Watching a museum docent in Chicago try to turn on a 1970s oscilloscope with a modern power strip made me realize we need a better way to explain line voltage and grounding to non-tech folks.

He kept flipping the switch on the strip, not understanding the scope's original power cord needed the ground pin to complete the circuit, which sparked a whole thing about adapting old test gear safely (anyone have a good visual guide or cheat sheet you use for clients?).

3 comments

3 Comments

shaneb3019d ago

Just teach them to fear the magic smoke.

tara62319d ago

Isn't it funny how we all learn from that kind of warning? You see it everywhere, not just with electronics. My dad taught me to fear the hot stove by letting me feel a little warmth from the side. My first boss showed me the shredded glove from the paper cutter to make me respect the blade. We don't really understand the danger until someone shows us the "smoke" that comes out if we mess up. It's the oldest teaching method there is.

jones.anna9d ago

My uncle showed me a melted power strip when I was like ten, that visual stuck with me forever. Totally get what you and @shaneb30 mean about the magic smoke thing, it's the best teacher.