What for it does it? It is possible to gain similar effect from the transformer Tesla or the pressure multiplier. What for the helicopter also is all?? =)
@FlyingLineman, a capacitor has two charged plates with a very small gap between them - the larger the plates and the smaller the gap, the bigger the capacitance (obviously, too small a gap can lead to breakdown though allowing the capacitor to short out). Since a heli doesn't have the two plates to hold opposing charges (where each charge maintains the other through electrostatic attraction) it's not good at storing charge. Great video, thanks!
Btw an easy way to steal electricity is to put a wire parallel to power lines, make sure to not close the circuit through the same field or you won't get anything.
@ianrkav It makes it safe for the lineman to board the helicopter. Once the wand is clamped, the heli's charge alternates in sync with the wire. The arcing comes from a relatively small (but still probably dangerous) current at high voltage charging and discharging the helicopter's skin at the AC frequency.
When the helicopter leaves the line, its charge is no longer alternating, so when it touches the ground there would be only a momentary static discharge from the skids to earth.
@negeungrevrhaf I see. So in essence, the 'bonding' brings the helicopter to the same level of charge as the wire, and providing there is no discharge to ground both will be relatively safe! Now I understand. Thanks:-)
CRT TV set. There was a continuous arc (actually, it was ALTERNATING, at picture line frequency of 15,625 Hz) between the tip of the screwdriver and the anode HV cap of the tube. The technician was perfectly insulated both from the ground and from the screwdriver blade. I was scared to death. Then I went to school and understood... ;-) Hope this helps.
door handle while wearing rubber shoes and are all charged up with STATIC electricity: you are well insulated from the ground by your shoes, like one armature of a capacitor (the helicopter), but when you touch the handle, you receive only ONE shock because static buildup is DIRECT CURRENT. The line is AC, so the process would repeat 100 or 120 times per second. I myself saw a [very skilled] TV repairman going with a WELL insulated screwdriver tip about 1/2" near the anode of a HV tube in a old
@denelson83 , @dania699 and all the other people asking... The electric arc would go on INDEFINITELY in time: keep in mind that it is ALTERNATING VOLTAGE. It changes to +Vpeak to -Vpeak 60 times per seconds (or 50 in Europe). The helicopter actually reaches the peak line voltage, acting as one of the armatures of a capacitor charging up. When line voltage reverses polarity, it DISCHARGES and CHARGES AGAIN to opposite polarity. It's the same thing happening on a dry day when you touch a
I don't understand what is the point in doing this ? I am really interested in electricity and i don't understant why. The helicopter doesn't touch the ground or the other phases so how is it possible.
@dania699 It's basically static electricity, which flows from the HV line to the chopper in the same way that you can get a static shock from a charged metallic object (but this is a much more dangerous version). The charge keeps flowing because the line voltage keeps changing (AC) and the helicopter is trying to 'keep up' by taking ang giving charge back constantly, thus forming the arc. Hope that helps.
There must be significant amuount of capacitanse between the helicopter and the ground as the arc is keep going - altought it doesn't need to be a dangeroulsly high currents to make visible arcs at that voltage.
Btw - is the 3 lines the 3 different phases? - if that's the case, your system is probably different (all phases in line) compared to the one in we have in Sweden.
We have a 120° offset between the phases so it would not be possible to sit like that without getting toasted.
Thanks for your input and kind words. Much appreciated.
The three wires are one 'bundled' conductor, one phase - we have the same 120 degree phase difference in our generation and would indeed crisp like a piece of over-cooked bacon if a phase-to-phase fault occurred. F.L.
Well there he is in his Faraday suit shooting electrons over onto the bus bar and equalizing the elctronegative potential, which is all nice and well since the helicopter is not grounded and birds do it all the time. What I want to know is what are they going to do with that flying capacitor when it comes time to land? There has to be a safe easy way to discharge before grounding/landing.
It's way beyond the scope of my education to explain why - not knowing exactly how or why a 'capacitor' operates, explanation from an EE welcomed here - but without knowing the why, I can say that it doesn't happen; the helicopter doesn't possess the ability to 'store' electrical potential like a capacitor does. Once away from the wires the only 'charge' remaining is the static charge continuously generated by the rotor system. F.L.
@FlyingLineman A capacitor is basically two metal plates separated by a non-conductor (dielectric). When the two plates are connected to different voltages, charge forms on the higher voltage plate. Remove the voltage source, and the charge remains on the plate. Capacitors store energy in this way, as static electricity. But an HV conductor and a helicopter separated by air still forms a crude capacitor. I’ve tried not to be too hard to understand here. If you have any questions let me know.
If my physics are correct on this, the capacitor that is made safe by "bonding" actually forms between the heli and the wire, not between the heli and ground. That is because there is an oscillating potential difference(AC) between heli and wire, but not between heli and ground.
Even if I'm totally wrong which I don't think I am, at the moment of touchdown there are normally no people tied under the landing gear to participate in conducting any possible electrical current. ;)
@TheVessapaperimuumio When the helicopter touches the line it is brought up to the same potential as the line and in effect becomes a pseudo capacitor. The question is, when the helicopter detaches from the line how long does it take for its potential to drop back down to a normal level, and does that happen at the moment of contact with the ground, or does it just dissipate into the air?
I have seen charged caps sit on a bench for hours and still hold a charge.
FlyingLineman, So do you do this for a living? Because this is about three shades of awesome. And I have a few questions I have always wanted to ask one of these guys.
Your kind words are appreciated - thank you. Yes, I am currently employed as an aerial linman - in fact, spent today on the platform. June is one damn fine month to be working outside! I'll answer questions as best I can.
Large majority have received some military training - but not all. Some with logging backgrounds, some seismic work, agriculture spraying etc. Most have 1000's of hours in the MD500 before even being considered for employment. All pilots receive extensive 'on the job' training, with dual controls under the guidance of a high-time mentor, prior to being sent out solo. Very similar to lineman - an 'apprenticeship' style of teaching helps pass along tips, tricks, knowledge and dos-and-don'ts.
Energized conductor - main rotor will generate a static charge, however this potential difference is mainly due to the lineman sitting on a 500,000 volt phase.
Hi. Great videos. You are probably sick of answering questions but I'm wondering whether you could go into a bit more detail about exactly what it means to raise the chopper to line potential. I mean from a really basic, bare nuts and bolts view. If you were to compare it to the water pressure in a pipe analogy, since the chopper is not part of the water pipe, what does this 'potential' really mean?
Wow - great question! I'm sure an EE could do far better at a concise answer. I will consult with a family member working at SEL (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories) for some help/education on a proper response.
For now, you might look up 'hydraulic analogy' on Wikipedia.
@CalmlyHysterical An EE would actually be the best person to ask. However a physicist is a good second choice so I will do my best. Using your water pressure analogy, one could think of voltage as the "push" or "electric pressure". Electric current is somewhat analogous to the flow of water. This power line is constantly pushing electrons back and forth as the voltage oscillates up and down. Potential is just another word for Voltage.
@CalmlyHysterical In order to raise the chopper to the same voltage (or potential) as the power line, electrons must flow onto or off of the chopper. If the power lines were Direct Current (Potential is constant) you would only need to hold the little probe thing on the wire long enough for enough electrons to flow onto (or off of) the chopper to raise it to the same voltage (potential) as the line. However these lines carry Alternating Current (Potential oscillates) thus the chopper must be
@CalmlyHysterical kept in continuous contact with the power line to allow charge to continually flow maintaining the craft at the same potential as the line. Does this help?
@CalmlyHysterical The water pipe analogy is used to explain electric circuits. They are called circuits because electricity flows through them in a loop - think of a small light bulb connected to a battery. Explaining electric potential in this way may not make much sense.
We could say that the helicopter, having a certain mass, can contain "water" as a glass. It's is not connected to any pipe but you can have a flow for a short amount of time.
A 500KV, AC, line near Savannah GA. Yes, the arc stops when the wand touches the skid and the heli is at line potential. We played around a bit with the arc just for the video. Usually we bond fast to minimize arcing. The lineman will use the ground clip on the skid to maintain contact while transferring, then remove the bond clamp and use the wand again for pulling off line.
You know what sucks? These guys dont make as much as inside wireman.Theres about a 6 dollar difference. I just applied for the lineman apprenticeship. Hope I get in cuz I would love to do this.
Dear FLYINGLINEMAN i have a question that i wpould be really pleased if you answer me.If somebody touches 2 different phases out there he doesnt get electrocuted or is he just protected by the uniform.I know that if you touch the same phase you are safe.But what about different phase?Thanks a lot and much RESPECT for the difficuklt job u re doing out there.
Because of how electricity is generated the three phases are not at the same potential (think of alternating currents, or sine waves, differing by 120 degrees) - touching, or violating minimum approach distance to, two phases would cause a 'phase to phase fault' which is just as fatal as a 'phase to ground fault'. Hot suit would not offer protection from either. Your very kind words are much appreciated - thank you.
I once described this concept of setting linemen off from a heli onto a live several-hundred-kilovolts wire, to a flight instructor (fixed-wing guy, not heli). He just gave me that "you've got to be out of your frakking mind" kind of stare...
By the way, I'm a low-voltage (electronics) guy -- I prefer to stay within a few dozen volts from ground potential...! o.O
nope, as soon as the helicopter/linman disengage from the wire, they separate themselves from line potential and return to a normal state.
As a side note, there is the ever present charge generated by the main rotor and friction with air molecules... if upon landing your feet touch the earth first, often times you dissipate the static charge which can be uncomfortable.
Raise the helicopter to the same electrical potential as the lineman sitting on the energized 500KV conductors; no potential difference = no electricity flow, ergo safe for the lineman to transfer back to the helicopter.
well their suits are also made of steel wire (25% or so). This means that by simply touching the heli's body there will be an electrical flow through the suit.altough the current is in the micro/pico amps range (almost non existent), at the very high voltage could be enough to simply melt the very thin steel wirel in the fabric :(.
Thanks for reply. Watched on National Geographic TV about this stuff. Does this mean as long as the chopper and all are bonded that all the voltage is coming through them? Pretty wild stuff. Thanks.
Well not exactly through them but around them (or through the wires in the suits and through the heli's body). It is called the "Faraday's cage" which protects them perfectly.
Well I'm an electrical engineer myself, and only climbed a pole during student years, but thrust me, once you smelled the ozone out of those arcs you'll never forget it :)) Not even the best conifer forest smell this good :)
What for it does it? It is possible to gain similar effect from the transformer Tesla or the pressure multiplier. What for the helicopter also is all?? =)
aleksandrgrigor 1 month ago
@FlyingLineman, a capacitor has two charged plates with a very small gap between them - the larger the plates and the smaller the gap, the bigger the capacitance (obviously, too small a gap can lead to breakdown though allowing the capacitor to short out). Since a heli doesn't have the two plates to hold opposing charges (where each charge maintains the other through electrostatic attraction) it's not good at storing charge. Great video, thanks!
CaptainPedant 7 months ago
The arc is because of the polarity changes ;)
Btw an easy way to steal electricity is to put a wire parallel to power lines, make sure to not close the circuit through the same field or you won't get anything.
ICEGTN 1 year ago
@ICEGTN I think you mean "an easy way to die is to put a wire parallel to power lines..."
bigpickzel 1 year ago
@bigpickzel Haha. it can actually work though (in theory anyway). Always wanted to try it, but don't wanna go to jail :(
thepigeonsmustdie 1 year ago
Can someone explain. What exactly does this 'bonding' do?
ianrkav 1 year ago
@ianrkav It makes it safe for the lineman to board the helicopter. Once the wand is clamped, the heli's charge alternates in sync with the wire. The arcing comes from a relatively small (but still probably dangerous) current at high voltage charging and discharging the helicopter's skin at the AC frequency.
When the helicopter leaves the line, its charge is no longer alternating, so when it touches the ground there would be only a momentary static discharge from the skids to earth.
negeungrevrhaf 1 year ago
@negeungrevrhaf I see. So in essence, the 'bonding' brings the helicopter to the same level of charge as the wire, and providing there is no discharge to ground both will be relatively safe! Now I understand. Thanks:-)
ianrkav 1 year ago
CRT TV set. There was a continuous arc (actually, it was ALTERNATING, at picture line frequency of 15,625 Hz) between the tip of the screwdriver and the anode HV cap of the tube. The technician was perfectly insulated both from the ground and from the screwdriver blade. I was scared to death. Then I went to school and understood... ;-) Hope this helps.
Elhombresombra 1 year ago 2
very concise - thanks for your explanation/comments, very much apppreciated.
F.L.
FlyingLineman 1 year ago
@FlyingLineman ...hats off to you... ;-)
Elhombresombra 1 year ago
door handle while wearing rubber shoes and are all charged up with STATIC electricity: you are well insulated from the ground by your shoes, like one armature of a capacitor (the helicopter), but when you touch the handle, you receive only ONE shock because static buildup is DIRECT CURRENT. The line is AC, so the process would repeat 100 or 120 times per second. I myself saw a [very skilled] TV repairman going with a WELL insulated screwdriver tip about 1/2" near the anode of a HV tube in a old
Elhombresombra 1 year ago
@denelson83 , @dania699 and all the other people asking... The electric arc would go on INDEFINITELY in time: keep in mind that it is ALTERNATING VOLTAGE. It changes to +Vpeak to -Vpeak 60 times per seconds (or 50 in Europe). The helicopter actually reaches the peak line voltage, acting as one of the armatures of a capacitor charging up. When line voltage reverses polarity, it DISCHARGES and CHARGES AGAIN to opposite polarity. It's the same thing happening on a dry day when you touch a
Elhombresombra 1 year ago
I think they try to refill their battery :D
trickylev96 1 year ago
I don't understand what is the point in doing this ? I am really interested in electricity and i don't understant why. The helicopter doesn't touch the ground or the other phases so how is it possible.
dania699 1 year ago
@dania699 It's basically static electricity, which flows from the HV line to the chopper in the same way that you can get a static shock from a charged metallic object (but this is a much more dangerous version). The charge keeps flowing because the line voltage keeps changing (AC) and the helicopter is trying to 'keep up' by taking ang giving charge back constantly, thus forming the arc. Hope that helps.
thepigeonsmustdie 1 year ago
That's cool!
There must be significant amuount of capacitanse between the helicopter and the ground as the arc is keep going - altought it doesn't need to be a dangeroulsly high currents to make visible arcs at that voltage.
Btw - is the 3 lines the 3 different phases? - if that's the case, your system is probably different (all phases in line) compared to the one in we have in Sweden.
We have a 120° offset between the phases so it would not be possible to sit like that without getting toasted.
C20rules 1 year ago 2
Thanks for your input and kind words. Much appreciated.
The three wires are one 'bundled' conductor, one phase - we have the same 120 degree phase difference in our generation and would indeed crisp like a piece of over-cooked bacon if a phase-to-phase fault occurred. F.L.
FlyingLineman 1 year ago
This job is not dangerous.
ExpertOfSound 1 year ago
if i was doing that id have a hotdog on the end lol
561inurface 1 year ago
lol the helicopter is charging its battery.
yahoorif 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
pubes standing on end
sz42781 1 year ago
I imagine what the lineman is doing there is gradually raising the helicopter's electrical potential to 500 kV.
denelson83 1 year ago
Well there he is in his Faraday suit shooting electrons over onto the bus bar and equalizing the elctronegative potential, which is all nice and well since the helicopter is not grounded and birds do it all the time. What I want to know is what are they going to do with that flying capacitor when it comes time to land? There has to be a safe easy way to discharge before grounding/landing.
Zyworski 1 year ago
It's way beyond the scope of my education to explain why - not knowing exactly how or why a 'capacitor' operates, explanation from an EE welcomed here - but without knowing the why, I can say that it doesn't happen; the helicopter doesn't possess the ability to 'store' electrical potential like a capacitor does. Once away from the wires the only 'charge' remaining is the static charge continuously generated by the rotor system. F.L.
FlyingLineman 1 year ago
Comment removed
thepigeonsmustdie 1 year ago
@FlyingLineman A capacitor is basically two metal plates separated by a non-conductor (dielectric). When the two plates are connected to different voltages, charge forms on the higher voltage plate. Remove the voltage source, and the charge remains on the plate. Capacitors store energy in this way, as static electricity. But an HV conductor and a helicopter separated by air still forms a crude capacitor. I’ve tried not to be too hard to understand here. If you have any questions let me know.
thepigeonsmustdie 1 year ago
@Zyworski
If my physics are correct on this, the capacitor that is made safe by "bonding" actually forms between the heli and the wire, not between the heli and ground. That is because there is an oscillating potential difference(AC) between heli and wire, but not between heli and ground.
Even if I'm totally wrong which I don't think I am, at the moment of touchdown there are normally no people tied under the landing gear to participate in conducting any possible electrical current. ;)
TheVessapaperimuumio 7 months ago
@TheVessapaperimuumio When the helicopter touches the line it is brought up to the same potential as the line and in effect becomes a pseudo capacitor. The question is, when the helicopter detaches from the line how long does it take for its potential to drop back down to a normal level, and does that happen at the moment of contact with the ground, or does it just dissipate into the air?
I have seen charged caps sit on a bench for hours and still hold a charge.
Zyworski 7 months ago
best job ever
freakazoidas 1 year ago
500kv induction
janb93 1 year ago
I can't believe you do this. If someone paid me a million dollars an hour I still don't think I could. Amazing.
jerseysapphire 1 year ago
FlyingLineman, So do you do this for a living? Because this is about three shades of awesome. And I have a few questions I have always wanted to ask one of these guys.
pauliexcludedable 1 year ago
Your kind words are appreciated - thank you. Yes, I am currently employed as an aerial linman - in fact, spent today on the platform. June is one damn fine month to be working outside! I'll answer questions as best I can.
FlyingLineman 1 year ago
what back ground do your pilots come from. high rise transport, military, or are they put through a specialty school ?
vici002 1 year ago
Large majority have received some military training - but not all. Some with logging backgrounds, some seismic work, agriculture spraying etc. Most have 1000's of hours in the MD500 before even being considered for employment. All pilots receive extensive 'on the job' training, with dual controls under the guidance of a high-time mentor, prior to being sent out solo. Very similar to lineman - an 'apprenticeship' style of teaching helps pass along tips, tricks, knowledge and dos-and-don'ts.
FlyingLineman 1 year ago
Static from the rotors of the helo ?
kennnmoran 1 year ago
Energized conductor - main rotor will generate a static charge, however this potential difference is mainly due to the lineman sitting on a 500,000 volt phase.
FlyingLineman 1 year ago
Why that guy does it to the helicopter?
yorchreloaded 1 year ago
Hi. Great videos. You are probably sick of answering questions but I'm wondering whether you could go into a bit more detail about exactly what it means to raise the chopper to line potential. I mean from a really basic, bare nuts and bolts view. If you were to compare it to the water pressure in a pipe analogy, since the chopper is not part of the water pipe, what does this 'potential' really mean?
CalmlyHysterical 1 year ago
Wow - great question! I'm sure an EE could do far better at a concise answer. I will consult with a family member working at SEL (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories) for some help/education on a proper response.
For now, you might look up 'hydraulic analogy' on Wikipedia.
FlyingLineman 1 year ago
@CalmlyHysterical An EE would actually be the best person to ask. However a physicist is a good second choice so I will do my best. Using your water pressure analogy, one could think of voltage as the "push" or "electric pressure". Electric current is somewhat analogous to the flow of water. This power line is constantly pushing electrons back and forth as the voltage oscillates up and down. Potential is just another word for Voltage.
pauliexcludedable 1 year ago
@CalmlyHysterical In order to raise the chopper to the same voltage (or potential) as the power line, electrons must flow onto or off of the chopper. If the power lines were Direct Current (Potential is constant) you would only need to hold the little probe thing on the wire long enough for enough electrons to flow onto (or off of) the chopper to raise it to the same voltage (potential) as the line. However these lines carry Alternating Current (Potential oscillates) thus the chopper must be
pauliexcludedable 1 year ago
@CalmlyHysterical kept in continuous contact with the power line to allow charge to continually flow maintaining the craft at the same potential as the line. Does this help?
pauliexcludedable 1 year ago
@CalmlyHysterical The water pipe analogy is used to explain electric circuits. They are called circuits because electricity flows through them in a loop - think of a small light bulb connected to a battery. Explaining electric potential in this way may not make much sense.
We could say that the helicopter, having a certain mass, can contain "water" as a glass. It's is not connected to any pipe but you can have a flow for a short amount of time.
kefsound 1 year ago
Does this have any effect on the helicopter's electrical system ? Does it have any modifications other than the bonding clip ? Thanks and take care !
Wild409 2 years ago
Man, that's a LOT of volts! Reminds me of a tesla coil but with enough amps to melt steel :-)
jcmegabyte 2 years ago
Nice!!
Couple of quick questions:
Is this a DC line?
When the helicopter is brought to the same potential, does the arc stop?
Is the ground clip on the helicopter's skid attached to the line before the lineman gets in?
Great stuff - thanks.
forgetit47 2 years ago
A 500KV, AC, line near Savannah GA. Yes, the arc stops when the wand touches the skid and the heli is at line potential. We played around a bit with the arc just for the video. Usually we bond fast to minimize arcing. The lineman will use the ground clip on the skid to maintain contact while transferring, then remove the bond clamp and use the wand again for pulling off line.
Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated.
FlyingLineman 2 years ago
You know what sucks? These guys dont make as much as inside wireman.Theres about a 6 dollar difference. I just applied for the lineman apprenticeship. Hope I get in cuz I would love to do this.
screename2000 2 years ago 3
Flyinglineman....you deserve every cent u earn.....take care!!!!
andgate2000 2 years ago 12
Dear FLYINGLINEMAN i have a question that i wpould be really pleased if you answer me.If somebody touches 2 different phases out there he doesnt get electrocuted or is he just protected by the uniform.I know that if you touch the same phase you are safe.But what about different phase?Thanks a lot and much RESPECT for the difficuklt job u re doing out there.
marioskoutroulos 2 years ago
Because of how electricity is generated the three phases are not at the same potential (think of alternating currents, or sine waves, differing by 120 degrees) - touching, or violating minimum approach distance to, two phases would cause a 'phase to phase fault' which is just as fatal as a 'phase to ground fault'. Hot suit would not offer protection from either. Your very kind words are much appreciated - thank you.
FlyingLineman 2 years ago
that 1 cable is 3 phase?
my lec say,s in malaysia that lineman (b4) only got below 10
YourMama1K 2 years ago
The three wires the lineman is on are one 'bundled' conductor - all three wires you see are one-phase of a three-phase system.
FlyingLineman 2 years ago
sir may i know what electric level to going offshore drilling oil and gas?
sorry if my english bad
YourMama1K 2 years ago
I'm sorry, I have no experience with offshore operations.
It might be the case where these platforms use onboard generation vs. any landline connection.
sorry I couldn't help more.
FlyingLineman 2 years ago
i realy glad if i got lec like u
sir did u got any website to tech electric like me? basic electric single fhase also can
YourMama1K 2 years ago
Cool !!!!!!
ew993373fh 3 years ago
wow..some serious voltage there..feel free to post a video response on my video..I have a similar video
harrison359 3 years ago
wat is that guy doing?
dart6588 3 years ago
I once described this concept of setting linemen off from a heli onto a live several-hundred-kilovolts wire, to a flight instructor (fixed-wing guy, not heli). He just gave me that "you've got to be out of your frakking mind" kind of stare...
By the way, I'm a low-voltage (electronics) guy -- I prefer to stay within a few dozen volts from ground potential...! o.O
AssemblerGuy 3 years ago
What dangerous profession!!!
carlosabacate 3 years ago
Does anything need to be done when the helicopter lands, electricity-wise, before the lineman steps out to the ground?
Killoggs 3 years ago
nope, as soon as the helicopter/linman disengage from the wire, they separate themselves from line potential and return to a normal state.
As a side note, there is the ever present charge generated by the main rotor and friction with air molecules... if upon landing your feet touch the earth first, often times you dissipate the static charge which can be uncomfortable.
Cheers. Be safe out there!
F.L.
FlyingLineman 3 years ago
these videos are great, i,m a lineman myself in the uk. we,re still using drain earths on outtages this is something else,
markusbous 3 years ago
Probably get a real nice arc.
aegismachina 3 years ago
У вертолёта электроника не поджарилась?
AceHard750mm 4 years ago 2
Don't know.
yellokatt 3 years ago 7
why do they do this?
dinosquirrel 4 years ago
Raise the helicopter to the same electrical potential as the lineman sitting on the energized 500KV conductors; no potential difference = no electricity flow, ergo safe for the lineman to transfer back to the helicopter.
FlyingLineman 4 years ago
What would happen if this procedure did not occur?
yellokatt 4 years ago
Fry him like that hot dog experiment
awsomehighvoltage 3 years ago
hot dog eperiment is fried by chiefs lol
dart6588 3 years ago
well their suits are also made of steel wire (25% or so). This means that by simply touching the heli's body there will be an electrical flow through the suit.altough the current is in the micro/pico amps range (almost non existent), at the very high voltage could be enough to simply melt the very thin steel wirel in the fabric :(.
florinbaiduc 3 years ago
Thanks for reply. Watched on National Geographic TV about this stuff. Does this mean as long as the chopper and all are bonded that all the voltage is coming through them? Pretty wild stuff. Thanks.
yellokatt 3 years ago
Well not exactly through them but around them (or through the wires in the suits and through the heli's body). It is called the "Faraday's cage" which protects them perfectly.
Well I'm an electrical engineer myself, and only climbed a pole during student years, but thrust me, once you smelled the ozone out of those arcs you'll never forget it :)) Not even the best conifer forest smell this good :)
florinbaiduc 3 years ago
great video. Wonder what would happen if the magic wand is not used to equalize the voltage or whatever it does?
yellokatt 4 years ago