Sunday, February 12, 2006

500kV Switch Opening - Google Video

In this video, you can see what happens when a 500kV switch (loated in the Nevada Desert) is opened up by engineers, while voltage is across it.

Watch at video.google.com 500kV switch opening

When the switch is opend, the voltage ionizes the air between the ends of the switch. Just like a lightning bolt, this ionized air channel conducts the current, which causes the light.

This channel rapidly heats, and the hot air - being less dense - rises, causing the rising, curling flow of electricity

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