Re: [DIYbio] electrophoresis supply + gel cartridge + illuminator project?

On 04/06/2012 09:33 PM, Nathan McCorkle wrote:
> 100kV at whatever current that would be

100KV? That could arc across 5 cm of dry lab bench surface or air -- just think if there
was anything biological on it...maybe go a foot to electrocute you arm to arm
as you are writing notes on a pad.

For the case where you trip in the lab and go sprawling,
knock the electrophoresis over and land one hand in it
and the other electrode surrounded by a blob of gel is on the floor and your knee
lands in it, you'd be a goner.

Even current limit with a 3 KV supply might not always save you if the above happened.
Using a cut-out switch for safety interlock covers will stop things as soon as
you knock it over. A super crude/simple HV power supply may not be safe enough.
It might need something that actively shorts the output -- as powerful lasers have a
solenoid actuated shutter for when things go out of whack.

I don't think a low cost or DIY electrophoresis HV power supply can leave out the safety features.

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