something you don’t ever want to experience.

Mario Elmer B. Tolo

Trainer