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Are You Safe On Stage?Hidden Electrical Dangers For PerformersThere is a kind of mythology about the physical effects of an electric shock on a real musician.
You know the sort of thing:"No kidding, I just touched the mic stand and POW! There I was flying through the air with my hair on end. I took so many volts the stage lights went dim. But it was all cool - the audience thought it was part of the act." Basic electrical safety isn't usually foremost in the mind of your average rock star. But considering the amount of cabling and equipment even a modest sized band would use these days I would have thought some knowledge of the risks would be in order. Be honest, when was the last time you checked (or had checked by someone) the electrical connections on your amplifier or keyboard? Flexible cables and connectors take a real pounding on stages and in rehearsal rooms; often suffering even worse punishment during a late night hasty de-rig. And what about that bargain combo you got from Ebay? Do you know for sure that it is wired safely? Ok, the thing works so the connections must be good, right? Not necessarily. Any appliance will work with just its line and neutral connected. A disconnected or broken earth conductor could lie undetected for years until it is too late. You owe it to yourself to make sure your gear is safe. Here is a Wikipedia article on earthing. So you've had a couple of shocks and you can take 'em, eh?You were lucky.Shocks as low as 40 volts have been known to be fatal. 
It is not the voltage or current rating of a circuit that determines the severity of a shock, (any domestic socket or light fitting is easily capable of killing), but the resistance your body offers to a current flow.Factors such as the type of footwear, skin condition, state of health, point of body contact, all affect current flow. A current as little as one tenth of an amp through the vital organs of the body will almost certainly result in death. Even a current of one four hundredths of an amp is considered dangerous. Just 60 volts is enough to drive this level of current through an open wound. Easily the most dangerous situation on stage is the combination of electrical equipment and water. Outdoor performers beware. But even heavy perspiration can have a dramatic effect in lowering the resistance of the skin. Simple safety tips for musicians
Stage power outlets come in for some heavy use and abuse. Why not invest in a safety tester?Usually a simple and inexpensive plug-like device, you can instantly check any outlet or lead by the status of indicator lights on the device. Try to avoid the use of double power adaptors on stage, they are easily dislodged from a socket, either partly or wholly, and can be unreliable. 
For power distribution there are many 4 way and 6 way outlet boxes with earth leakage or residual current protection devices at a reasonable price.Article here 
If you are a keyboard player or use a laptop on stage (or other digital equipment) you might want to consider investing in a power outlet box with surge protection built-in.Article here. These devices can prevent dangerous sudden high voltages ('surges' or 'spikes') from damaging your electronic equipment. It's funny the things you do under pressure, you know - 'the show must go on' - and all that. One night, late for a gig, I found myself hurriedly setting up my keyboard rig in the middle of a sound-check. In the semi-darkness I plugged my synth into the nearest extension cord and watched in amazement as the keyboard leds flickered in time to the music. It made not a sound. Then the truth dawned.. I had plugged the damn thing into a lighting circuit which was being enthusiastically flashed and dimmed by the technician. But it was all cool - the audience thought it was part of the act. Take care - and make sure you hire a professional if you are not qualified for electrical work. Privacy Statement Disclaimer Contact |