Technosexuals

Engineerin’ Department of our company is on 3rd floor; company’s main power XFMR is on utility pole right outside window. This mornin’, Scott, engineer (ME) whose desk is next to window asked, “Hey, Bill, how much power is that transformer carryin’?”

Thought it over, answered, “Ah, with a full shift in the machine shop, should be about 200, 300 kW. Why?”

“Hmmmm. So, how strong are the electromagnetic fields from that?”

“Not very. Transformer designers go to fair pains to keep fields inside transformers!”

“Oh. Well, what about those high tension wires? What if one broke? Would that be dangerous? Or, couldn’t the transformer just explode?”

“Well, yeah, I guess. Transformers do fail, once in a while. And the high voltage lines are probably up around 4400 volts, IIRC.” Was gettin’ a little irritated at this point, so added, “Guess if the transformer blew, or, if one of those lines broke and smashed through the window, coroner’s report on you would read ‘burned beyond recognition,’ or maybe, ‘grilled like a chop!’ So what does this have to do with anything?”

Scott shook his head. “I dunno, boss. I’m not real comfortable sittin’ that close to machine carryin’ that kind of power. There’s an empty desk by the back wall. Mind if I move?”

Rolled my eyes, said, “Sure, go ahead!”

Just about time Scott had his CAD terminal moved, plugged into LAN drop next to back wall, one of the other guys pointed out window, “Hey, check out the transformer!” Damned thing had blue sparks, smoke, comin’ out of one of the porcelain terminals. Consolidated Edison was out in about an hour with 3 trucks, overhaulin’ transformer.

Dunno what to make of this, but, do know one thing; if we’re ever standin’ on sidewalk, and Scott sez, “Gee, could we stand a little further from curb?” I won’t ask why; I’ll just do it!