Quote:
Originally Posted by paulsherwin
Opinions do differ a lot on the safety of old synchronous clocks. The predominant view is that they are acceptably safe if used sensibly, but there is a minority view that they are inherently unsafe and should only be used if rewound for low voltage operation.
Remember that touching a live electric clock will very rarely be fatal anyway as your body won't be earthed. (You'll certainly know about it though  )
It's true that Australia has a strong electrical safety culture. Strict regulations were used as a way to discourage electrical imports in the 50s and 60s, a form of economic protectionism. |
It wasn't logical in the days before RCIDs to not earth metal cased devices, as the only protection offered was the Fuse at the "Fuse box" where the Mains entered the building.
If the clock is a wall mounted device, they would mostly be approached "in service" using a ladder or "standing on a chair".
A "zap" in such circumstances may well cause injury, including, if you fall just the wrong way, death.