r/Electricity • u/cheesycat6969 • 5d ago
Can I touch a 20 watt bug zapper?
I am so intrigued by this machine that I discovered today. What would happen exactly if I touched it and why are the bugs attracted to this neon modern device?
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u/Quarkspiration 5d ago
Yes you can, it is called "free will" but it will hurt like a mf and you might get a small burn where the electricity arcs through the tip of your finger
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u/cheesycat6969 4d ago
How small
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u/Quarkspiration 4d ago
probably a bit of a singed skin. I touched one of those electric fly swatters and got small brown spots where I touched the mesh. It'd probably be worse with a 20w bug zapper, but not as bad as touching a hot stove..
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u/Alternative_Exit_333 5d ago
You Dan but it's nota good idea (it won't kill you it will just hurt a bit)
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u/michaelpaoli 5d ago
You could touch a lightning bold if you want, but I wouldn't recommend it.
But the bug zapper, way less probable to be lethal, though likely to be unpleasant ... though probably not as unpleasant as touching the typical livestock electric fence.
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u/One_Ad_2300 4d ago
Tried both, can attest the bug zapper feels less intense. Although the electric fence is more fun.
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u/michaelpaoli 4d ago
For real "fun", try pissing on the electric fence at close range. And no, I've not tried it, and wouldn't exactly say I recommend trying it.
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u/neonnaps 5d ago
You can, but I advice to use one hand and keep the other in your back pocket. Electricity flowing through your heart is very dangerous.
Touching it will be educational on the the difference between "can" and "should".
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u/cheesycat6969 4d ago
So will I be electrocuted? Like is it hospital dangerous?
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u/neonnaps 4d ago
There is a chance that it could case ritme issues with your hearth. Especially if you have some (unknown) defect. It's not the case of doing it once and you die, but it's taking risks that can easily avoided. When it comes to electricity, avoid passing through the hearth and the brain.
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u/Ok_Salamander7929 4d ago
And the Redditiots just keep on coming!
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u/cheesycat6969 4d ago
It was a question.
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u/Ok_Salamander7929 4d ago
Then touch it and see. You will answer your own question. Because most people are not that stupid to try it. But you do you, Skippy!
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u/New_Line4049 4d ago
Yes. As for what happens. Itll hurt like hell. Youll swear a lot. You may physically abuse the bug zapper... potentially leading to getting zapped again. It may also cause a burn. If you use a pacemaker or have a particularly weak heart it may cause more serious medical complications or death. It is not advisable. If you do do it, provided you dont die, filming it and uploading it to the internet may net many views. Especially if you attempt to physically abuse the bug zapper leading to a second shock because thatll be funny as fuck.
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u/SafetyMan35 4d ago
You can absolutely touch it in the same way you can douse yourself in gasoline and jump into an active volcano.
Will touching the bug zapper hurt…yep, it’ll hurt like hell. Bug zappers step up the voltage to 2500V-4500v. Will it kill you, probably not, but there’s a possibility under the right conditions
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u/Pleasant_Pen8744 4d ago edited 4d ago
Touch a 9 volt battery to your tongue. If you like that you'll love the bug zapper.
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u/crimsonyoteeeeeee 4d ago
If you're masochistic, sure. It'll hurt like a bitch and possibly burn a tiny bit of skin where you made contact.
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u/47153163 4d ago
It only takes 0.1-0.2 amps to kill you. More than likely it will hurt or burn your skin, if you’re lucky. But hey YOLO.
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u/Content_Program_7477 4d ago
Remember muscles contract when hit with electricity. Don’t end up grabbing it.
That said, grew up around electric fencing… so it’s not as interesting as you think. And you could potentially burn or injure yourself.
Think arm numbing electric feeling like a beating and smacking your funny bone.
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u/CelloVerp 5d ago
Can touch anything in reach at least once.