[Buzby123]

As a youngster, probably 13ish, I knew transformers could work both ways, and would change the voltage accordingly.

i.e 240v in / 12v out could be used as 12v in / 240v out.

As the ratio both ways is 20:1, I should be able to put 240v into the 12v side, and get 4,800 volts on the other. I was hoping nearly 5kV would make a nice spark.

Connected to mains , I grabbed the output wires intending to bring them together to make a spark.

I recoiled so far I hit my head on the back wall.

I'd not touched the bare ends of the wires, but I was completley ignorant about insulation breakdown.

My left thumb had a tiny hole in it for months afterwards.

Although I was lucky to survive a shock like that, I had, in police parlance, 'previous'.

At the age of 3 I did an experiment, ( well, at that age, everything you do is an experiment, ). It blew the house fuses, and I am very, very lucky to still be here !

Cheers,

Buzby


Edit: Sorry, this should be in 'Ridiculous thoughts and ideas from a young age' thread.